Costco vs Sam's Club 2026: Prices, Returns & Value
Costco operates 870 warehouses globally with higher member fees ($65-$130 annually) but offers superior food quality, better return policies, and a wider selection of premium products, while Sam's Club has 599 U.S. locations, lower fees ($50-$110 annually), and more competitive pricing on bulk electronics and groceries.
Costco Wholesale
Membership-based warehouse club retailer focused on bulk purchasing and curated product selection.
Families prioritizing quality, unlimited returns, and premium private-label goods; international shoppers; people who value service over lowest pricing
Sam's Club
Walmart-owned warehouse chain with 599 U.S. locations, competitive pricing, and strong electronics selection.
Budget-conscious shoppers, electronics buyers seeking competitive bulk pricing, U.S.-based members, Walmart+ subscribers wanting integrated benefits
Quick Answer
AI SummaryCostco operates 870 warehouses globally with higher member fees ($65-$130 annually) but offers superior food quality, better return policies, and a wider selection of premium products, while Sam's Club has 599 U.S. locations, lower fees ($50-$110 annually), and more competitive pricing on bulk electronics and groceries.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Costco if you prioritize unlimited returns, global travel access, premium private-label products, and want the largest selection—the higher membership fee pays off through better quality and service. Choose Sam's Club if you want the lowest membership cost, prefer competitive bulk electronics pricing, and primarily shop in the U.S. for groceries and household items.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Costco Wholesale if
Best pickFamilies prioritizing quality, unlimited returns, and premium private-label goods; international shoppers; people who value service over lowest pricing
Choose Sam's Club if
Budget-conscious shoppers, electronics buyers seeking competitive bulk pricing, U.S.-based members, Walmart+ subscribers wanting integrated benefits
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Annual Membership Cost (Gold/Basic Tier):✓ Sam's Club wins($50 vs $65)
- Global Warehouse Count:✓ Costco Wholesale wins(870 locations vs 599 locations)
- Return Policy Duration:✓ Costco Wholesale wins(Unlimited (no time limit) vs 90 days on electronics)
Key Facts & Figures
53 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Costco Wholesale | Sam's Club | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $65-$130 | — | — |
| Price Premium vs Competitors(percent) | -20-30% | — | — |
| SKUs per Location(items) | 3,500-4,500 | — | — |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $150-200 | — | — |
| Executive Membership Cash Back(percent) | 2% | — | — |
| Prescription Discount for Members(percent) | 20-50% | — | — |
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $65 (Gold Star) | $45-$110 (Gold/Plus) | |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 569 warehouses | 599 | |
| Product Selection (SKUs)(SKUs) | ~4,000 SKUs | — | — |
| Milk (1 gallon) Price Premium vs Costco(percent) | Baseline | — | — |
| Return Policy Window(days) | 730 days (2 years) | 90 days | |
| Average Customer Visits Per Year (heavy users)(visits) | 24-36 visits/year | — | — |
| Membership Breakeven Point (Annual savings)(USD) | $65-130 (Gold/Executive breakeven) | — | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 870 | — | — |
| Average Savings on Bulk Items vs. Retail(percent discount) | 20-40% discount | — | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 45-60 | — | — |
| Product Selection (SKUs)(items) | 3,700-4,000 (curated) | — | — |
| Annual Member Savings (Frequent Shoppers)(USD) | $500-$800 | — | — |
| Gas Station Discount vs Market Rate(cents per gallon) | 40-60¢ cheaper | — | — |
| Annual Membership Fee (Gold/Basic)(USD) | $65 | $50 | |
| Global Warehouse Locations(locations) | 870 | 599 | |
| Private Label Product Count(products) | 3,500 | 1,200 | |
| Member Satisfaction Rate(%) | 88% | 82% | |
| Average Annual Spending Per Member(USD) | $2,850 | $2,100 | |
| Rotisserie Chicken Price(USD) | $4.99 | $4.98 | |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $252.6 billion | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100) | 82/100 | — | — |
| Physical Store Count(locations) | 870 warehouses | — | — |
| Product Catalog Size(SKUs) | 3,700 | — | — |
| Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) | $65 (Gold Star basic tier) | — | — |
| Operating Margin(%) | 4.1% | — | — |
| Member Renewal Rate(percent) | 94% | — | — |
