Costco and Sam’s Club are two of the biggest names in warehouse shopping, and while both offer serious savings, they don’t always match up when it comes to pricing. Depending on what you’re buying, Sam’s Club might actually give you the better deal. Here are several categories where Sam’s Club often beats Costco in price — and specific examples that prove it.
Meat and Poultry
Sam’s Club often undercuts Costco on basic meat and poultry items. For example, a 10-pound bag of frozen chicken breasts at Sam’s Club is often a few dollars cheaper than a similar offering at Costco. Ground beef prices also trend lower at Sam’s, especially in bulk packs. Shoppers have reported saving anywhere from $0.30 to $0.50 per pound compared to Costco’s rates, which adds up fast when stocking up.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Sam’s Club consistently offers better deals on generic medications like ibuprofen, allergy relief tablets, and antacids. For instance, a 500-count bottle of Member’s Mark ibuprofen can be several dollars cheaper than Kirkland’s version at Costco — with the same dosage and effectiveness. If your family goes through medicine cabinet staples quickly, Sam’s Club is often the better pharmacy pick.
Soda and Bottled Beverages
If your household stocks up on soda or sports drinks, Sam’s Club usually has lower prices per can or bottle. A 35-pack of Coca-Cola or Pepsi at Sam’s can be up to $2 cheaper than Costco’s 36-pack when you break it down by price per unit. The same goes for bottled water and flavored drinks like Gatorade or Sparkling Ice.
Brand-Name Snacks
Sam’s Club frequently edges out Costco on big-name snacks like Doritos, Cheetos, and Oreos. For example, a bulk box of Nabisco variety snack packs may be priced $1–$2 less at Sam’s. Plus, Sam’s often runs instant savings promotions on brand-name snacks, making them even more budget-friendly.
Gasoline
While gas prices fluctuate by location, Sam’s Club often posts lower gas prices than Costco, especially in states where both have stations nearby. In many areas, the difference is just a few cents per gallon, but over the course of a year, that adds up for frequent drivers.
Baby Supplies
Diapers, baby wipes, and formula tend to be slightly cheaper at Sam’s Club. For example, a large pack of Member’s Mark diapers can cost $5–$8 less than a similar-sized box of Kirkland Signature diapers. Sam’s also regularly offers additional savings on baby products through its app and monthly deals.
Household Cleaning Products
From laundry detergent to dish soap, Sam’s Club often provides a lower unit cost than Costco. A giant jug of Member’s Mark liquid laundry detergent is usually a few dollars less than the Kirkland equivalent — and it performs just as well in most consumer tests. The same trend shows up in multi-packs of paper towels and toilet paper, especially during special promotions.
Electronics and Tech Accessories
Surprisingly, Sam’s Club can have lower prices on select electronics, particularly during seasonal sales. While Costco is known for its generous return policy, Sam’s Club has been known to offer deeper discounts on name-brand TVs, soundbars, and wireless headphones — sometimes by $50 or more.
