When it comes to warehouse shopping, loyalty runs deep, but savings speak louder. While Costco often gets the spotlight for bulk deals and cult favorites, Sam’s Club has quietly been undercutting them on some surprisingly essential items. From household basics to pantry staples, a handful of products are consistently cheaper at Sam’s—and we’re not talking pennies. If you’re shopping smart in this economy, these are the 10 items that just might make you reconsider your membership.
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 a 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 a year—whether you’re stocking the garage fridge or prepping for hurricane season—that difference adds up.
2. Paper Towels
Stocking up on paper towels is 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.
3. Bacon
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 differently when you’re feeding a crowd.
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.
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.
6. Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is 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. Additionally, you usually won’t have to wait in 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.
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.
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.
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.
11. 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.