| Median Delivery Time(days) | Immediate (in-warehouse purchase) | — | — |
| Basic Annual Membership Cost($) | Sam's Club Basic | Sam's Club Basic | |
| Premium Membership Cost($) | Sam's Club Plus | Sam's Club Plus | |
| US Store Locations(stores) | Sam's Club | Sam's Club | |
| Total Store Locations (2025)(stores) | 600+ | 600+ | |
| Gold Membership Annual Cost(USD) | $50 | $50 | |
| Executive Membership Annual Cost(USD) | $110 | $110 | |
| Fuel Center Locations(locations) | 500+ | 500+ | |
| Private Label Products Available(SKUs) | 1,500+ (Member's Mark) | 1,500+ (Member's Mark) | |
| Major Promotional Sales Events Per Year(events) | 12-15 | 12-15 | |
| Per-Unit Price on Bulk Staples(USD per unit) | $0.85 | $0.85 | |
| Total Product SKUs(millions) | 3,700-4,000 | 3,700-4,000 | |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $142 | $142 | |
| Grocery Product Mix(percent of inventory) | 25-30% | 25-30% | |
| Private Label Savings vs National Brands(percent discount) | 15-30% (Member's Mark) | 15-30% (Member's Mark) | |
| Estimated Break-Even on Membership (annual savings needed)(months) | 2-3 months | 2-3 months | |
| Bulk Item Savings vs Retail(percent) | 10-15% | 10-15% | |
| Fuel Discount Availability(cents per gallon) | 10-30¢ (all members) | 10-30¢ (all members) | |
| Product SKU Count per Store(items) | 3,500-4,000 | 3,500-4,000 | |
| Minimum Typical Purchase(USD) | $100+ | $100+ | |
| Member's Mark/Great Value Brand Savings(percent) | 20-30% (Member's Mark) | 20-30% (Member's Mark) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $65Annual Membership Cost (Gold/Basic Tier)$50(winner)
- 870 locations(winner)Global Warehouse Count599 locations
- Unlimited (no time limit)(winner)Return Policy Duration90 days on electronics
- 3,500+ products(winner)Kirkland Signature Private Label ItemsGreat Value brand: 1,200+ products
- $4.99Average Rotisserie Chicken Price$4.98
- 88% satisfaction(winner)Member Satisfaction Rating (2025)82% satisfaction
- $2,850(winner)Average Annual Spending Per Member$2,100
- Annual Membership Cost (Gold/Basic Tier)
Costco Wholesale
$65
Sam's Club
$50(winner)
- Global Warehouse Count
Costco Wholesale
870 locations(winner)
Sam's Club
599 locations
- Return Policy Duration
Costco Wholesale
Unlimited (no time limit)(winner)
Sam's Club
90 days on electronics
- Kirkland Signature Private Label Items
Costco Wholesale
3,500+ products(winner)
Sam's Club
Great Value brand: 1,200+ products
- Average Rotisserie Chicken Price
Costco Wholesale
$4.99
Sam's Club
$4.98
- Member Satisfaction Rating (2025)
Costco Wholesale
88% satisfaction(winner)
Sam's Club
82% satisfaction
- Average Annual Spending Per Member
Costco Wholesale
$2,850(winner)
Sam's Club
$2,100
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Costco Wholesale | Sam's Club |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $65-$130 | — |
| Price Premium vs Competitors(percent) | -20-30% | — |
| Annual Membership Cost(USD) | $65 (Gold Star)(winner) | $45-$110 (Gold/Plus) |
| Milk (1 gallon) Price Premium vs Costco(percent) | Baseline | — |
| Average Savings on Bulk Items vs. Retail(percent discount) | 20-40% discount | — |
Show 8 more attributesBulk Electronics Price Competitiveness(%) Standard pricing 15-20% below average Membership Cost (Annual)(USD) $65 (Gold Star basic tier) — Basic Annual Membership Cost($) Sam's Club Basic — Premium Membership Cost($) Sam's Club Plus — Per-Unit Price on Bulk Staples(USD per unit) $0.85 — Private Label Savings vs National Brands(percent discount) 15-30% (Member's Mark) — Bulk Item Savings vs Retail(percent) 10-15% — Member's Mark/Great Value Brand Savings(percent) 20-30% (Member's Mark) — | ||
| SKUs per Location(items) | 3,500-4,500 | — |
| Product Selection (SKUs)(SKUs) | ~4,000 SKUs | — |
| Product Selection (SKUs)(items) | 3,700-4,000 (curated) | — |
| Private Label Product Count(products) | 3,500(winner) | 1,200 |
| Organic Product Availability | Limited selection | — |
Show 2 more attributesTotal Product SKUs(millions) 3,700-4,000 — Product SKU Count per Store(items) 3,500-4,000 — | ||
| Pharmacy Services Depth | Limited: prescriptions and pharmacy services only | — |
| Pharmacy Services Available(yes/no) | Pharmacy only | — |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $150-200 | — |
| Executive Membership Cash Back(percent) | 2% | — |
| Fuel Discount Availability(cents per gallon) | 10-30¢ (all members) | — |
| Prescription Discount for Members(percent) | 20-50% | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 569 warehouses | 599(winner) |
| Return Policy Window(days) | 730 days (2 years)(winner) | 90 days |
