If you've ever found a better deal at Amazon, Walmart, or Target on something you bought at Costco, you've probably wondered: Does Costco price match other stores?
Here's the short answer: No, Costco does not price match other retailers. But don't close this tab yet—there's a better way to save money that most shoppers don't know about.
Costco's Official Position on Price Matching
Unlike stores like Best Buy, Target, or Staples that offer price matching policies, Costco has never offered to match competitors' prices. Their business model is fundamentally different:
- Costco relies on membership fees as a major revenue source
- They negotiate bulk deals directly with manufacturers
- Their prices are already marked up minimally (typically 10-15% vs. 25-50% at other retailers)
- The warehouse model keeps operating costs low
In Costco's view, their prices are already as competitive as possible, so there's no need to match other stores. Whether you're comparing prices with Amazon, Walmart, Target, or even Sam's Club, Costco won't adjust their price based on what competitors are charging.
What Costco Offers Instead: Price Adjustment
Here's what Costco does offer that's actually quite generous: a 30-day price adjustment policy on their own prices.
If you buy something at Costco and the price drops at Costco within 30 days, you can get a refund for the difference. This applies to both warehouse purchases and Costco.com orders.
For complete details on how this works, check out our Costco Price Adjustment Complete Guide.
Why Doesn't Costco Price Match?
Understanding Costco's business model explains why price matching doesn't fit their strategy:
1. The Membership Model
Costco makes most of its profit from membership fees, not product markups. This allows them to keep prices extremely low already. In 2023, Costco's merchandise gross margin was just 10.6%—compared to Walmart's 24% and Target's 28%.
2. Bulk Purchasing Power
Costco buys in massive quantities directly from manufacturers, often negotiating exclusive deals that other retailers can't match. Price matching would undermine these negotiated advantages.
3. Limited SKU Strategy
While Walmart carries 120,000+ items and Amazon has millions, Costco stocks only about 4,000 SKUs. This focused approach lets them get better deals on each product.
4. Operational Efficiency
Price matching requires systems to verify competitor prices, train employees, and handle disputes. Costco's no-frills approach keeps costs (and prices) low.
Costco vs. Other Retailers: Who Has Better Prices?
Since Costco won't price match, the real question becomes: where should you actually shop for the best deals?
| Category | Best Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk groceries | Costco | Per-unit prices are typically lowest |
| Electronics | Varies | Amazon often wins; Costco has better warranties |
| Household items | Costco or Walmart | Depends on package size needs |
| Gas | Costco | Typically 20-30 cents cheaper per gallon |
| Clothing | Varies | Target often has better selection |
The truth is, no single store has the best price on everything. Smart shoppers compare prices across multiple retailers before making major purchases.
How to Actually Save Money Without Price Matching
Since Costco won't match other stores' prices, here are strategies that actually work:
1. Use Costco's Price Adjustment Policy
After buying something at Costco, keep an eye on the price for 30 days. If it drops, request a price adjustment and get the difference refunded.
2. Compare Prices Before You Buy
Just because Costco is known for low prices doesn't mean they're always the cheapest. Amazon, Walmart, and Target frequently beat Costco on individual items.
3. Track Prices Automatically
Manually checking prices across multiple stores is time-consuming and easy to forget. Price tracking tools can monitor items you've purchased or want to buy, alerting you when prices drop anywhere.
4. Stack Savings
Use the Costco credit card for 2% back on Costco purchases, shop during sale events, and watch for manufacturer coupons in the monthly Costco Connection magazine.
The Smart Shopper's Solution: Track Prices Everywhere
Here's the reality: in 2026, the best deals require shopping across multiple retailers. A TV might be cheapest at Amazon today but on sale at Costco next week. Laundry detergent could be a better deal at Walmart, while vitamins are cheaper at Costco.
Task Monkey solves this problem by automatically tracking prices across major retailers including Amazon and Costco. Instead of wishing Costco would price match, you can:
- See real-time price comparisons across stores before you buy
- Get alerts when items drop in price anywhere
- Never miss a refund from Costco's 30-day price adjustment window
- Make informed decisions about where to shop for each item
Stop wishing for price matching—start tracking prices like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Costco ever start price matching?
It's unlikely. Price matching would conflict with Costco's core business model of pre-negotiated low prices. They've maintained this position for decades and show no signs of changing.
Does Costco price match Amazon?
No. Costco does not price match any competitor, including Amazon. Learn more in our detailed guide: Does Costco Price Match Amazon?
Does Costco price match Walmart?
No. Costco won't match Walmart's prices. See our full comparison: Costco vs Walmart Price Matching
Does Costco price match Sam's Club?
No. Even though Sam's Club is a direct competitor, Costco doesn't match their prices. Read more: Costco vs Sam's Club Price Comparison
What's the difference between price matching and price adjustment?
Price matching means a store will match a competitor's lower price. Price adjustment means a store will refund the difference if their own price drops after your purchase. Costco offers price adjustment but not price matching. Learn more about Costco's price match policy.
Can I return an item and rebuy it at the lower price?
Technically yes, but for Costco's own price drops, just request a price adjustment instead—it's easier and achieves the same result.