Who's cheaper Sams or Costco?

Generally, Sam's Club is cheaper for groceries and has lower membership fees, while Costco often wins on specific high-quality or organic items and its Kirkland brand, though prices vary by product, making neither universally cheaper for everything. Sam's Club often has lower prices on name brands and general groceries, whereas Costco is known for its premium private-label Kirkland products and organic selections, making it a toss-up depending on your shopping list.


Is Sam's Club cheaper than Costco?

Yes, Sam's Club is generally cheaper than Costco, especially for basic groceries and membership fees, though Costco often excels with its Kirkland brand and organic options, making the best choice dependent on your specific needs. Studies show Sam's Club's groceries are significantly lower by weight, and their basic membership ($50) costs less than Costco's ($60), while both offer competitive prices on different items, so comparing specific products (like meat vs. pantry staples) is key. 

Will Costco price match Sam's Club?

No, Costco, including Sam's Club, does not price match other retailers because they claim to already offer competitive prices at purchase, and many items aren't identical across stores. Costco does offer price adjustments for items that drop in price within 30 days of purchase but will not honor competitor pricing, even for identical items. 


Which card is better, Sam's or Costco?

The Sam's Club Mastercard offers higher potential rewards for club purchases (up to 5% for Plus members) and simpler cash redemption (loaded monthly), while the Costco Anywhere Visa excels with better rewards on outside gas (4%) and travel (3%), though it requires a potentially higher-cost membership and issues rewards yearly as a certificate. Choose Sam's for maximum in-club savings, especially at the Plus level, and Costco for broader travel/gas benefits, recognizing its Visa-only policy in-store. 

Why do people prefer Costco over Sam's?

Costco often feels more popular due to its perception as a premium retailer with higher-quality private-label (Kirkland Signature) products, better employee treatment, and a "treasure hunt" shopping experience, attracting loyal customers who value curated selection and strong brand identity, while Sam's Club appeals more to budget-focused shoppers with generally lower prices on more name-brand items and convenient tech like Scan & Go, making popularity a matter of consumer priorities rather than overall sales. 


Costco vs Sam's Club: Who's REALLY Cheapest?



How much is a Sam's Club membership per year?

See https://www.samsclub.com/join for details. Club Membership. Club membership is $50 for an annual membership and includes a number of perks.

Who is bigger, Costco or Sam's?

Yes, Costco is generally considered bigger than Sam's Club, with larger average store sizes (around 146,000 sq ft vs. 136,000 sq ft) and a greater global presence, though Sam's Club has many locations, especially dominating in the South and Midwest US, notes Business Insider, Eat This Not That and Yahoo. Costco also has significantly higher overall sales and market share, notes Yahoo and Quora.


What age does Sam's Club consider you a senior?

Sam's Club offers a special new member discount for seniors aged 50 and older, providing significant savings on annual memberships, like 60% off the standard Club membership or $50 off the Plus membership, valid through ID.me verification for those who haven't been members in the last six months. 


What is the .97 rule at Costco?

Ends in .

There are many indications for sale prices at Costco, and ending in . 97 is one of them. It means corporate or merchandise buyers mark the price down. The sign won't say what the original price was, but you can be sure you're getting a deal.

Is it worth it to have both Sam's Club and Costco?

We have a clear favorite, but we swear by keeping both. My family spends $180 a year on Costco and Sam's Club memberships. We like comparing the prices at both stores to find the best deals. By grocery shopping at both warehouses, we have access to more brand and flavor options.

Is shopping at Costco cheaper than Walmart?

It depends on what you're buying, but Costco is often cheaper per unit for bulk staples like meat, paper goods, and Kirkland brand items, while Walmart usually wins for smaller quantities, specific brand names (like some electronics/clothes), and items where you don't need bulk, though some say Walmart prices are getting closer overall; the membership fee and large package sizes are key factors for Costco. 


Who has better meat, Costco or Sam's?

Costco generally offers superior quality and a wider variety (beef, seafood, pork) with options like Prime and organic, making it better for enthusiasts, while Sam's Club often has slightly lower prices on common items and unique cuts like beef tongue, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers or those wanting specific items, but Costco is usually the overall winner for variety and quality. 

