Costco and Sam's Club are both major warehouse clubs offering bulk shopping, but they differ in key areas:
Membership Fees: Sam's Club is cheaper, with a basic membership at $50/year vs. Costco’s $65/year. Plus and Executive memberships are also more affordable at Sam's Club.
Prices & Value: Sam's Club generally offers slightly lower prices, especially on packaged foods, pantry basics, and snacks. Costco excels in higher-quality items, particularly fresh produce, organic options, and its Kirkland Signature brand.
Digital Experience: Sam's Club wins with Scan & Go™ (skip checkout lines), free curbside pickup, and free shipping on orders over $50. Costco lacks in-store mobile checkout and has limited store pickup availability.
Store Features: Costco has larger stores, better food courts (including the famous $1.50 hot dog), and better travel, insurance, and appliance warranties. Sam's Club offers early shopping hours for Plus members, faster Wi-Fi, and free access to the cafe for non-members.
Customer Service & Perks: Costco offers higher cash-back caps ($1,250/year vs. $500) and better travel rewards. Sam's Club has stronger pharmacy benefits (free meds for Plus members) and health screenings.
Convenience: Sam's Club is more convenient for busy shoppers with digital tools and flexible payment options (accepts all major credit cards). Costco is better for families focused on quality and long-term savings.
Recommendation: Choose Sam's Club if you prioritize lower prices, digital convenience, and flexibility. Choose Costco if you value premium quality, better rewards, and long-term savings on high-end goods.
Hi everyone, I'm looking to sign up for a warehouse club membership, and I'm trying to decide between Sam's Club and Costco. I've never been a member of either club before, so I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Which one has better prices and deals? Which one has better quality products? Which one has better customer service? Are there any other factors I should consider when choosing between the two? Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have read review post on Sam’s Club vs. Costco but still confused between the two in terms of membership fees, store layouts, product selection, and additional services offered.
Costco vs Sam’s? For a single person. Which is better?
I compared both Costco and Sams Club and i prefer Sams Club heres why
Sam's Club and Costco - Which one is better?
Sam’s club is better than Costco now
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Just wondering which is a better option. I currently have Sams club, should I switch to Costco? What are the pros? I pay like $40 a year for Sams Club. Have you ever had Sams Club and switched to Costco or vice versa? If so why?
I mostly use it for milk, bulk protien yogurt, honey, lemons, mixed nuts, nicotine chewing gum, some vegetables and gas. I would like to get some quinoa but Sam’s doesn’t have it.
Costco was very crowded it took me 20 minutes to find a parking space while sams club i can always find one quikly. The inside of costco also had a long line while sams club had no line.
Sams club accepts my discover and Master card credit cards while Costco will only take my Visa debit card (I have no visa credit cards)
Sams club has bigger fountain drinks compared to Costco (both have free refills through).
My nearest sams club is 30 minutes away while Costco is 45 minutes away.
Costco gas has long lines and was 5 cents more expensive then Sams Club (Costco is top tier throguh but i dont care about that)
Scan and go (sams club only as there is none for Costco)
Sams club wifi was faster then Costcos
Sams club has a better selection of clothes and books
Sams club pharmacy was open (Costco was closed when i was there)
At least Costco seems to have happier employees and has air for tires.