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While Sam's Club and Walmart are technically two different stores, they're both owned by the same company. And that leaves shoppers wondering if the extra $60 a year for a basic membership (or $120 for Plus) is worth it.
You can save money at Sam's Club. But you can also save at Walmart. So which retailer has the best deals when you factor in the annual fee? We compared prices on some of the top items to find out which chain is cheaper. Keep reading to find out whether a members-only club or big box superstore is the best bet for keeping your budget on track.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Household essentials
Warehouse clubs and superstores typically undercut specialty retailers on the prices of common household essentials, including paper towels, TP, trash bags, and basic cleaning supplies like laundry detergent and dish soap. But is Sam's or Walmart the better bargain?
Sam's sells a 15-roll pack (150 sheets each) of paper towels for $20.93. Walmart's 12-count, 110-sheet Great Value paper towels cost $16.48. After calculating the price per sheet, Sam's comes out ahead. But when we compared 200-count boxes of 13-gallon tall kitchen bags, Walmart won ($17.93 versus $18.98).
Pantry products
Baking basics and kitchen staples don't have to break the bank. And they won't at these stores. Sam's Club sells a 25-pound bulk buy of Member's Mark All-Purpose Flour for $8.48. Walmart sells a five-pound bag from the store's Great Value brand for $2.38. At that price, you would pay $11.90 for Sam's quantity.
Both stores sell 10-pound bags of granulated sugar. Sam's Club charges $6.58 for its Member's Mark generic, while Walmart's Great Value is less of an actual value at $8.
Prepared foods
Walmart's prepared food selection doesn't offer the variety and quantity you will find at Sam's Club. But how do the prices compare?
We pitted Sam's beloved deli mac and cheese against the superstore's less homemade-testing Marketside version. The Member's Mark item costs $3.24 per pound, while the Walmart store-brand is $3.24 for just over one pound (20 ounces).
Beauty buys
Skincare, haircare, cosmetics, and other beauty items are all bargains at both chains — including brand-name buys.
The warehouse club sells a three-pack of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel Face Cream (1.7-ounce containers) for $44.48. Walmart sells one for $19.97. You would pay more than $59 at the superstore for three, making the bulk buy a better deal.
Health and nutrition
Score savings on everything from OTC pain relievers to vitamins at Sam's Club and Walmart. To maximize your spending, here's a price comparison that could make it easier to shop:
A 1,200-count of Member's Mark ibuprofen costs $13.18 at Sam's. Walmart sells a 500-tab bottle from its Equate store brand for $7.98. If you're looking for a bulk buy, the warehouse club is more affordable.
Small appliances
We checked prices on KitchenAid's Digital Countertop Oven with air fry and pizza functions at both retailers. Sam's charges members $249, while Walmart sells an almost identical model for $50 more ($299.95). Likewise, the NutriBullet Turbo costs less at Sam's Club ($69.87 compared to $79.97).
Clothing
Sam's Club sells a range of clothing, including sought-after brand-name fashions. While Walmart has plenty of options to choose from, you won't find the same selection.
We spotted a Gap women's linen blend button-down at the members-only club for $12.81. A similar style from Free Assembly costs $26 at Walmart. Verdict: If you're looking for a higher-end item at an affordable price, Sam's is the best option.
Frozen foods
Where can you get the lowest prices on everything from frozen sweet treats to mouthwatering meals? The bulk buy club sells a 12-count of My Mochi Ice Cream for $7.86. The smaller six-piece pack costs $4.97 at Walmart.
We also compared Tyson's Crispy Chicken Breast Strips at both stores. A 3.5-pound bag costs $14.98 at Sam's. The twenty-five-ounce size (just over 1.5 pounds) sells for $8.72 at Walmart, again making the bulk buy a better bargain.
Home decor
Members can snap up higher-end designer decor from Sam's along with less expensive store-brand buys. Walmart also offers a range of interior accents. But you won't find the same names at the superstore.
A set of four Member's Mark woven baskets costs $29.98. A single Better Homes & Gardens Handwoven Water Hyacinth Basket costs $10.87 at Walmart.
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Generic store-brand products
Both of these Walmart-owned chains sell private-label generics at lower prices than most brand-name buys. Member's Mark is the only generic at Sam's Club, while the superstore's lines include (but aren't limited to) Great Value, Mainstays, Equate, Clear America, Spring Valley, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, Oxark Trail, Time and Tru, George, Athletic Works, Expert Gardner, and Bettergoods.
A note on bulk buys
Warehouse clubs like Sam's are known for bargains on bulk buys. Empty nesters and smaller households may not benefit from these deals. Before you invest in a larger quantity, consider how much you can reasonably use. This savvy shopping strategy could save you money and reduce food waste.
Bottom line
So there you have it. In the Sam's versus Walmart showdown, the warehouse club is the winner. But that doesn't mean you should stop shopping at the other chain. Both retailers offer affordable deals, making it easy to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, and more.
Are you looking for the hottest new bargains? Here's a tip to spot fresh arrivals: Try a high-tech strategy. Use Walmart and Sam's apps (or websites) to get info on the latest products to hit store shelves.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
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