11 Items That Are a Better Buy at Costco Than Sam's Club

If you're already paying for a warehouse club membership, you want to know you're getting the best value possible. Costco and Sam's Club look similar on the surface, but when you compare price per unit, quality, and package size, Costco often comes out ahead, especially for shoppers who plan ahead and buy staples.

For pre-retirees and retirees watching their monthly budget, these small price differences can add up to real savings over time. These are 11 items that are typically cheaper at Costco than at Sam's Club, based on per-unit pricing and comparable products.

With a few smart Costco membership perks and careful comparisons, these deals can make a noticeable difference.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Cheese is one area where Costco shines. Its Kirkland Signature shredded cheeses usually cost less per pound ($2.72) than Sam's Club Member's Mark equivalents ($3.08).

If cheese is a regular part of your meals, Costco offers better long-term value.

Name-brand mayonnaise at Costco is often cheaper per ounce than brands sold at Sam's Club. A jar of Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise, for example, costs 14 cents per ounce, versus 15 cents per ounce at Sam's Club.

The larger gallon jar may feel like a commitment, but mayo has a long shelf life. For families or anyone who cooks at home often, Costco's price advantage makes this an easy win.

Cleaning supplies are a big budget drain. With Costco's current sale, Cascade dishwasher pods are priced lower per pod (16 cents) than Sam's Club's same brand (18 cents). Even a few cents saved per pod adds up over hundreds of cycles, making this a deal worth snapping up.

Frozen acai bowls at Costco are cheaper per bowl than similar Sam's Club acai bowls. They're convenient for quick breakfasts and healthier snacks, and Costco's bulk pricing and additional two bowls in the pack lower the cost per meal, making it easier to enjoy premium frozen foods like acai without overspending.

Whether for snacks or baking, applesauce is a pantry staple, and Costco's store brand Kirkland Signature multi-pack applesauce pouches cost 30 cents less per pouch than Sam's Club's name-brand version.

The savings are especially noticeable for households buying applesauce regularly, and the long shelf life means nothing goes to waste.

Frozen pizzas are a go-to for easy meals or entertaining grandkids, but not all options deliver the same bang for your buck.

Costco's Kirkland Signature pepperoni pizza comes in a 4-count pack for $16.45 ($4.11 each), while the comparable Sam's Club Member's Mark rising crust pepperoni pizza 3-pack runs around $12.98 ($4.32 each), making Costco more affordable per pizza.

Electronics aren't always cheaper at warehouse clubs, but Costco frequently undercuts Sam's Club on popular items like AirPods, beating Sam's by charging $29 less.

Costco's pricing also sometimes includes extended warranties or better return policies, adding extra value beyond the sticker price, especially important for higher-cost purchases.

Costco's steak prices can be lower per pound than Sam's Club's. At just $12.09 per pound for USDA Choice Beef Top Sirloin Steak, Costco beats Sam's Club's $15.97 per pound pricing any day.

For shoppers who enjoy cooking at home, Costco offers a better balance of quality and price.

Bananas may seem inexpensive anywhere, but Costco offers a lower price per pound than Sam's Club by 16 cents. Three pounds of bananas cost just $1.69 at Costco versus $2.16 at Sam's Club.

For households that go through bananas quickly, this small difference can add up over months. It's a simple example of how everyday staples can quietly stretch your budget.

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If home security is a priority, and for many retirees it is, Costco's Arlo Ultra 4K 3rd Gen 3-camera bundle delivers superior value.

At $349.99 for three cameras plus the hub, this package brings the per-camera cost down significantly compared to what Sam's Club sells, where a 2-pack of the same model typically costs around $339. That's roughly $116.66 per unit at Costco versus about $169.50 per unit at Sam's Club.

Costco offers iPads at prices that beat Sam's Club's, like their 11-inch iPad for only $299.99 compared to Sam's Club's $329 price.

Costco's return policy and bundled perks also add peace of mind. For retirees or grandparents buying tech for family use, this combination of price and protection matters.

Costco's biggest advantage isn't just lower prices, it's consistency. Knowing which items reliably cost less helps you plan smarter shopping trips and avoid impulse spending. Pairing these savings with smart strategies to save money on groceries can stretch your monthly budget even further.

Another way to maximize value is timing your purchases around Costco's regular rotation of sales. Combining bulk buying with careful planning is one of the easiest ways to keep everyday costs under control without feeling overwhelmed.