| Average Customer Visits Per Year (heavy users)(visits) | 24-36 visits/year | — |
| Membership Breakeven Point (Annual savings)(USD) | $65-130 (Gold/Executive breakeven) | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 870 | — |
| Physical Store Count(locations) | 870 warehouses | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 45-60 | — |
| Return Policy Duration (General)(days) | Unlimited | 90 days |
| Annual Member Savings (Frequent Shoppers)(USD) | $500-$800 | — |
| Estimated Break-Even on Membership (annual savings needed)(months) | 2-3 months | — |
| Gas Station Discount vs Market Rate(cents per gallon) | 40-60¢ cheaper | — |
| Annual Membership Fee (Gold/Basic)(USD) | $65 | $50(winner) |
| Global Warehouse Locations(locations) | 870(winner) | 599 |
| US Store Locations(stores) | Sam's Club | — |
| Member Satisfaction Rate(%) | 88%(winner) | 82% |
| Average Annual Spending Per Member(USD) | $2,850(winner) | $2,100 |
| Rotisserie Chicken Price(USD) | $4.99 | $4.98(winner) |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $252.6 billion | — |
| Operating Margin(%) | 4.1% | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100) | 82/100 | — |
| Product Catalog Size(SKUs) | 3,700 | — |
| Private Label Products Available(SKUs) | 1,500+ (Member's Mark) | — |
| Member Renewal Rate(percent) | 94% | — |
| Median Delivery Time(days) | Immediate (in-warehouse purchase) | — |
| Minimum Typical Purchase(USD) | $100+ | — |
| Private Label Brand Recognition | Member's Mark (value) | — |
| Digital Technology Features (2026) | AI integration, store upgrades | — |
| Food Court Access Policy | Member availability | — |
| Fresh Food Menu Updates (2026) | Ready-to-serve upgrades, natural ingredients | — |
| Total Store Locations (2025)(stores) | 600+ | — |
| Gold Membership Annual Cost(USD) | $50 | — |
| Executive Membership Annual Cost(USD) | $110 | — |
| Fuel Center Locations(locations) | 500+ | — |
| Major Promotional Sales Events Per Year(events) | 12-15 | — |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $142 | — |
| Grocery Product Mix(percent of inventory) | 25-30% | — |
Costco WholesaleSam's ClubShow 8 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Costco Wholesale
Pros
- Unlimited returns on almost all items with no time restrictions
- 3,500+ Kirkland Signature products with excellent quality standards
- 870 warehouses across 12 countries providing global access
- 88% member satisfaction rate (highest in industry)
- $2,850 average annual spending per member indicates high value perception
Cons
- $65 annual membership is 30% higher than Sam's Club, deterring price-sensitive shoppers
- Smaller bulk electronics selection compared to Sam's Club, with fewer competitive deals
- Higher prices on some staple items like milk and eggs vs. Sam's Club
Sam's Club
Pros
- $50 annual membership (lowest in segment) with optional $110 Plus tier for delivery
- Superior bulk electronics inventory with 15-20% lower prices on TVs, laptops, and appliances
- $4.98 rotisserie chickens match Costco while undercutting most competitors
- Integrated Walmart+ membership benefits ($98/year) for online grocery discounts
- Sam's Club Plus members get 2-hour delivery on select items via Walmart integration
Cons
- 90-day return limit on electronics and 30 days on other items vs. Costco's unlimited policy
- Only 599 U.S. locations (no international presence) limits accessibility for travelers
- Great Value private label brand has 1,200 products vs. Costco's 3,500, offering less curated selection
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Sam's Club has a lower membership fee ($50 vs $65), but Costco members spend an average of $2,850 annually vs $2,100 at Sam's Club, suggesting Costco offers better overall value through quality and selection. For budget shoppers buying only essentials, Sam's Club is cheaper; for frequent shoppers seeking premium products, Costco's membership pays off within 2-3 visits.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
Amazon vs Best Buy
Costco vs Sam's Club
retailWalgreens vs Costco
productsBest Buy vs Costco
companiesSam's Club vs BJ's Wholesale Club
companiesTarget vs Costco
companiesSam's Club vs Walmart
companiesCVS vs Costco
brandsAmazon vs Costco
companiesNetflix vs Disney+
companiesiPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
technologyPS5 vs Xbox Series X
technology
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Read article - technology
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Read article - technology
Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
Read article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories