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Here on BargainBabe.com we discuss and debate many important strategies to save money on groceries, eating out, and other everyday expenses. But occasionally I venture into really important things, like whether it is cheaper to blow your nose into tissue or toilet paper.
I decided to crunch the numbers after running out of tissues last week. Should I buy another box, or install an unsightly roll of toilet paper on my desk?
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am biased against toilet paper.
I crunched the numbers and am prepared to settle this debate once and for all.
I pay $.79 per box of 110 tissues (sale price at Walgreens), which is $.0072 per tissue (just under 1-cent each).
I pay no more than $.50 per roll for toilet paper (Walgreens often sells a 9-pack of Quilted Northern for $4, about 100 sheets per roll). At $.50 a roll for 100 sheets, that amounts to $.005 per sheet (half of one penny). If I use four sheets every time I blow by nose, that costs me $.02.
To recap, each tissue costs me under a penny while a wad of toilet paper costs me two cents.
Tissues are cheaper! And less unsightly than a roll of tp. If you regularly pay higher or lower prices for tissue and/or toilet paper, you’ll need to crunch your own numbers.
An alternative that cuts down on waste is to buy a few cloth hanky’s and rotate them through the wash.
UPDATE: Readers chimed in with questions and interesting points. Junie said:
Ever had a cold and used TP to wipe your nose? Kleenex doesn’t leave my nose red and sore…
If your nose is sore from blowing – and I’ve had it happen from using tp and tissue – dab a bit of lotion on the irritated skin. This moisturizing the skin and has worked well for me.
Myke said:
I prefer to use a tissue. TP is made to dissolve when wet so that it doesn’t hold up well with a runny nose. I also use more TP when I have to use it on my nose. I try to buy tissues when it goes on sales and I have coupons.
Myke’s point about tp dissolving makes sense and is another reason to buy tissues on sale so you have them on hand when a runny nose hits.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I use toilet paper for myself, and leave a box of tissues in the bathroom for guests. Or I’ll blow my nose while taking a shower and wash it straight down the drain.
I’ve wondered about this as well. Thanks for the research results. I’ve also debated whether it’s cheaper to wrap a sandwich in plastic wrap or to use a baggie. A reusable container is the better option but not always practical. Perhaps another research topic for you.
wow…I am surprised. I thought it was cheaper to use tp than tissue. I always use @ least 4 sheets when I blow my nose &; more than 4 sheets when I potty. I wonder if switching to tissue in the bathroom might save me a little money just kidding…thank you
Ever had a cold and used TP to wipe your nose? Kleenex doesn’t leave my nose red and sore…
I prefer to use a tissue. TP is made to dissolve when wet so that it doesn’t hold up well with a runny nose. I also use more TP when I have to use it on my nose.
I try to buy tissues when it goes on sales and I have coupons.
The best tissues are made by Kleenex. I am one who has occasional allergies and a cold about 2x a year. I stock up on Kleenex when there are sales. If you need to blow your nose a lot, any product that does not have aloe in it will eventually rub the area under your nose raw. This is no fun. Buy the kleenex with lotion and aloe. It is so soft. When you’re not feeling well, you deserve to pamper yourself – even if it’s just the nosey area of your face.
Walgreens’ “Nice” brand of toilet paper is the best, for everything. Very soft on your private parts and your nose. 2 ply go on sale with bonus coupons often. I told my family and my daughter is “hooked” on this tissue.
Great for blowing your nose and I mean great, soft and cheaper than facial tissue.
Of course for “company” you really need a couple of boxes of the fancy stuff!
Hi, it’s very nice. I also choose the Facial Tissues. In my home I am using only the paper products like Kitchen paper towels, for bathroom and for living areas I use only Facial tissues. It is very cheaper and softer to blow the nose. It doesn’t cause red or sores on nose. I always prefer facial tissue.
I switched to cotton handkerchiefs years ago. Better for the environment and cheaper (surely – although I confess I haven’t done the maths).
Nicely done on the math calculations. I thought I was the only one who did this. To me, tissues, which cost me 7 tenth of a penny, is cheaper than using 4 pieces of toilet paper to blow my nose!
@Phil Totally!
Uhh, which of you can use just one Kleenex when you really have to blow? Gross! A true test would be 2 sheets of kllenex vs about 6-8 pieces of toilet paper.. and your kllenex calculations are incorrect anyway. Most facial tissues come in a box of 160, not 100, and at Walmart their store brand is $5 for 3 boxes.
Now, anyone actually shopping wisely buys TP at Costco or Sams, not Walgreens, 36 rolls for $16.
TP is much cheaper, but for those in the real world who don’t want a handful of snot, Kleenex is a better choice. Sometimes you get what you pay for, this is one of them