40 Responses for "Costco vs. Sam’s Club"

1. MOMMYSAVESALOT March 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm 1

   We have a BJ’s…it’s like Sam’s & Costco. We have a Sam’s Club that’s about 20 miles away but I agree with you…Walmart isn’t my speed. I like Target, even though they are a tad bit more expensive.

   BTW-I’m new to your site. Will visit often.
   Thanks!

2. Abby March 3rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm 2

   I’m tickled to know that I’m not the only one who considers shopping Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart painful. I don’t think I’ve been in either for three years - maybe more.

   Costco and Target are my favorites. And the fact that Costco seems to have very fair employment practices? That’s part of the equation for me, too.

3. Mrs Money March 3rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm 3

   And the longer I live, the less time I want to spend at Walmart.

   AMEN.

   Thanks for this; I am a Costco lover but it’s good to compare!

4. Miss M @ M is for Money March 4th, 2009 at 12:25 am 4

   Cool comparison. It’s a no brainer for us, costco is just down the street. It’s very convenient, I don’t even know where a sam’s club is. I’d say your difference is statistically insignificant, they cost about the same.

5. Manshu March 4th, 2009 at 3:01 pm 5

   Costco has gas too, which I think is not there in Sam’s. I somehow like Costco more than I like Sam’s even though I have nothing against Walmart.

6. Ashley March 4th, 2009 at 3:55 pm 6

   Our Sam’s Club actually does have gas. I don’t know how the price compares though.

7. Julie March 4th, 2009 at 5:33 pm 7

   I love Costco - we’re just starting to get Sam’s Club in Canada but I’m with you - if I can avoid Walmart, I do. Besides - does Sam’s Club do the wonderful samples that Costco does?! Who needs lunch - just go to Costco and fill up.

   The only problem with Costco is what to do with the two other bottles of soy sauce that I had to buy to get them so cheap. And, where to put all of the frozen food when I just have a little freezer on the top of my fridge. Ah - life is full of tough moments isn’t it?!

   Good post!

8. MB March 7th, 2009 at 10:30 pm 8

   Good post. I’ve always wondered if Sam’s was much cheaper. I’m totally with you on the Walmart/Sam’s thing though. I’ve convinced at least three people into no longer shopping at Walmart.

   Unfortunately Costco is about a 30 minute drive for me. Not sure if it’s worth it. I would love somebody to do some price comparing of Costco to Target or Kroger/Wholefoods/Trader Joes.

9. Festival of Frugality « Funny about Money March 10th, 2009 at 7:01 am 9

   [...]   Wide Open Wallet   Costco vs. Sam’s Club   This is a tour de force! Don’t miss [...]

10. » Funny Festival of Frugality #168 on the Festival of Frugality March 10th, 2009 at 11:57 am 10

    [...] Wide Open Wallet:  Costco vs. Sam’s Club [...]

11. Spotlight on the Festival of Frugality, #168 & #167 | Start Living Frugal March 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm 11

    [...] Wide Open Wallet: Costco vs. Sam’s Club [...]

12. Betsy Bargain March 16th, 2009 at 5:24 pm 12

    Thanks for the comparison. I’ve always wondered which was cheaper, Costco or Sam’s Club. I’ve been a Costco member for some time, but I’m not sure I will renew my membership, because I’ve found I can get almost everything I buy cheaper at Winco, or at the other grocery stores with a doubled coupon.

13. Costco vs. Sams: A Good Price Comparison | EfficientMoney.com March 16th, 2009 at 7:36 pm 13

    [...] blogger notes the price difference in the blogger’s 33 (basically identical) items compares a fair variety of products.  [...]

14. rosehill March 18th, 2009 at 9:00 am 14

    What’s wrong with walmart?

15. LL March 18th, 2009 at 10:40 am 15

    rosehill,

    Do you mean besides feeling like you just walked into a bad neighborhood, in a third world country, upon entering Walmart?

16. confused March 18th, 2009 at 5:41 pm 16

    I was just wondering if you are all members how do you know how the associates are treated at either one of these business?????
    There is alot of good that comes from both of them too!!! I know that Sam’s club donates food to the food banks…. And yes i work for sam’s club. It really doesn’t matter where anyone works there is issue everywhere someday…Right?

