When we wrote about the RM5 store a couple of weeks back; many commentators on our Facebook page was quick to mention that household item store, Mr DIY was cheaper for many of the products. Although both sell household essentials, there are differences between the business model of the two. Mr DIY stocks much more items including hardware with a wide range of prices. Daiso sells mainly household goods with a fixed price of RM5. Despite glaring differences; there are many items that overlap so we thought, why not see who really is cheaper for the items we can compare?

In a tag team effort, two SaveMoney writers headed to the Curve and split up to compare items and prices, at Mr DIY in E@Curve and Daiso at The Curve. Choosing some random, every day items, we conducted the ultimate face-off, Daiso vs MR DIY: in the war of affordable household goods, who does it cheaper?

The Shopping List

We picked random items from different rooms in the household to compare. Here's the list, according to room; starting with the kitchen.

Can Opener

The Mr DIY can opener was a bit more expensive but a lot larger and well, fancier. Unfortunately, this outlet didn't stock an exact type of opener so the first comparator is not exactly equal.

Round winner: Daiso. Although the Mr DIY can opener was larger and fancier, we're going bare minimums here! The Daiso can opener will do the job and protect your wallet. However, if you are looking for a snazzier, heavy weight opener; an extra RM1.50 will get you one at Mr DIY.

Cutlery

What's a kitchen without cutlery? These spoons and forks are none too different so the price point will have to decide and by the looks of it; it's obvious who wins.

Round winner: MR DIY. At RM3 for 2; there was a clear winner here.

Mugs

In the house, everyone will have their preferred mug. We were disappointed at the selection of mugs in this MR DIY outlet. This blue mug with cover was the only one in the right size and with a relatively unisex design to be featured. Daiso had a larger variety of tasteful, minimalist mugs.

Round winner: Daiso. If you prefer a mug with a lid and a teaspoon, you might like the MR DIY mug which was more than twice the price of the Daiso mug. But we have to give this round to Daiso. Classy colours, low price, more choices and no crappy wordings! Win!

Large Noodle Bowls

No Asian kitchen is complete without a nice big noodle bowl for all those Mee Sup takeaways and Maggi Mee nights. To fit the condiments and large bag of soup; you'll need a nice big bowl. Preferably one made of microwaveable material for those days when the noodles are sitting on the table til your late return. Both Daiso and MR DIY had big bowls that would be just perfect on your dining table. Though we loved the simplicity and the absolute enormousness of the MR DIY bowl; the cheaper Daiso price tag tugged at our heartstrings.

Round winner: Tie. We called this one a tie. Although, we love a good bargain (Daiso); it's equally good value to have a bowl big enough for anything and be able to match any table setting or colour.

Kitchen Towels

Handy for wiping off surfaces, kitchen tops and stove tops; every kitchen needs a wiper towel. Daiso had simple white with gingham prints whilst MR DIY sported microfibre options in bursts of neon colours. The texture of the MR DIY towels were super and the colours sure to liven up any countertop but considering how much pricier it was to Daiso's; we were stuck.

Round winner: As much as we loved the MR DIY towels; we had to award this one to Daiso. However, if you like thicker towels in bright colours; the MR DIY option is just the thing. The other plus point is you have the option of just buying one where else in Daiso; you are forced to buy a pack of 3.

Dishwashing Sponge

After chowing down on your noodles (or whatever you've tucked in); you'll need to wash your dishes. Scouring sponges aren't known to be expensive so you've probably not paid much attention to comparing. The Daiso sponge pack looks like real value with a whopping 14 pieces inside but MR DIY's super cheap pack price of RM1.50 makes them a good contender. The price difference per sponge is a measly 2 sen but on 14 sponges it adds up to... 28 sen... Ok, not a big margin but if you look at sponge sizes; the MR DIY sponge is almost twice the size!

Round winner: MR DIY. Although a massive 2 sen more; the sponge is much larger and if you're frugal enough you can cut the bugger in two and have 8 sponges for RM1.50!

Table Doily

Moving away from the kitchen; we head into the living room area. This table doily is adorable on a coffee table or even the dining table. The Daiso doily is shorter in length than the MR DIY version but was made of sturdier material. It's not necessarily a detraction the MR DIY's doily because the soft lacy feel could be preferred by some. It's the price difference that in the end won us over!

