You know that awkward moment when you walk into Costco feeling like a savvy shopper… only to realize your friend just scored the same exact stuff for less at Sam’s Club? Yeah, ouch. While Costco’s got the cult following, the $1.50 hot dogs, and enough Kirkland-brand loyalty to start a religion, Sam’s Club has been quietly out here undercutting them on the essentials. Like the underdog in a rom-com, Sam’s isn’t flashy—but it delivers.
Whether you’re team bulk-buy or just trying to feed a family without selling a kidney, knowing which warehouse club actually gives you more bang for your buck can save you hundreds a year. Spoiler: Sam’s Club is winning more rounds than you think. From bacon to bottled water, here are 12 products that are actually cheaper at Sam’s Club—and yes, we double-checked the receipts.
1. Bottled Water
Bottled water isn’t exactly glamorous, but it is one of those everyday essentials you don’t think about—until you realize you’ve spent $20 on what is essentially fancy tap. When it comes to bulk hydration, Sam’s Club slays. Their 40-pack of 16.9 oz bottles usually beats Costco’s price by about a buck, depending on region.
A breakdown from Nasdaq showed that Member’s Mark bottled water comes in at under $0.10 per bottle, while Costco’s Kirkland hovers just above that mark. Over the course of a year—whether you’re stocking the garage fridge or prepping for hurricane season—that difference adds up.
Same hydration, same plastic bottle, better price. It’s not the sexiest win, but it’s one that hits where it counts—your bank account. And if you’re already schlepping 40 bottles into your trunk, you might as well pay less to do it.
2. Paper Towels
Stocking up on paper towels is basically a love language for anyone over 30. And if you’re looking to save on those precious perforated rolls, Sam’s Club is where it’s at. Their in-house brand, Member’s Mark, offers a 15-roll pack for noticeably less than Costco’s Kirkland version. According to a price comparison by Eat This Not That, Sam’s paper towels average $0.015 per square foot, while Costco’s hover closer to $0.017.
It might not sound like a lot, but over a year of mopping up spills, pet messes, and toddler disasters, that adds up. And Member’s Mark doesn’t skimp on quality either—these rolls are thick, absorbent, and long-lasting. You’ll still get that satisfying “rip,” but with more budget left for the snacks aisle.
Honestly, if you’re wiping up everything from spaghetti sauce to life crises, Sam’s gives you more bang for your buck.
3. Bacon
Ah, bacon—the unofficial mascot of breakfast and brunch. While Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon gets a lot of hype, Sam’s Club has been quietly winning the bacon battle with better pricing and surprising consistency. A two-pack of Member’s Mark hickory-smoked bacon regularly undercuts Costco by $2 to $4, depending on your location.
Mashed pointed out that Sam’s bacon is not only cheaper, but also slightly leaner and crisps up beautifully. It’s that perfect combo of sizzle, flavor, and wallet-friendliness that hits different when you’re feeding a crowd.
And let’s be real: no one’s eating less bacon in this economy. Whether you’re meal-prepping breakfast burritos or sneaking a strip at midnight like a salty little secret, Sam’s wins this porky showdown. It’s a small swap with big flavor and bigger savings.
4. Coffee Pods
If you’re running a one-person caffeine operation or fueling a full household of coffee addicts, K-Cups can get expensive real fast. Costco does carry name-brand Keurig pods, but Sam’s Club consistently edges them out on price, especially with their in-house Member’s Mark blends.
In a recent comparison by Clark.com, Sam’s Club beat Costco by about 3 to 5 cents per pod—which might not sound like much until you do the math across 100 cups. That’s like five free cups of coffee just for choosing wisely.
And Member’s Mark isn’t messing around with quality either; they’ve got Colombian, French Roast, and even seasonal flavors that hold their own against the big brands. The taste is smooth, the brew is bold, and your wallet stays caffeinated and happy. So go ahead, make that second cup. Or fourth. No judgment here.
5. Laundry Detergent
Clean clothes shouldn’t cost a fortune, but have you seen detergent prices lately? Costco’s Kirkland Signature detergent is solid, no doubt, but Sam’s Club has a secret weapon: their Member’s Mark Ultimate Clean formula. You’ll often find it priced $2 to $3 lower per bottle and it handles stains like a champ.
The Krazy Coupon Lady broke down per-load costs and found Sam’s Club had the edge, averaging about $0.08 per load compared to Costco’s $0.10. That may not seem like a big difference—until you’re 150 loads deep and still folding mismatched socks.
The scent is fresh, the formula’s low-suds, and it even works in HE machines. Basically, it’s the MVP of budget-friendly cleanliness. So unless you’re oddly loyal to Costco detergent, it might be time to make the switch and save on every spin cycle.
6. Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is basically the warehouse club mascot—and yes, Costco made it famous with their $4.99 price tag. But what most people don’t realize is Sam’s Club also sells theirs for $4.98. One cent cheaper. And while that doesn’t seem like much, the real kicker is size. Sam’s chickens tend to be slightly larger on average, giving you more meat per bird.
The flavor? Juicy, seasoned, and absolutely meal-prep-friendly. Toss it in salads, wraps, tacos, or just eat it over the sink with a fork like a legend. Plus, you usually won’t fight the same checkout lines for it. If you’re doing a price-per-pound breakdown, Sam’s takes the crown by a wing and a drumstick.
7. Gasoline
Costco gets all the buzz for cheap gas, but Sam’s Club quietly matches—or beats—them on price in many areas. The difference might be a few cents per gallon, but for anyone commuting, road tripping, or just refilling a family SUV, that adds up fast. Sam’s gas stations also tend to have shorter lines, which means less time idling while contemplating your life choices.
Plus, their fuel quality is top-tier (yes, it’s regulated), and premium gas is often significantly cheaper than local stations. If you’re filling up weekly, switching your gas loyalty could save you $100+ a year. And you can track prices via the Sam’s Club app before you head out, which is a modern-day budgeting flex.
Basically, cheaper fuel without the wait? Sign us up.
8. Trash Bags
Nobody wants to spend their money on trash bags—but here we are. Costco’s Kirkland brand is solid, but Sam’s Member’s Mark has gained a cult following for durability and price. You’ll often get more bags per box for the same price—or even less.
They’re thick, stretchy, and don’t split under pressure (looking at you, pizza night aftermath). If you’ve ever had a garbage bag fail mid-hallway, you know how valuable this truly is. The drawstring seals tight, the scent-control versions are decent, and they even come in various sizes for kitchen or outdoor bins.
It’s one of those household swaps that won’t change your life—but it’ll change your budget just enough to matter.
9. Cheese
Yes, cheese is serious business in the warehouse club world. And if you’re stocking up for a family, party, or your own personal charcuterie lifestyle, Sam’s often comes out ahead. Member’s Mark shredded cheese bags are regularly priced lower per ounce than Costco’s Kirkland options.
Whether you’re team cheddar, mozzarella, or the almighty Mexican blend, you’re getting a solid deal. Bonus points: Sam’s selection includes unique combo packs (like cheddar-jack-pepper blend) that Costco doesn’t always carry. And for the true cheese heads? Their blocks and sliced options also beat Costco’s unit pricing on most days.
More cheese, less cheddar (pun very intended). Sam’s has this one in the bag—literally.
10. Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza is a survival meal, a weeknight staple, and sometimes a legitimate mood-lifter. Costco’s Kirkland pies are great, but Sam’s Member’s Mark pizzas are chef’s kiss for price and quantity. They often come in multi-packs, so you’re stocked for unexpected guests, lazy Sundays, or hangry moments at midnight.
The crust is crispy, the cheese is generous, and the pepperoni doesn’t skimp. And price per pizza? Usually a dollar or two cheaper than Costco’s per-unit cost.
You won’t find the gourmet flair of a cauliflower crust or truffle oil drizzle here, but what you will find is value, flavor, and a freezer that’s always prepared. Because sometimes, dinner needs to be five steps and one oven timer away.
11. Snacks for Kids (or You, Let’s Be Honest)
Goldfish, fruit snacks, granola bars, fruit leathers—Sam’s Club usually wins the snack aisle by a few bucks per bulk box. Their Member’s Mark snacks are not only more affordable, but surprisingly tasty and well portioned for lunchboxes (or midnight snacks in sweatpants).
If you’re packing school lunches or just love having easy grab-and-go bites around, the savings rack up quickly. Costco’s snack packs often come in larger portions, which can lead to waste or over-snacking. Sam’s boxes feel more family-budget-friendly—without sacrificing variety or shelf life.
And hey, no one’s judging if the “kid snacks” are actually just for you. We’ve all had those days where a bag of cheese crackers fixes everything.
12. Over-the-Counter Meds
From ibuprofen to allergy meds to vitamins that promise way more energy than they deliver, Sam’s Club consistently undercuts Costco on OTC essentials. Member’s Mark pain relievers and supplements offer the same dosage and quality as name brands—just for less.
You’re getting bulk-size bottles for pennies per pill, which is perfect for households that run through seasonal meds like clockwork. The labels are easy to read, the product is pharmacist-approved, and the cost savings are clear.
If you’re stocking a medicine cabinet for cold season, allergy flare-ups, or your daily multivitamin ritual, Sam’s makes your health needs just a little more affordable. Because saving money shouldn’t mean sacrificing the basics. Especially when the basics are the only thing keeping you functioning during flu season.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
