11 Things You Should Get at Costco Instead of Sam's Club

An annual membership at a warehouse club offers savings on bulk buys and more. But which retailer is the best option for your family?

Don't worry; you won't have to waste time or gas money driving from store to store. We've compared prices to answer the age-old question: Is it easier to save money at Costco or Sam's Club? While both offer high-quality, low-price groceries, everyday essentials, and other popular picks, we spotted a few must-have Costco bargains that beat Sam's prices.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. The comparison is based on package sizes and prices available when the original research was conducted.

Price: $17.99

Staying healthy shouldn't break the bank. And at Costco, it won't. We found a 400-tablet pack of Kirkland Signature Mature Multivitamins for $12.99. Sam's Club charges $13.34 for the women's version, but you only get 275 multivitamin tablets.

Costco's current product listing says the 50+ formula provides 25 key vitamins and minerals, three trace minerals, and two antioxidants. It is USP verified, gluten-free, and intended to be taken once daily with a meal. Costco also lists the product at 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 2,300 reviews, giving shoppers another data point beyond the price. The larger tablet count can make the Costco bottle especially useful for households that already buy this formula regularly, although shoppers should compare the exact formula and serving instructions before choosing between stores.

Price: $9.69

Are peanuts a no-go in your family? Snag Costco's 27-ounce container of creamy almond butter for $9.69. The Kirkland find is slightly more expensive than Sam's 24-ounce Member's Mark version, but you'll get more for your money.

When you break down the value by price per ounce, Costco's generic is $0.36 versus $0.37 at Sam's Club. 

Costco describes its Kirkland almond butter as gluten-free, kosher and made with roasted almonds in a peanut-free facility. Sam's listing has its 24-ounce Member's Mark almond butter for $8.78, or $0.37 per ounce, with a 4.6-star rating from more than 3,800 reviews. While Sam's has the lower upfront price, Costco's larger container gives you more almond butter for the money. As always, check the price per ounce before you buy, since warehouse and online prices can vary.

Price: $26.49

Snag a 20-count box of Kirkland Signature Protein Bars at Costco for less than $30. Sam's sells RXBAR Protein Bars, but you only get 14 per pack for $18.86. 

Costco's current listing shows the Kirkland bars in individually wrapped 2.12-ounce portions, with 21 grams of protein per bar. The chocolate peanut butter version is made with real chocolate and is gluten-free and kosher, and Costco also offers a chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. The 20-count box gives you a convenient way to stock up while keeping the cost per bar down. That's especially useful if protein bars are a regular part of your routine, since buying in bulk can help you avoid paying more for smaller packages. They're also easy to toss into a lunch bag, desk drawer, or gym bag for a quick snack. Just compare flavors and package prices before you buy, since Costco notes that prices and availability can vary by location.

Price: $5.99

The bakery sections of both warehouse clubs offer affordable options, ranging from frosted cakes to these artisan rolls. Costco's bulk buy includes 12 doughy buns for $5.99, but Sam's only gives you eight for $4.48. The per-roll price comparison is $0.49 at Costco and $0.56 at Sam's Club.

Costco's current listing identifies the Kirkland Signature Artisan Rolls as a 12-count multigrain product. The rolls are useful beyond burgers and sandwiches, too. They can be served alongside soups and salads, used for breakfast sandwiches, or split for small deli-style lunches. Costco's same-day listing currently shows a higher price than the in-store price, which is a reminder that delivery pricing can differ from warehouse pricing. If you have freezer space, the larger package can also be practical for households that use rolls regularly, while smaller households may want to consider if they'll through the bag before these spoil or have enough freezer space to store the extra in there.

Price: $13.38

Costco sells a four-pack of its store-brand pies for $10.99, while Sam's charges $12.98 for three from Member's Mark. The Sam's Club buy is heavier, but you can feed more people with the larger quantity Costco option.

Costco's current product listing identifies the Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza as four 18.25-ounce pizzas, with a total net weight of 73 ounces. The pies feature whole milk mozzarella, Italian-style tomato sauce, and a hearth-baked crust. The pizzas are sold frozen and are a convenient option for quick weeknight meals, kids' lunches at home, or keeping a backup dinner on hand. Current Costco listings show prices can vary, so shoppers should check their local warehouse or delivery listing before comparing the final per-pizza cost.

Price: $4.99

There's only one cent difference between Costco's $4.99 and Sam's $4.98 ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken. That makes this a toss-up. But die-hard Costco fans think that this warehouse club has the tastier value. Redditor tggrinc posted, "Costco's chickens are super cheap and very popular…Sam's offers rotisserie chickens, but they are much smaller."

