People like me, old and wise Costco connoisseurs, have learned over the years to identify the best promotions and prices that help you stretch your dollars to the maximum, especially since inflation hits us so hard. Needless to say, if you are a Costco habitué, you have surely made discoveries that are worth coming back again and again, every time you want to restock your pantry. But, sometimes, you realize that Costco doesn’t always offer the best prices on some of its products, and that breaks your heart.
A few days ago, a member of this Costco-themed Facebook group posted a question to fans: which membership wholsale club is cheaper? This sparked a lot of discussion and comparisons between Costco and Sam’s Club. Many of the comments supported Costco’s promise to be the cheapest supermarket chain in the country, but many others came out to claim that Sam’s Club gives you more for your bucks.
Is Sam’s Club Really Cheaper Than Costco? Our Research Reveals the Truth
The discussion went even dipper to claim that groceries at Sam’s Club are just as good (if not better) than those that you will find on the shelves of Costco. Here are six items that several people claimed are cheaper at Sam’s Club.
Toilet Paper
This article was one of the first that sparked the debate and, for a user who participated, this is the reason to keep his membership in Sam’s Club. Another person even said that all paper products from the chain are much cheaper than at Costco.
Meat
“Sam’s is cheaper for most meat,” one member posted in the answers. “And they carry oxtail, tongue, and other parts that my Costco doesn’t”, Several other members mentioned meat and, more specifically, brisket (not blade tenderized) and an “amazing” T-bone for $20. One guy even claimed to have seen a steak that was between $10 and $20 cheaper than at Costco.
Olive Oil
One man who joined the discussion claimed that, while Kirkland brand olive oil, distributed by Costco, is worth about $8.30 per liter, while the one from Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club’s own brand) costs $6.66 per liter.
Dairy
Three of the dairy products that were most noted as cheaper at Sam’s Club, compared to Costco, were Philadelphia cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sour cream. Many people suggested that good prices can be found at Sam’s Club. Of course, there was no consensus on whether milk was cheaper at Sam’s or at Costco. It was a pretty heated discussion.
Snacks
Snacks are one of the categories that generated the most discussion and debate, and there are plenty of reasons for this: it’s one of the categories in which all chains have more variety in qualities, sizes, prices and qualities. Sam’s Club members claimed they had compared the same or different brands, and many supported the claim that they are usually cheaper at Sam’s Club.
Vegetable products
Some Sam’s Club customers claim that farm products, such as fruits and vegetables, are cheaper compared to Costco. Some say that fruits, in particular, are better and cheaper, but the debate is fervent, because other people rather believe that they have seen better prices at Costco.
In the end, of course, it depends on the location of the store and the state in particular, because prices can vary depending on many factors.
What is the cheapest supermarket comparing these products?
As a warning, it must be considered that prices can vary from one day to the next, especially at a time like this when the economy is being hit by inflation. Other factors such as logistics or taxes in your county or state can also impact the values of what we have highlighted here.
So, according to the costumers, Sam’s Club is cheaper than Costco in several items, but some other researches made, for example, by fool.com, discovered that Sam’s Club came out ahead on almost every product. Costco stands out for its organic fruit and vegetable offerings, but this also meant Sam’s Club could squeeze its competitor cost-wise.
In the other hand, There’s also a third guy ta come into play: Walmart. This chain is better when you are looking to buy non-bulk items. To buy larger parks (bulks) you better go to Costco, that offers better prices in this category of stuff.
In general, Costco is known for offering high-quality products at low prices, with a focus on bulk purchases and exclusive deals for its members. On the other hand, Sam’s Club is often cited as having lower prices on certain items, particularly for those who are willing to shop around and compare prices.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which retailer is cheaper for your specific needs is to compare prices on the products you regularly purchase, and factor in any additional costs such as membership fees, travel expenses, and convenience. It’s also worth noting that both retailers offer a satisfaction guarantee and accept returns, so you can feel confident in your purchases regardless of which store you choose.