Two retail giants, millions of products, but very different approaches to pricing. If you shop at both Costco and Walmart, you've probably wondered: Will Costco match Walmart's prices?
The answer: No, Costco does not price match Walmart. But here's the thing—understanding how these two stores compete on price can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Why Costco Won't Match Walmart
Costco and Walmart operate with fundamentally different business philosophies:
| Factor | Costco | Walmart |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue model | Membership fees + low margins | Product markups + services |
| Membership required | Yes ($65-$130/year) | No (Walmart+ optional at $98/year) |
| Product selection | ~4,000 SKUs | 120,000+ SKUs |
| Package sizes | Bulk/large only | All sizes available |
| Store locations | ~600 US warehouses | ~4,700 US stores |
| Price match policy | No | No (discontinued) |
Costco believes their membership model and bulk buying power already deliver the lowest possible prices—so there's nothing to match.
Costco vs Walmart: Real Price Comparisons
Let's look at actual prices to see where each store wins:
Where Costco Beats Walmart
- Kirkland Signature products – Costco's private label consistently beats Great Value on quality and often on price per unit
- Organic groceries – Costco's organic selection is typically 20-30% cheaper per unit
- Gas – Costco gas is usually $0.20-$0.40 cheaper per gallon
- Prescription medications – Even without insurance, Costco pharmacy prices are often lowest
- Tires – Better prices plus free rotations, balancing, and nitrogen fills
- Premium spirits – Costco's Kirkland vodka and whiskey are legendary values
Where Walmart Beats Costco
- Small quantities – If you don't need 48 rolls of toilet paper, Walmart's smaller packs cost less total
- Variety – Walmart stocks nearly every brand; Costco curates a limited selection
- Convenience – 8x more locations and no membership required
- Rollback deals – Walmart's temporary discounts can beat Costco on specific items
- Grocery pickup – Free same-day pickup at Walmart; Costco has limited options
Price Example: Laundry Detergent
- Costco Kirkland (194 loads): $22.99 = $0.12/load
- Walmart Tide (96 loads): $23.97 = $0.25/load
- Walmart Great Value (96 loads): $11.97 = $0.12/load
Result: Costco ties Walmart's budget brand but beats major brands significantly.
Important Note: Walmart Dropped Price Matching Too
It's worth noting that Walmart no longer offers price matching as of 2020. They discontinued their Savings Catcher program and no longer match competitors in-store. Their strategy now relies on their "Everyday Low Prices" promise instead.
This means neither Costco nor Walmart will match each other's prices—so your only option is to compare before you buy.
What Each Store Offers Instead
Costco's Price Adjustment
Costco won't match Walmart, but they will adjust their own prices:
- 30-day window after purchase
- Get refunded the difference if Costco lowers the price
- Works for both in-store and online purchases
Learn more: Costco Price Adjustment Complete Guide
Walmart's Price Guarantees
- Walmart+ members get fuel discounts (up to $0.10/gallon)
- Rollback prices offer temporary deep discounts
- Price alerts through the Walmart app when wishlist items drop
Smart Shopping Strategy: Use Both Stores
The smartest shoppers don't choose sides—they shop strategically at both stores:
Buy at Costco
- Items you use in large quantities
- Kirkland Signature products
- Electronics (for the extended warranty)
- Gas
- Prescription medications
Buy at Walmart
- Items you need quickly (more locations)
- Products not available at Costco
- When you need small quantities
- When Rollback prices beat Costco
- Emergency purchases (no membership needed)
How to Always Get the Best Price
Since neither store will match the other, here's how to ensure you're getting the best deal:
- Calculate per-unit costs – Bulk isn't always cheaper when you factor in waste or spoilage
- Consider total cost of ownership – Factor in membership fees, gas to the store, and time
- Track prices over time – Prices fluctuate, especially at Walmart
- Use a price tracking tool – Automate comparisons across both stores
Task Monkey can help by automatically tracking prices at both Costco and Walmart, alerting you when items drop so you always know where to shop for each item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart price match Costco?
No. Walmart discontinued their price matching policy in 2020. They no longer match any competitors, including Costco.
Can I use Costco prices at Walmart?
No. Since Walmart doesn't price match anymore, you cannot ask them to match Costco's prices.
Is a Costco membership worth it over shopping at Walmart?
It depends on your shopping habits. If you spend $200+/month on items Costco carries and can buy in bulk, the membership typically pays for itself. For smaller households or infrequent bulk buyers, Walmart may be more practical.
Which store is cheaper for groceries?
For bulk items, Costco usually wins. For regular-sized groceries with more variety, Walmart is often comparable and more convenient. The best approach is to compare specific items you buy regularly.