Costco Vs Sam's Club: Membership & Savings Guide

If you’re deciding between Costco and Sam’s Club, you’re really comparing two similar warehouse giants with different strengths.

This side-by-side guide breaks down membership costs, everyday prices, gas, perks, and return policies so you can see which one will save your household more money without sacrificing convenience.

Membership costs and rewards: where savings start

Both warehouse clubs require a paid membership, and the exact pricing can change, so check the current rates before you decide: see Costco membership options and Sam’s Club membership tiers. Each also offers a premium tier (Costco Executive and Sam’s Club Plus) that includes 2% rewards on eligible purchases and extra perks.

Rewards structure is similar but not identical. Costco Executive members earn 2% back on most in-warehouse purchases (capped annually; see details at Executive Member Rewards), while Sam’s Club Plus members earn 2% back on qualifying in-club purchases (also capped; see Plus benefits). A quick rule of thumb: to justify upgrading to either premium tier on rewards alone, divide the extra cost of the upgrade by 0.02. For example, every $1,000 of eligible spend generates $20 in rewards; that makes it easy to see how quickly you’ll cover the premium if you shop frequently.

Credit cards can tilt the math. The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi adds 4% back on eligible gas (up to an annual cap), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% at Costco, and 1% elsewhere. Sam’s Club’s Mastercard typically offers 5% back on gas (up to an annual cap), 3% on dining, and elevated rewards for Plus members on Sam’s Club purchases. If you drive a lot, those gas categories matter.

Perks differ, too. Sam’s Club Plus often includes free shipping on many online items, early shopping hours, and pharmacy discounts; Costco leans on strong services like Costco Travel, competitive member services (insurance, home services), and a famously generous return policy (more below). If you place frequent online orders, Sam’s Club Plus’s shipping benefit can be a big money-and-time saver; if you book travel or large services, Costco’s ecosystem can deliver outsized value.

Prices on staples and private labels

On day-to-day essentials, most shoppers find Costco and Sam’s Club within a few percentage points of each other, and local competition can sway which is cheaper in your zip code. The biggest lever for savings is often each chain’s private label: Costco’s Kirkland Signature and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark. Both lines routinely undercut national brands while matching quality, but the individual item that wins can vary.

What we typically see:

Pantry and baking: Kirkland flour, sugar, olive oil, canned tomatoes often excel on unit price; Member’s Mark spices and condiments are very aggressive.
Household paper: Both clubs compete hard. Local promos swing the winner; check per-sheet pricing on toilet paper and paper towels.
Dairy and eggs: Usually a wash; regional supply drives price. Costco’s organic milk and eggs can be a value if you buy organic.
Meat and seafood: Costco’s reputation and selection are strong (especially prime beef and wild seafood). Sam’s Club frequently wins on chicken unit prices.
Baby and pet: Sam’s runs frequent Instant Savings on diapers and pet food; Costco counters with periodic Member-Only Savings. Always compare promo calendars: Costco Member-Only Savings vs. Sam’s Club Instant Savings.

Pro tip: build a simple “basket” comparison for 10 items you buy every month (milk, eggs, bread, chicken, rice, toilet paper, detergent, coffee, olive oil, trash bags). Use per-unit pricing from each club’s app to compare apples to apples. Over a year, even a 3–5% difference on your core basket can outweigh any single flashy promotion.

Gas, tires, and auto: quiet categories with big impact

Both clubs routinely price fuel below nearby stations—often by 5–25 cents per gallon, though it varies by market. If you fill up weekly, that alone can cover a base membership. Check your local stations and factor in credit card rewards multipliers. Learn more about Costco Gasoline and Sam’s Club Fuel Centers.

Tires and auto services can swing hundreds of dollars. Tire promotions with installation, road-hazard warranties, and free rotations are frequent at both clubs. Watch for bundled discounts (e.g., “$80 off a set of four”). If you plan a tire purchase this year, the better promo at your chosen club can be worth more than the membership fee by itself.

Convenience and time savings

Sam’s Club shines with technology: its Scan & Go lets you ring up items on your phone and skip the checkout line entirely—priceless during peak hours. Costco has efficient self-checkout and a solid app with a digital membership card, but it does not offer Scan & Go.

Online ordering differs as well. Sam’s Club Plus members often get free shipping on many items, which can tilt total cost if you live far from a club. Costco’s online prices can be slightly higher than in-warehouse (especially for two-day delivery), though selection is broad. If you’ll rely on delivery, factor shipping policies into your savings equation.

Returns, warranties, and risk

Costco’s return policy is famously generous: most items are returnable at any time, with exceptions such as electronics (90 days). See the current policy here: Costco Return Policy. Sam’s Club also has a strong policy but with clearer category limits and time frames; review the details: Sam’s Club Return Policy. If you’re risk-averse about big purchases (appliances, electronics, jewelry), Costco’s policy can translate into “soft” savings and peace of mind.

Which delivers bigger savings?

There’s no universal winner; the bigger savings come from the club that aligns with how you shop. Use these quick scenarios to decide:

Heavy online orders and you value free shipping: Sam’s Club Plus often wins on total cost because shipping fees don’t erode your deals.
Big in-warehouse spender who uses travel and services: Costco often wins. The 2% Executive reward plus value from Costco Travel and services can outpace Sam’s perks.
Fuel is a major budget line: Compare your nearest stations. Sam’s Club Mastercard’s 5% gas category may out-earn Costco’s 4% gas, but local pump prices and caps matter; run a quick annual estimate.
Hate checkout lines: Sam’s Club takes it with Scan & Go—time is money.
Brand preferences: If you love Kirkland Signature items (like batteries, coffee, organic staples), Costco can be the cheaper “feel” overall. If you’re happy with Member’s Mark equivalents and like frequent promo cycles, Sam’s can edge out.

Do the math in five minutes

List your top 10 monthly items and compare per-unit prices in each app.
Estimate fuel savings: price difference per gallon × gallons per year, plus any card rewards differences.
Decide if premium membership pencils out: extra fee ÷ 0.02 = spend needed to break even; remember reward caps.
Factor shipping: if you’ll place 12+ online orders a year, Sam’s Plus free shipping may be decisive.
Consider return policy comfort if you plan big-ticket buys this year.

Ways to maximize savings either way

Buy your staples, not your whims: Make a standing list and stick to it; bulk impulse buys erase savings.
Use the right payment card: Align purchases with the card that pays the highest category rewards.
Watch promo calendars: Time non-urgent purchases to Member-Only Savings or Instant Savings events.
Split bulk wisely: Share perishables with a friend or neighbor to avoid waste.
Leverage services: Tires, lenses, and travel bookings can produce outsized value compared with the street price.

Bottom line: If you prioritize in-store selection, return flexibility, and travel/service value, Costco often delivers bigger savings over a year. If you live for frictionless checkout, frequent online orders with free shipping, and aggressive promo cycles, Sam’s Club can edge out on total cost. Try the app comparison for your real-life basket—your receipt data will tell you which membership pays you back faster.