Can I just go to Sam's Club without a membership?

Yes, generally you need a Sam's Club membership to shop in the warehouse, but there are exceptions like the pharmacy, optical center, and cafe, plus you can shop online as a guest (with a surcharge) or use a member's guest pass to enter with them. Members can bring up to two guests, but only the member can pay at checkout, though non-members can access specific services. 

What are the cons of Costco?

Before you sign up for a Costco membership, consider these three serious downsides.
  • It's more expensive than Sam's Club or BJ's. The first big downside to Costco membership is the high cost of joining. ...
  • Online prices are higher than in-club prices. ...
  • Perks of the upgraded membership aren't that great.


Why do people prefer Costco over Sam's Club?

Costco often feels more popular due to its perception as a premium retailer with higher-quality private-label (Kirkland Signature) products, better employee treatment, and a "treasure hunt" shopping experience, attracting loyal customers who value curated selection and strong brand identity, while Sam's Club appeals more to budget-focused shoppers with generally lower prices on more name-brand items and convenient tech like Scan & Go, making popularity a matter of consumer priorities rather than overall sales. 

Do you actually save money at Sam's Club?

Yes, you can save money at Sam's Club, especially on bulk items, gas, and specific services like tires, but it depends on your shopping habits; you can overspend if you're not careful with bulk quantities, so comparing prices with Walmart or Aldi is key to ensuring savings outweigh the membership fee. 

Which card is better, Costco or Sam's Club?

The Sam's Club Mastercard offers higher potential rewards for club purchases (up to 5% for Plus members) and simpler cash redemption (loaded monthly), while the Costco Anywhere Visa excels with better rewards on outside gas (4%) and travel (3%), though it requires a potentially higher-cost membership and issues rewards yearly as a certificate. Choose Sam's for maximum in-club savings, especially at the Plus level, and Costco for broader travel/gas benefits, recognizing its Visa-only policy in-store. 


Why are people boycotting Sam's Club?

People are boycotting Sam's Club (and its parent, Walmart) primarily due to Walmart's scaling back of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including ending a racial equity center and discontinuing diversity-focused supplier surveys, leading activists to call it a step backward for fairness and equality. Other reasons include past issues with employee discrimination, changes to membership perks like free shipping, and broader social justice concerns, with some shoppers choosing to spend money elsewhere to align with their values. 

What is Walmart's new name?

Walmart changed its official legal name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc. in February 2018 to reflect its evolution as an omnichannel retailer, combining in-store, online, and mobile shopping, while also subtly updating its brand with a refreshed logo and "Spark" symbol in early 2025 to signify its tech-powered future. 

Which stores are closing in 2025?

Here are some of the larger retailers that closed their stores this year.
  • Bargain Hunt. Bargain Hunt, a Nashville-based discount retailer, said in February that it would shutter all of its 92 stores in 10 states after declaring bankruptcy.
  • Forever21. ...
  • Joann Fabrics. ...
  • Liberated Brands. ...
  • Party City. ...
  • Rite Aid. ...
  • Sonder.


Can I use my mom's Sam's Club card without her?

No, you generally cannot use your mom's Sam's Club card without her because memberships are non-transferable and tied to the cardholder's photo and name for security, though some members might bend the rules for guests, it's against policy and risks card confiscation. The best way for you to shop is for your mom to add you as a free household member (if you live at the same address) or purchase an "Add-On" membership for you, giving you your own card. 

How to get a free Sam's membership?

You can get a free Sam's Club membership (or access) through limited-time trials, being a guest of a member, or qualifying for special offers for groups like students, military, or first responders; otherwise, you'll need to purchase one, though deals often cut the price in half. Key methods include using a member's guest pass, signing up for a short free trial for new members (requires payment info), or utilizing discounts via ID.me for specific professions or government assistance recipients. 

What age is Sam's Club senior discount?

Sam's Club offers a special new member discount for seniors aged 50 and older, providing significant savings on annual memberships, like 60% off the standard Club membership or $50 off the Plus membership, valid through ID.me verification for those who haven't been members in the last six months.