17. Omar April 8th, 2009 at 3:41 am 17

    I think ceteras et parabus Sam’s seems to be cheaper on average. However for the most of us who don’t have all things equal the best bet is to go with the one that’s closer (assuming it’s significantly closer). But, personally, the $10 extra yearly membership charge at Costco does make me hesitate–but only for a second.

18. olivia April 24th, 2009 at 11:03 am 18

    hey its a good post maybe a little more pictures to help us out with our project but the information on the differences between costco and sams prices

19. Gabriel May 1st, 2009 at 11:36 pm 19

    Walmart over Target any day. All those “cheap and depressed” stereotypes about walmart are completely false. Not only is Wal mart attracting more upscale shoppers now, but the stores are turning into supercenters which is super convenient, and they’re doing it in style. All of the walmarts out here In SoCal are of stone walls, marble floors, and the most amazing Garden centers ever. Target is just lagging behind now. Still the same red and white store that sells a quarter of the products wal mart does with those annoying, noisy colored lights along the walls around the store.

    As for Costco and Sams Club, I dont see the point in shopping at either store. Warehouse wages are nothing to brag about since the majority of the stores money is coming from pointless shopper memberships. Who pays to shop at a store? seriously? Just to get products in bulk? Like the town is about to evacuate? No thanks.

20. The truth about Costco: My membership saves $500+ per year | Cheap Like Me May 21st, 2009 at 3:17 pm 20

    [...] you have Sam’s Club and Costco in your area and are wondering which is a better deal, Wide Open Wallet compared the two on certain purchases.  Sam’s Club came out $7 cheaper on $400 in purchases (not quite 2% [...]

21. Wally World Hater June 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm 21

    Our community fought walmart coming into our community over ten years ago and I will still stand by that decision. our community needs the small businesses to keep us all alive. I haven’t stepped into a walmart in over ten years and I don’t plan to, not even to use their restroom!I would rather pay 20% more at a local store and see the money stay in my community then to save 20% and see it go into the hands of some bigwig in God know where. I don’t have money to burn but at least I can say I am helping hard working people keep their dreams of owning a business and these business DO give back to their community. Sure, wally-world says they give back, but compare how much they give back to how much they take away.

    I am proud to live in a walmart free city!

22. Wholesale supplier June 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm 22

    Costco have really good prices that’s the truth, but Walmart too and also Walmart have offerts everytime.

23. John July 13th, 2009 at 10:05 am 23

    I have been a member of Sams for 10 years. The only think I don’t like about Sams is they don’t have any coupons like Costco, Sams used to have mail in rebates about 9 years ago, but not any more. I have Costco membership for over a year now, personally I don’t like Costco, based on following reasons; 1- Bad parking lot layout, i hate that that they can’t design an easy entry easy exit parking space. 2- Inside look of the store.. why they have ugly looking steel fence everywhere?… 3- Very small open space between isles. one cannot come out without bumping into someone else. 4- Bad design at checkout, i have been going there for over a year, still can’t understand where to move the cart after taking the stuff out. 5- Although Costco has larger variety of items than Sams, but bad shopping experience starting from parking lot to checkout kills it, Costco has many products made by KirkLand (store brand) anyway.
    While at Sams club on the other hand I see open parking lots, open isles, better checkout experience, very good customer service.
    This is my personal experience, which may differ from others opinion.

24. JEANS July 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pm 24

    Sams is better in price, service and the atmosphere. I have membership at both places. I found the Sams personnel more professional.

    Costco customers ………….try Sams and you will see the difference.

25. Mikee July 22nd, 2009 at 11:46 am 25

    I have been a member of Sam’s for 10+ yrs and have yet to have a problem with them. The people are friendly, the stores are clean, and very well setup and the prices are reasonable. Also the fact that Costco has only 1 location in my state while Sam’s has 8 probably helps too. I do not have anything against either retailer and if there was a Costco closer than 80 miles I would try them out.

