Well I don't think you're comparing apples to apples the HD lowes filter are small they do not have the carbon that is used in a Nova filter, additionally they are single cartridges that are paper thin.
Below is a comparison that small 10" by 2" is the type sold in the stores there are no sediment filters.
this is the difference with cartridges that are made with carbon made from coconut shells the best you can find, and two sediment cartridges, these need changing only when the built in pressure gauges tell you they need changing.
Which is about two years
Please make an informed decision.