Found a better deal on Amazon for something Costco sells? You're probably wondering: Will Costco match Amazon's price?
Here's the direct answer: No, Costco does not price match Amazon. Not for regular prices, not for Prime deals, not for Lightning deals—never. But keep reading, because there are smarter ways to get the best price between these two retail giants.
Why Costco Won't Match Amazon
Costco's refusal to match Amazon (or any competitor) comes down to their fundamentally different business models:
Costco's Approach
- Profit comes primarily from membership fees ($65-$130/year)
- Markup on products is capped at ~15%
- Limited selection (4,000 SKUs) with bulk quantities
- Pre-negotiated deals with manufacturers
Amazon's Approach
- Profit comes from product markups, Prime memberships, and services
- Dynamic pricing that changes frequently (sometimes hourly)
- Millions of SKUs from countless sellers
- Marketplace with varying prices from different vendors
Amazon's constantly fluctuating prices make price matching impractical for Costco. A price you see on Amazon right now might change within minutes.
Costco vs Amazon: Who Actually Has Better Prices?
The surprising truth is that neither store consistently beats the other. Here's how they typically compare:
| Category | Winner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk groceries | Costco | Per-unit prices usually lower |
| Electronics | Varies | Amazon wins on deals; Costco has better warranties |
| Household essentials | Tie | Subscribe & Save vs bulk buying |
| Kirkland products | Costco | Costco exclusive (though some resellers on Amazon) |
| Books & media | Amazon | Larger selection, better prices |
| Vitamins & supplements | Costco | Kirkland brand offers excellent value |
| Clothing | Costco | Better quality at similar prices |
The Hidden Advantages of Each Store
Costco's Hidden Benefits
- Extended warranties – Costco adds 2 years to manufacturer warranties on electronics (free with any credit card, 4 years with Costco Visa)
- Generous returns – No time limit on most items (90 days for electronics)
- Price adjustment – 30-day window if Costco's own price drops
- Costco credit card – 2% back on Costco purchases
Amazon's Hidden Benefits
- Price drops – Amazon offers automatic refunds within 7-30 days depending on the item (see our Amazon price adjustment guide)
- Subscribe & Save – Up to 15% off regular prices
- Lightning deals – Short-term steep discounts
- Credit card rewards – 5% back with Prime Visa
Real Price Comparison Examples
Let's look at some actual examples of how prices can differ:
Example 1: Paper Towels
- Costco Kirkland: $24.99 for 12 mega rolls = $2.08/roll
- Amazon Bounty: $34.99 for 12 mega rolls = $2.92/roll
- Winner: Costco by 29%
Example 2: 65" Samsung TV
- Costco: $799 + 4 years warranty (with Costco Visa)
- Amazon: $747 + 1 year warranty
- Winner: Depends on warranty value to you
Example 3: Vitamins
- Costco Kirkland Vitamin D (600 count): $11.99 = $0.02/pill
- Amazon Nature Made (300 count): $14.99 = $0.05/pill
- Winner: Costco by 60%
These examples show why blind loyalty to either store costs you money. Smart shoppers compare before buying.
What to Do When Amazon Is Cheaper
If you've already bought something at Costco and then see it cheaper on Amazon, here are your options:
- Return and rebuy – Costco's generous return policy means you can return the item and purchase from Amazon instead
- Keep for convenience – Sometimes the hassle of returning isn't worth a small price difference
- Next time, compare first – Use price tracking to avoid this situation
If Costco's own price drops (not Amazon's), you can use Costco's 30-day price adjustment policy to get a refund of the difference.
Does Amazon Price Match Costco?
Interestingly, Amazon doesn't have a traditional price match policy either. Amazon relies on their algorithm to keep prices competitive automatically. However, if an Amazon price drops after your purchase, you may be able to get a refund through their post-purchase price protection.
Learn more in our guide: Does Amazon Do Price Adjustments?
The Smart Solution: Track Prices at Both Stores
Since neither store will match the other, the only way to consistently get the best price is to compare before you buy and monitor prices after you buy.
Task Monkey solves this by automatically tracking prices across both Costco and Amazon:
- Before you buy: See which store has the better deal
- After you buy: Get alerted if the price drops so you can request a refund
- Costco 30-day window: Never miss a price adjustment opportunity
- Amazon price drops: Catch refund opportunities before they expire
Stop manually checking two websites. Let technology do the comparing for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Costco match Amazon Prime Day prices?
No. Costco doesn't match any Amazon prices, including Prime Day, Black Friday, or any other sale event.
Can I show my Costco receipt to Amazon for a price match?
No. Amazon doesn't have a traditional price match policy. They rely on competitive pricing algorithms instead.
Which membership is better: Costco or Amazon Prime?
It depends on your shopping habits. Costco ($65/year) is better for bulk buyers who can visit warehouses. Amazon Prime ($139/year) is better for frequent online shoppers who value fast shipping and streaming services. Many households find value in both.
Are Kirkland products on Amazon legit?
Some third-party sellers resell Kirkland products on Amazon, but prices are usually higher than Costco. Always check seller ratings and consider buying directly from Costco for authenticity and best price.