26. Lisa August 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am 26

    I tend to have a preference for Sams club. They have a student discount (well students get a gift card for membership), and they carry more of the brands I like. For example: Sam’s has a 20 pack of bottled sprite for less than $10. Since I am a spritaholic that is only a natural choice. Sam’s also has they really delicious Tyson breaded chicken breast in the frozen section which are AMAZINGLY good. I can’t seem to find them anywhere and I am hooked on them. Well usually everyone gets hooked once they try them. lol. Those are just 2 examples but there are others that Sams club offers that Costco doesn’t and the other way around. Sam’s doesn’t offer 2 cinemark platinum passes for $15 like Costco does, which is a great deal. Yeah, I don’t really miss Costco except for the movie passes. So for me it is more of a taste preference. Great Post BTW!

27. debby October 6th, 2009 at 7:58 am 27

    Myson worked for Sams. He was offered a job at costco in which he accepted, as thy start out 2.00 an hour higher, and have better health benefits. He gave Sams a 1 month quit notice. Wnen the Sams store manager in brooklyn ohio found out he acted like a baby and fired him 1 week into the 1 month notice, stating you should have talked to me first, and dont tell my employees what costco pays! Hey dude this is America, people can make their own choices where to work. I will definately convince others to join costco over sams.

28. joey October 9th, 2009 at 6:38 am 28

    Wow! I just read the most discriminating comment.

    LL posted “Do you mean besides feeling like you just walked into a bad neighborhood, in a third world country, upon entering Walmart?”

    Hey LL you are one prejudice mother fucker. You either sick or an immature kid who wants to down grade regular consumers. You talk like you are all that, like you way too rich like you’re a high class roller. Damn! whoever you are you better fucking keep you mouth shut and leave your bias and rude ass ideas to yourself. You and the others can happily shop somewhere else, we don’t need someone like you lurking around these perfectly fine stores anyway.

    I’m sorry to everybody else reading this, I know the whole point of this thread is to openly discuss the differences against the two competitive stores. So here’s my thoughts…

    I have the membership to both stores, the prices on the items are relatively close to each other. So it’s really just a personal choice and it really just comes down to how far are stores away from you , which places fits you more comfortably. Going for Sam’s club is a good choice IMHO not only you can buy less quantity sizes but also see price difference. What I like about Sams is that when they advertise an item, they put them in a discounted sale price and you don’t need to have a coupon presented at registers for purchases. Sam’s club wins until the original prices goes back up then it’s a different story.

    This is the time I go to the other store. At Costco you will find almost more selection of merchandise to choose from. Like i said the price is almost the same, sometimes you pay more but that’s because they’re usually a bigger bulk quantities so really it comes out even. You’ll find things Sam’s club don’t have but they usually have something comparable. I like how Costco sends coupons in the mail because it sets a reminder when is a good time to back to the store and shop again. The other thing I took advantage of is the manufacturer’s rebates, that’s like the best time to make big purchases like buying a huge screen HDTV or other appliances. Because if you don’t buy it and you wait around, when the rebate’s gone,they will put the price back to original. Sometimes you have to wait until the next holiday to see the price go down.

    Sam’s club is a nice, clean, friendly store but if you’re looking for a nicer place to shop, I recommend checking out Costco it’s just a better store overall. Majority of the people I know go to Costco, so I bump in to almost everyone in there. . It’s like a fad, you want to shop where everybody else shops to feel like you’re shopping what everybody else shopping. I don’t know about you but I like being spotted in a nice place like Costco, just makes you feel more popular and good about yourself.

    I live in Reno, NV. I go out to these stores but I also go to Walmart as a regular bases. They’re open 24 hours, the SuperCenters have EVERYTHING you need and you don’t have to buy everything in bulk size, All the items are low priced, properly labeled items, racks of single items from cosmetics,clothes,shoes,furnitures,kitchen,bath,
    garden, bedrooms/living rooms, electronics, toys, camping, hunting, guns,fishing, work out products, pharmarcy, deli /meat section , fruits and vegetables , food court , Gosh i can go on forever.. wait I have been. hahaha automobile/tire department , fishes , alcohol and other beverages ALL of these you can find in Walmart. ALL of it cheap…. Like for example a bulk item you’ll find at Costco for $20.00, at Walmart that’s the grocery you need for one whole week! You’re done! thanks to Walmart you saved money.

