Costco and Sam's Club are America's two giant warehouse clubs, directly competing for your bulk-buying dollars. If you've found a better price at Sam's Club and wondered whether Costco would match it, here's your answer: No, Costco does not price match Sam's Club.
Even though they're direct competitors with nearly identical business models, neither warehouse club will match the other's prices. Let's explore why—and more importantly, how you can save money at both.
Why Costco Won't Match Sam's Club
You might think that direct competitors would be motivated to match each other's prices, but Costco refuses for the same reasons they don't match any competitor:
- Their membership model already keeps prices at rock-bottom margins
- They negotiate directly with manufacturers for exclusive deals
- Price matching would add operational overhead
- They believe their overall value proposition is superior
Sam's Club operates similarly—they also don't offer price matching against Costco or any other retailer.
Costco vs Sam's Club: Complete Comparison
| Feature | Costco | Sam's Club |
|---|---|---|
| Basic membership | $65/year | $50/year |
| Premium membership | $130/year (Executive) | $110/year (Plus) |
| Cashback reward | 2% (Executive, up to $1,250) | 2% (Plus, up to $500) |
| US locations | ~600 | ~600 |
| Private label | Kirkland Signature | Member's Mark |
| Price adjustment window | 30 days | No formal policy |
| Return policy | Very generous, no time limit | 100% satisfaction guaranteed |
| Gas stations | Yes (cheaper) | Yes |
| Scan & Go mobile checkout | No | Yes |
| Curbside pickup | Limited | Yes (Plus members free) |
Price Comparison: Who's Actually Cheaper?
This is the million-dollar question. Multiple price comparison studies have been conducted, and the results are surprisingly close:
Where Costco Typically Wins
- Kirkland Signature products – Generally higher quality than Member's Mark
- Gas – Usually $0.05-$0.15 cheaper per gallon
- Organic products – Better selection and pricing
- Wine and spirits – Kirkland brand is legendary
- Rotisserie chicken – $4.99 and larger than Sam's
- Hot dogs – $1.50 combo since 1985
Where Sam's Club Typically Wins
- Membership cost – $15/year cheaper for basic
- Technology integration – Scan & Go is a game-changer
- Name brand variety – Often more brand options
- Curbside pickup – More convenient for busy shoppers
- Walmart integration – Can use some Walmart+ benefits
Real Price Examples
- 36-pack eggs: Costco $8.99 vs Sam's Club $9.48
- Tide Pods (112 ct): Costco $28.99 vs Sam's Club $27.98
- Kirkland/MM Olive Oil: Costco $16.99 vs Sam's Club $14.98
- Rotisserie Chicken: Costco $4.99 (3 lbs) vs Sam's Club $5.98 (2.5 lbs)
Overall, prices tend to be within 5% of each other, with each store winning on different items.
The Real Differentiators
Since prices are so similar, the choice often comes down to other factors:
Choose Costco If You Value:
- Higher quality private label products
- Better electronics return policy and extended warranties
- The cheapest gas prices
- Superior food court (hot dog combo!)
- Costco Travel deals
- The 30-day price adjustment policy
Choose Sam's Club If You Value:
- Lower membership fee
- Scan & Go for faster checkout
- Curbside pickup convenience
- More name brand variety
- Same-day delivery options
- Walmart ecosystem integration
Can You Have Both Memberships?
Absolutely! Many savvy shoppers hold memberships at both clubs. Here's when it makes sense:
- Both stores are convenient to your location
- You want access to exclusive items at each (Kirkland vs Member's Mark)
- You save enough on specific items at each to justify both fees
- You're an Executive/Plus member and earn back the membership costs
With Costco Executive ($130) + Sam's Plus ($110), you'd spend $240/year—but if you're a heavy shopper, the 2% back from each could easily cover it.
What Each Store Offers for Price Protection
Costco's Price Adjustment Policy
Costco offers a formal 30-day price adjustment policy. If something you bought drops in price at Costco within 30 days, you can get the difference refunded. Learn more: Costco Price Adjustment Complete Guide
Sam's Club's Approach
Sam's Club doesn't have a formal price adjustment policy like Costco. However, their return policy is generous, so you could technically return and rebuy an item if the price drops significantly.
How to Save Money at Both Stores
Since neither store will match the other, here's how to maximize your savings:
- Compare prices on major purchases – Check both stores before buying electronics, appliances, or other big-ticket items
- Know each store's strengths – Buy Kirkland products at Costco, use Scan & Go at Sam's
- Use the right credit cards – Costco Visa (4% gas), Sam's Mastercard (5% gas)
- Track prices over time – Prices change; what's cheaper today might not be tomorrow
- Don't forget online – Both stores have online-only deals
Task Monkey can help by tracking prices at both warehouse clubs, alerting you when items drop so you always know where to shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sam's Club price match Costco?
No. Sam's Club doesn't have a price match policy for any competitor, including Costco.
Can I use a Costco gift card at Sam's Club (or vice versa)?
No. Gift cards are store-specific and cannot be used at the competitor's location.
Which warehouse club has better quality products?
Most comparisons give Costco's Kirkland Signature a slight edge over Sam's Club's Member's Mark, particularly for food items. However, both are well-regarded private labels.
Can non-members shop at either store?
Sam's Club allows non-members to shop online with a 10% service fee. Costco.com offers some items to non-members at higher prices. In-store shopping requires membership at both.
Which membership is easier to cancel?
Both offer full refunds on membership fees if you're not satisfied. Costco has a reputation for being especially easy about this.