Costco's famous bird remains a popular budget meal because one chicken can stretch beyond a single dinner. Leftover meat can be shredded for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or soup, while the bones can be used to make stock. A recent meal-planning example also showed how one $5 Costco chicken can become several meals, underscoring why the value goes beyond the initial sticker price.

Price: $39.99

Score two dozen of Costco's urethane-covered Kirkland golf balls for under $40. Sam's Club's Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls are $39.98, but contains only 12 balls. 

Costco's current listing describes the Kirkland Signature golf balls as a three-piece construction with a urethane cover, and the 24-count package conforms with USGA and R&A rules. The product currently carries a 4.7-star rating from more than 1,300 Costco reviews. Because golf-ball pricing and availability can vary by warehouse, the value is worth checking locally. For golfers who prefer urethane-covered balls, the Kirkland option can be particularly compelling when discounted.

Price: $15.49

Costco and Sam's have almost identical advertised prices for heavyweight plastic disposable plates. But you'll get 50 for $15.99 at Costco and 48 for $16.48 at Sam's Club. 

And you could get an even better deal at your local Costco store. We found the 50-count pack for $12.99.

Costco's current listing describes the Kirkland Signature Elegant Plastic Plates as a 50-count variety pack with 25 plates measuring 7.5 inches and 25 measuring 10.25 inches. That mix gives shoppers smaller plates for appetizers or desserts and larger plates for meals, making the pack useful for parties, cookouts, and holiday gatherings. The heavier construction is also designed for occasions when a flimsy disposable plate is less practical, while the two sizes help reduce the need to buy separate packs.

Price: $11.99

Beauty bargains are a major reason to choose Costco. The store's 33.8-ounce Kirkland brand conditioner is a steal for under $12. Sam's Club doesn't have a store-brand option, forcing customers to buy pricier brand-name haircare products.

The Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner comes in a 33.8-fluid-ounce bottle and includes conditioning ingredients such as cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba esters. The formula also contains argan and avocado oils and panthenol. The generous bottle size makes it a practical pick for families or anyone who goes through conditioner quickly. It's also a convenient option for shoppers who prefer to stock up on everyday essentials during a warehouse-club trip. Having a larger bottle on hand can mean fewer trips to replace an item you use regularly. If you're shopping for the best value, compare the bottle size with other conditioners rather than looking only at the sticker price. That can give you a better idea of how much product you're getting for your money.

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Price: $14.99

The organic generic at Costco is only $14.99 for 33.8 ounces. Member's Mark also has an organic maple syrup, but Sam's charges $12.28 for only 32 ounces. The Sam's Club option is slightly cheaper, but you may also be able to find a better price shopping in person at Costco. We did.

Costco's current listing describes Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup as USDA Organic and 100% pure, with a U.S. Grade A amber color and rich taste. It is also listed as gluten-free and kosher, and comes in a flip-cap plastic jug. Pure maple syrup can be a versatile pantry staple, whether you're drizzling it over pancakes and waffles, adding it to oatmeal, or using it as an ingredient in baked goods and sauces. The jug size also makes it a convenient option for households that regularly use maple syrup at breakfast. If you're looking to get more use out of a bottle, try adding a small amount to yogurt, roasted vegetables, or homemade salad dressings for a touch of sweetness.

Price: $24.99

Costco's Kirkland Signature Adult Formula dog food is priced at only $1 per pound, whereas Sam's Club Member's Mark Grain Free Chicken and Vegetable Recipe dog food is $1.32 per pound. That makes Costco the better value for shoppers looking to save on an everyday pet essential. 

Dog food is something most pet owners buy regularly, so even a small difference in the cost per pound can add up over time. Buying a larger bag at a warehouse club can also help you stock up and cut down on trips to the store. Just make sure the recipe you choose meets your dog's nutritional needs and that your pet enjoys the food before committing to a bulk-size purchase.

It's not always easy to save money on groceries, home goods, and everything else on your shopping list. Luckily, warehouse clubs have bulk buys to keep your budget in check.

Whether you need to stock up on multivitamins or frozen pizza, we found better bargains at Costco. But that doesn't mean you can't score deals at Sam's, too. 

A smart shopping strategy that includes both stores can maximize your savings and leave cash in your wallet.

Prices can move quickly at warehouse clubs, and online, delivery and in-store prices may not match. The best way to stretch your membership dollars is to compare the price per ounce, pound, or item and check whether a sale or warehouse-only price changes the equation.