    I hope somebody reads this crap and find it helpful. Enjoy

29. anthonie October 22nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm 29

    to joey,
    go to the walmart in ukiah california, and tell me you want to be there. I personally dont want to go into any walmart, whether it’s newer, or it’s old and dirty like Ukiahs. Sam’s club and walmart are fucking up america. Dont shop there unless you enjoy handing your money to rich bastards who fuck over their employees, and china. Watch the video “walmart: the high cost of low prices” it’s free on google videos. It might make you change your mind about walmart and sams club. If not, then enjoy your walmart experience, and stay warm under that blanket that some chinese person got paid dick to make while you’re watching the news talking about unemployment rates and small business failure in america.
    Have a nice day.

30. Sam November 15th, 2009 at 1:06 am 30

    While sam’s club does not mailed out coupon they do have an e-val program were the coupons are downloaded straight to your membership card and customized to what you buy the most. It guarantees you $200 in savings. They also have longer opened hours, cheaper membership, more namebrands, more locations and many other benefits costco doesn’t

31. Jeremy November 18th, 2009 at 9:49 pm 31

    I can not stand Wal-Mart. They moved in to our city and killed all the stores that had been there for years and as soon as they did not have competition anymore they raised their prices sky high. That is horrible practice. I WILL NOT SHOP THERE!!

32. Brandi November 30th, 2009 at 10:39 pm 32

    Anthonie…do you think Wal-Mart is the only store to buy things from China? Have a look around Toys R Us sometime and let me know how many toys you find made in the USA. Target, Wal Mart, Shopko, K Mart, whatever…they’re getting they crap from the same places. And although I would love to support the local grocery store, unfortunately I can’t afford to pay twice as much for have the amount of food. It’s not fair, but it’s an unfair world. When it costs me 20 freaking dollars to buy a gallon of milk, twelve pack of soda, box of cereal and two damn candy bars, well that really pushes me to the local Wal Mart.

33. Brandi November 30th, 2009 at 10:40 pm 33

    *half* not “have” lol.

34. ryan December 7th, 2009 at 10:55 pm 34

    Costco is better. Walmart imports everything form china (costco also does a large percentage) but, has higher quality merchandise and a higher caliber of shopper. They treat their employees fairly and give them good benefits. I hate walmart and would not even enter a store to use the facilities. They bully their suppliers and are unfair to their employees.

    The only thing that walmart has in that some supercenters are open 24hrs. so if you need a ream of paper at 3 am… you almost don’t have a choice. but try to go in there to shop- it’s like a friggn war zone. pallets of stuff everywhere. at least costco cares about its presentation.

    DO NOT SHOP AT WAL MART a.k.a. SAMS CLUB

35. Onesmartcookie December 19th, 2009 at 1:36 pm 35

    I guess I am lucky to live in a classy area. My Wal-Mart is clean, organized and not full of ghetto trash. If your Wal-Mart is dirty and ghetto trash shops there, I guess you live in a crappy area. Sorry for you. I have yet to find someone who is willing to buy cake mix at Albertson’s for $2.89 when you can buy it at Walmart all the time for $.88 or corn starch at Kroger’s for $1.79 and Walmart has it for $.83. Why would you want to waste your money by paying more? I don’t waste my time with stupid coupons because I simply do not have to, I shop at Walmart.

    As far as Sam’s Club vs. Costco goes… I have memberships to both. Sam’s is cheaper in so many ways. They clear items out all the time, due to manufacture packaging changes and slash the prices to get rid of them. I have become friends with the manager so when I go into the store, I seek him out and find the slashed items. Sometimes the discounts are 75% off the original price. Recent deals incluse Raulph Lauren sweater $6, Knott’s berry Farm grape jelly, 2 32oz jars for $1.04, Welch’s Black Current juice 2 64oz bottles $2.22. Amazing savings for me and my family. Costco does not do this.

    Please, do not let me sway you to shop at Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club. I do not want more people shopping there because it creates competition and I want all the good deals. Go waste your time standing in line at Costco while I am laughing at Sam’s.

