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.

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 $17.99. Sam's Club charges $13.34 for the men's version, but you only get 275 multis.

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. And if you're looking to save even more, visit your local Costco store for a better deal. We spotted the peanut-free product for $5.99.

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 $18.98. 

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.

Price: $13.38

Costco sells a four-pack of its store-brand pies for $13.38, 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.

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."

Price: $39.99

Score two dozen of Costco's urethane-covered Kirkland golf balls for under $40. And you can pick up a pack at most local stores (that's where we found the 24-count box for an even lower price — $27.99). Sam's Club's Callaway's Supersoft Golf Balls are $43.98.

Price: $15.49

Costco and Sam's have almost identical advertised prices for heavyweight plastic disposable plates. But you'll get 50 for $15.49 at Costco and 48 for $15.98 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.

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.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if lower rates are available

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

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 $11.98 for only 32 ounces. You may also be able to find a cheaper price in Costco stores as well. 

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 Adult Formula dog food is priced at $1.09 per pound. 

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.