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The Sam's Club vs. Costco debate is one every budget-conscious household eventually faces. Both warehouse clubs promise big savings on bulk buying, but if you're only paying for one membership to save money on groceries, which one actually gives you more for your dollar?
We went aisle by aisle, comparing prices on popular bulk items at both retailers to find out who really wins on cost. Here's how they stacked up.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Laundry detergent
Courtesy of Sam's Club
Sam's Club Price: $23.98 (on sale from $29.88)
If you're a Tide POD type of person, you can get a 156-count box at Sam's Club for $23.98 (originally $29.98). At Costco, you'll get 156 pods for $34.99.
For fabric softener, if you choose Downy Liquid Fabric Softener, you'll get the same 251-load, 170-ounce bottle for $10.98 (originally $13.98) at Sam's Club, which will cost you $16.99 at Costco.
If you're stocking up on single-serving-size chips, the Frito Lay Classic Mix, 1-ounce Variety Pack with 54 bags at Costco will cost $23.49.
You'll get a few less at Sam's Club, but their Frito Lay Classic Mix Variety Pack Chips (a 50-pack) cost $18.48 instead, so you can unlock the true value of your membership.
Jasmine rice
Courtesy of Sam's Club
Sam's Club Price: $22.98
Jasmine rice can last for years in the pantry, and that's a good thing since these packages are often 25 pounds. At Sam's Club, you'll spend $22.98 for the bag, or about $0.06 per ounce.
Though the brand is different at Costco, you'll pay $27.99 for 25 pounds, or about $1.12 per pound.
Coffee pods
Courtesy of Sam's Club
Sam's Club Price: $32.98
The cost of those little pods of coffee that you depend on to get you through the day can seem incredible, but it may be possible to save some money.
If you're not too picky about brands, consider this purchase. Kirkland Signature Coffee Organic Pacific Bold in K-Cup Pods is $41.99 at Costco for a 120-pack.
If you choose Sam's Club's generic product, the Member's Mark Classic Variety Pack Coffee Pods, you'll get more flavor options. A 100-count case costs just $32.98.
Cookies
Courtesy of Sam's Club
Sam's Club Price: $13.98 (on sale from $14.68)
If you're loading up the snack cupboard or prepping for school lunches, cookies in handy pouches are a must. At Costco, an Oreo Cookies Variety Pack will cost about $18.99 for 60 packages.
If you want to change things up a little, the Nabisco Sweet Treats Variety Pack at Sam's Club includes two types of Oreos and Chips Ahoy! It will cost just $13.98 for a 60-pack. Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies?
Stocking up on soda can be expensive. Shop smart, and you could save. Though other retailers may offer a loss leader or two from time to time, if there are no good deals, head to Sam's Club.
At Costco, you'll spend $18.99 for a 30-count of Pepsi Mini. Alternatively, you can get the same 30-pack at Sam's Club for $15.98.
It has to be the fastest breakfast and snack choice for kids who love sugar, but Pop-Tarts can also be expensive.
Shopping at Costco, you can choose between the Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon or the Frosted Strawberry 48-count packages for $12.49.
That's not too bad, but at Sam's Club, the cost is just $9.98 for the same size package.
Nuts variety snack pack
Courtesy of Sam's Club
Sam's Club Price: $10.88
An important source of protein and a good afternoon pick-me-up, Planters Variety Pack Cashew & Peanuts, 24 packages at Sam's Club, is a good bargain at $10.88.
At Costco, that same variety pack costs $12.99 instead. Both have the same three varieties of nuts.
Nature Valley Protein Bars
Courtesy of Sam's Club
Sam's Club Price: $14.98
A great baseball game pick-me-up is Nature Valley Protein Bars. At Costco, you'll pay $18.99 for a 30-count pack of the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein Chewy Bars.
Over at Sam's Club, the same bars and 30-count package will cost you just $14.98.
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The great news is that you can do this comparison shopping for all your favorite products on their websites.
That means you can make sure you're heading to the warehouse club that helps you keep more cash in your wallet based on the products and brands you love.
It's not always going to be Sam's Club either, but with a few extra minutes, you can save yourself time and money.
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