36. Onesmartcookie December 19th, 2009 at 1:41 pm 36

    One more thing….
    For those who say that Walmart killed the small local stores… Do you realize that those small local stores have been screwing you for years? Do you realize that Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Office Max, Sport Authority, Petsmart, Petco and grocery store chains like Safeway and Kroger is equally responsible? You really canot see that?
    And if you are really concerned about things made in China, I guess you cannot shop anywhere since the US does not manufacture anything anymore, thanks to the EPA, OSHA, the unions and other liberal organizations that have taxed and fined manufacturer companies out of our country.

37. Kei December 26th, 2009 at 9:12 pm 37

    Well, I have 2 Walmarts, 1 Costco and 1 Sams club all withen 10 miles of my house (DC area suburbs) and I read all the comments trying to decide between Sams and Costco.

    Since I dont have a huge beef with Walmart I think Im going to try Sams club first. I like that they offer smaller bulk items and their membership is cheaper. I wish Walmart paid their employees better but most big warehouse stores buy products overseas and pay crap… So I need to shop at the place that is going to be cheaper for me… Walmart exists and is popular here so I might as well take advantage of the cheaper prices..

38. Educated Answer January 7th, 2010 at 6:31 pm 38

    I’ve read all of the responses above and would like to make a few educated comments. I previously worked for the Sam’s Club (and would still be working there if it was for a relocation from my Husband’s job).

    1. Wal-Mart inc does not mistreat employees. I have never seen a company work so hard to make it’s employees satisfied. They offer training, resource groups, sustainable living programs and AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE that is fabulous. I wouldn’t have been able to survive last year if it hadn’t been for the healthcare Wal-Mart offered me. It makes me so angry when people talk about Wal-Mart’s health care and they know nothing about it. Trust me, it’s better than yours.
    2. For the people above who said Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club destroyed local businesses don’t realized that Sam’s Club’s largest group of consumers are SMALL BUSINESSES. And in an economy like this, many are attributing their only reason to be able to stay in business is due to the low prices at Sam’s Club (I’ve talked to many personally). They have done an invoice comparison this past year with real businesses (member and non-member) and have found that Sam’s Club has saved Business Member’s over $750,000,000.
    3. I don’t know about some people, but I don’t have time to clip coupons. I prefer to go to a store that I already know has the lowest prices and doesn’t make me work to make a purchase. Wal-Mart and Sam’s strive everyday to meet their lowest price guarantee, and they will match any competitor.
    4. True, sam’s Club and Costoco are very similar, however, as mentioned above, Sam’s offers and eValues program. Savings are loaded directly onto your card and are redeemed when you swipe your Membership card at the register–another no hassle way of saving.
    5. True some locations are in lower income areas, but, duh, because they can’t afford to purchase a $5 bottle of ketchup at Tom Thumb. Wal-Mart attracts all Americans who need to save money–who doesn’t these days. Sorry they can’t afford to parade around a store in heels and designer jeans. Personally, I love the flavor of a Wal-Mart store–brings a smile to my face and reminds me of the cultural experience I can have a few miles from my house.

    Go Sam’s and Wal-Mart!

39. David Chuckran January 11th, 2010 at 1:36 am 39

    I live about a block away from the worst sams club in the nation. Its super super small and the atmosphere is horrible. It doesn’t have have the services that other sams clubs have and it is very inconsistent on what it carries. My parents have a memership to sams club and my brother actually works at this club. It started out as a Pricesavers(owned by the former Pay&Save) then it got bought out by Pace.(Kmarts former warehouse business) Pace thought the club was to small so wanted to expand on the property where a Costco built in 1992 exists now. But Kmarts Pace was having problems and Pace got bought out by walmart so that idea was gone. Walmart is still promising the will make a new club and they bought property but not much has happened. This part of the reason why Alaskans love Costco. On the other side of town Sams has a nicer club that was built by Pace but the Costco on that side of town is my more popular because that store was the 10th Costco in the nation built. Of course Costco has expanded this store. And both Costco have gas and neither Sams does. Your eyes would drop if you shopped at the sams on my side of town because its horrible.

40. Stats January 21st, 2010 at 10:24 pm 40

    Thanks for doing the comparison. This was obviously done grabbing comparative ‘branded’ products. The difference between Member’s Mark (Sams’) and Kirkland (Costco’s) is a lot more dramatic than the 2% difference from those branded ítems.