Comments on: Costco vs Sam’s Club – An In-depth Comparison

By: Chelsea Johnson

Chelsea Johnson — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 04:04:51 +0000

Loved reading this post! We’re big fans of Costco over Sam’s, and I enjoyed seeing your comparison since you’ve shopped at both!

By: Maya Murphy

Maya Murphy — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 20:48:40 +0000

In reply to Hezzi-D.

I used to be a member of Sam’s Club. However, they didn’t have any in the San Francisco Bay Area when we moved here.

I bought a membership to Costco (with their perennial deal that offers $100+ worth of free items with a membership). I came to the conclusion that you can get most of the items readily available at Sam’s at Costco too. However, quite a few of the items at Costco are simply unavailable at Sam’s.

I also feel that the “Kirkland” brand items feel a bit more “premium” when compared with the Sam’s products. This is because of partnerships with existing brands. Costco’s Kirkland jelly beans are actually Jelly Belly jelly beans. Costco’s batteries are Duracell. There are other exclusive Costco items that are simply great buys (e.g., Kirkland Signature toilet paper, nuts, etc.).

I prefer the deli options at Costco over the same items at Sam’s. The Costco all-beef hot dog — $1.50 for a big dog and soda — might be one of the best tasting hot dogs that I’ve had. The pizza is fantastic. The brisket sandwich is amazing. The free rotisserie chicken ($4.99) is better than what I’ve had at most restaurants.

Don’t get me wrong: I also like Sam’s Club. However, if I had to choose only one club membership, I’d select Costco.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 20:41:28 +0000

In reply to Bonnie.

Hi, Bonnie! I would definitely say it is location dependent. When I originally wrote this post, I lived in Provo, Utah. As much as I loved Costco, I HATED going – the employees were rude, and it was like I was on a crowded subway as I wnet through there. People were so rude. Sam’s was much more low key, and the employees were much better. We live in Colorado now, and I much prefer Costco near us – their employees are SO much more friendly than our local Sam’s Club, and I don’t have any issues with the other customers. It gets busy on Saturdays, but beyond that, it’s always a pretty good experience.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:40:40 +0000

I’ve read a lot of these Costco v. Sam’s comparisons on different websites, and no one ever mentions what to me is the biggest problem of both stores: the customers! I was a Sam’s member for years and will likely become one again because I’m finding my fellow shoppers to be SO rude at the Costco I joined. I mean, to the point where I am just flat-out in a bad, angry mood when I leave. Not sure if it’s location-dependent or what (this one is located in a wealthy suburb, at least 30 miles from where I live). The employees are OK, although I thought Sam’s Club employees were way friendlier. When I first walked in (before I bought membership card) at Costco, I was treated like a criminal by the door guy. To be honest I almost turned around and went to renew my Sam’s Club card. Sam’s customers can be a little rude, too, but overall, they don’t act nearly as entitled as Costco shoppers do. I am impressed with the quality of food at Costco as well as the Kirkland products, so I am a bit torn. I do wish Costco would put stores in more central locations, too (Sam’s are all over town so guaranteed to be one at least pretty close to where you live).

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 22:07:37 +0000

Keep in mind Costco does pay their employees far better than Sams club which is a very important. Probably 6-7$ An hour more on average. Sams club basically pays their employees the same as their other wal mart stores, profits mostly go to the WALTON billionaires.

By: Toni-Sue Lua

Toni-Sue Lua — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 16:05:19 +0000

I have cards at both and find I shop at Sam’s most. Reason is they stock more foods that Hawaiians like than Sam’s Ie Aloha Shoyu at only $8 a gallon, Calrose rice that is less expensive, portuguese Sausage. They also sell our favorite brand of peanut butter and best foods is cheaper. The chicken breasts are large because they are not trimmed the same way they are at Costco. I split them lengthwise in half and they are more like costco. Also my family is a bit smaller than most and some of Sam’s Products come in smaller multiples which works well.
Often when I go to Sam’s it is packed so I don’t know where the comment that not many shop there comes from. Also it is very clean and I have no idea why anyone would feel sick to go in there. I guess it takes all kinds of people

By: QueenKleen

QueenKleen — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 04:03:28 +0000

Thank you for such an amazing and detailed price comparison article. I really enjoyed all the hard work you put in and sharing this information with us. My preference is Costco. Costco’s target market is geared for a higher end consumer. Only the Sam’s clubs that are located in higher end neighborhoods are comparable in quality. Price wise on staple products, they are comparable with Sams Club slightly cheaper. On produce, I consistently find Sam’s Club cheaper in price. The specialty products are usually more premium at Costco’s. Also the Kirkland brand is often the premium version of name name brands due to price negotiations and articulations agreements with the packers and manufactures on behalf of Costco. Also the best times to go in for samples 12:00PM and 4:00PM. They try to put the most out for the lunch crowd and some for the pre-dinner crowd.

By: Bridget

Bridget — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:01:15 +0000

Excellent comparisons. I used to belong to Sams but the cost of bulk just didn’t make that much difference for us buy from Walmart/HEB. At this time of year, I miss the great prices on kids/adults books toys. Have any of you compared prices or selection?

By: Harley

Harley — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 12:42:45 +0000

In reply to Kate Henry. Spoken like a true socialist. Thanks for the thoughts.

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 02:04:36 +0000

In reply to DanDan. It's so hard when the employees are like that!