Costco gets a lot of attention for its bulk groceries and household staples, but it isn’t automatically the cheapest place to buy everything. Sam’s Club often has competitive pricing on many of the same everyday items, so it’s worth checking both stores before you make a big purchase.
The easiest way to compare the two is to look beyond the shelf price. Check the price per ounce, pound, count, or unit, and pay attention to package sizes because one store may offer a larger package that makes the total price look higher even when the unit price is similar.
Your shopping habits matter too. A small difference on something you buy every week can add up over a year, while a lower price on an item your family rarely uses won’t make much difference. These are some of the categories where Sam’s Club is worth checking before you automatically add the Costco version to your cart.
Fresh Produce
Buying produce at a warehouse club can be a little tricky because the packages tend to be large. Sam’s Club may be worth a look if you’re trying to avoid buying more fruit or vegetables than your household can eat before they spoil.
Compare package size, price, and freshness at both stores on the day you shop. Grapes, salad kits, berries, and other produce can vary a lot by season and location, so one store isn’t always the better deal.
Related: 16 Hacks to Help You Use Every Bit of Fresh Produce Before It Goes Bad
Baby Products
Families that regularly buy diapers, wipes, snacks, formula, and other baby supplies can save money by comparing warehouse clubs. Sam’s Club carries several baby-care staples, and the selection can vary by store.
Rather than looking only at the package price, check the cost per diaper, wipe, ounce, or serving. That gives you a clearer picture of which package actually costs less for the quantity you’re getting.
Household Staples
Paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning products, and other household basics are good categories for a Costco-versus-Sam’s Club comparison. Member’s Mark products at Sam’s can be competitively priced with Kirkland Signature items, but the difference varies by product and package size.
These are also the kinds of purchases where a few cents per unit can matter because you’re likely buying them over and over. Check the unit price before assuming the larger package is the better deal.
Rotisserie Chicken
Both warehouse clubs are known for inexpensive rotisserie chickens, making this an easy category to compare. Sam’s Club currently lists its Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken at $4.98 online, with a note that prices can vary by club and online.
Costco also sells its Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken, though the price shown through its Same-Day service can be higher than the in-warehouse price because that service adds delivery-related markups. When comparing the two, check the price at your local warehouse rather than relying on a delivery listing.
Jasmine Rice and Bulk Grains
Rice is one of those pantry staples where buying in bulk can make sense, especially for households that cook it often. Sam’s Club is worth checking for large bags of jasmine rice and other grains, but compare the price per pound, not the total price of the bag.
Package sizes can differ enough to make a direct price comparison misleading. A quick look at the unit price can tell you whether you’re actually getting more rice for your money.
Olive Oil and Avocado Oil
Cooking oils are another category where warehouse pricing can be worth comparing. Member’s Mark and Kirkland Signature both offer olive oil and other cooking oils, and promotions or package sizes can change which store has the lower price at any given time.
For a kitchen that goes through oil regularly, check the cost per fluid ounce before buying. Also, check the bottle size and oil type, since two products with similar labels may not be the same.
Breakfast Cereal and Variety Packs
Cereal multipacks can be useful for families, especially if several people in the house like different flavors. Sam’s Club often carries name-brand cereals and variety packs, giving you another place to compare before buying a large box at Costco.
Look at the total ounces and the price per ounce rather than comparing the boxes by appearance. A package that costs more upfront can still be the better buy if it contains considerably more cereal.
Bakery Cakes and Custom Desserts
Sam’s Club and Costco both offer bakery cakes and other desserts, but the ordering process and available designs can differ. Sam’s Club offers custom cake options through its bakery, so it’s worth checking there when you’re shopping for a birthday, graduation, sports event, or another gathering.
The best choice may come down to more than price. Compare the size, decorations, serving count, pickup options, and customization available at your local club before ordering.
Coffee Pods
Daily coffee drinkers can go through single-serve pods surprisingly quickly, so this is another category where a small price difference can add up. Member’s Mark and Kirkland Signature both have coffee options, including single-serve products, but package sizes and prices can vary.
Check the cost per pod, not the box price. That one number makes it much easier to compare the two stores without getting distracted by different package counts.
Related: Coffee Filters Aren’t Just for Coffee — Here’s What We’ve Been Using Them For
Snack Chips and Lunch Packs
If you regularly buy chips for school lunches, parties, road trips, or family snacks, warehouse clubs can be a convenient place to stock up. Sam’s Club carries a range of snack multipacks, but the savings depend on the brand and the package you’re comparing.
Check the price per individual bag before buying. A larger box isn’t necessarily cheaper once you break down the cost per serving.
Nut Bars and Protein Snacks
Protein bars, nut bars, and similar snacks are easy to buy in bulk because they have a long shelf life and make convenient grab-and-go snacks. Sam’s Club offers Member’s Mark options alongside national brands, giving shoppers another set of prices to compare with Costco.
Look at the cost per bar and compare the ingredient list and nutrition information too. A lower price doesn’t matter if you don’t get the product you want.
Deli Meat and Bacon
Deli meat and bacon are staples in many households, and warehouse clubs offer both store-brand and national-brand options. Sam’s Club can be worth checking out if you prefer certain brands or want to compare larger package sizes.
Watch the weight and price per pound, since package sizes can vary. Also check how much your household will realistically use before the product needs to be eaten, since a bargain isn’t much of a bargain if part of it goes to waste.
Related: Grandma Was Right — Don’t Waste Bacon Grease. Try This Instead
Same-Day Delivery
Delivery is another area where the two memberships differ. Sam’s Club currently lists standard Delivery from Club at $12 per order for regular Club members, while Plus members get free standard delivery on eligible orders of $50 or more before tax; smaller Plus orders have an $8 fee.
Costco’s Same-Day service is powered by Instacart, and Costco says item prices are marked up above warehouse prices to cover service and delivery costs, with a $35 minimum order. If you rely heavily on delivery, compare the total delivered cost, not just the shelf price.