Round winner: MR DIY. More value all around here for MR DIY. Not only is the doily cheaper; it's also longer and can work on more types of tables.

Chair Cushions

Does your princess bottom require more padding than is available on your chair? Chair cushions are just the thing! However, we were in a bit of a dilemma with this comparison! The MR DIY chair cushion is nearly twice the price of the Daiso cushion but the Daiso cushion was so flimsy - it really shouldn't be considered a cushion at all! Having a cheap price is a good thing; but not when the product doesn't do what it's supposed to!

Round winner: Tie. We had to tie this one as well. The MR DIY cushion was lovely but twice the price of Daiso's. Yet we couldn't give the winner's crown to Daiso when the cushion was so flimsy! Ugh... Come on guys; surely you can do better!

Gel Pens

You may think that pens are more an office staple but you'll definitely need a few at home for all those lists, notes and writing in your diary. We can't vouch for the quality or length of use you can get from these pens but the MR DIY pens are an absolute steal! Four pens for just RM1.90 is beyond crazy. That's less than 50 sen a pen!

Round winner: MR DIY. Clear winner here solely based on price point. Heck, even if the pens don't work - you'll have twice as many pens for less than half the price of Daiso - it doesn't even need to last as long!

Clothing Hangers

If you're a shopaholic like many of our writes; you probably need to stock up on hangers very often for your bursting closets. The shelves in MR DIY were sparse but functional hangers were available. Daiso's hanger rack was far more interesting with a variety of colours, shapes and even decorated sponge hangers! The prices were actually running neck-and-neck with the cheapest Daiso pack selling 12 pcs for RM5 (42 sen each) and MR DIY selling 24 pcs for RM9.90 (41 sen each).

Round winner: MR DIY. The price wasn't the biggest factor but the fact that the MR DIY hangers were more 'clothing friendly' with the curled hooks at the end to keep flimsier blouses and spaghetti straps on the hanger neatly.

If you need hangers; you likely need a laundry basket for the lot. These nifty foldable laundry bags are available at both Daiso and MR DIY. Even in the same colour scheme! The Daiso version is sturdier but the MR DIY version is cheaper.

Round Winner: MR DIY. We chose MR DIY for the price factor but if you have a need for a sturdier laundry bag; you can always opt for the slightly more expensive Daiso version. Either way, we doubt either will tear on first use but the sturdy one may hold the weight better.

Toothbrush Multipacks

Got lots of erm, teeth? Or a huge family with lots of teeth? You might want to really stock up on toothbrush multipacks. Both Daiso and MR DIY stock packs of 5. The MR DIY packs are super cheap at less than half the price of Daiso's and they even look more attractive. The Daiso pack reminds us of free travel brushes you get at certain hotels.

Round winner: MR DIY. With a cheaper price and more attractive product; there was a clear winner here.

Basic Toolset

A basic toolset is a must in every home even if you aren't exactly Tim the Toolman Taylor. A small hammer is a must have for little nails to hang pictures and clocks whilst pliers and screwdrivers will certainly come in handy if you need to potter about the house making small tweaks. Although, not a 'set' per se; we decided to create our own 'set' of basics with the available tools. MR DIY had a huge selection of tools but Daiso had some really nice looking ones. Whilst we bet they will all work; we had to make this call solely on price.

Round winner: MR DIY wins on price by a hair's breath of RM1. But MR DIY is also better for tools in general as they carry pretty much everything you'll need. However, if pink and neon pliers are your thing or if you just need one basic item - Daiso isn't such a bad option.

The Final Verdict

After comparing the list of items above we simply counted the number of round winners for each store. Daiso won four rounds but MR DIY won a whopping 8! It appears that even in this random experiment; MR DIY is the cheaper option. However, we must say that the items in MR DIY are basic, functional items and aesthetics are not high on the list of credits. Daiso items are definitely cuter and more attractive to look at but even at the set RM5 price - are not really cheap.

At the end, the choice is yours! Are you looking for functional and cheap? MR DIY seems to be your best bet. But if it's cutesy and innovative you seek - we have to give credit to Daiso.

# Now Daiso is RM5.30

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