Paige Loves Sam’s Club but Her Husband Loves Costco… Here’s Why

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Sam’s Club vs Costco: Which is better?!

Paige wearing Team Sam's Club shirt

Hey there, Paige here!

I work more behind the scenes at Hip2Save but I just couldn’t resist expressing my love for Sam’s Club since it’s “Bulk Buying Tips” week of our Financial Boot Camp!

Learn more about our 10-Week Financial Boot Camp and get yourself signed up today!

Bruce outside of Costco storefront

Anyway, I LOVE shopping at Sam’s Club for a variety of reasons, while my husband Bruce would much rather shop at Costco. I know that any marriage has its ups and downs but not agreeing on our preferred warehouse store comes up more than you’d think!

In the case of fairness, here are both of our reasons why we each have our own store preference.


Why I love shopping at Sam’s Club:


1. Overall, it’s more affordable.

Paige by rotisserie chickens at Sam's Club

I personally think Sam’s Club is a little bit cheaper than Costco. For example, not only is their Rotisserie Chicken better, but it’s a whole penny less as well! 😆 In all seriousness, I’ve noticed the frozen food section to be cheaper than Costco’s. In general, if you’re joining a warehouse club to save money, Sam’s is your best bet.


2. Sam’s has a better clothing selection.

Paige holding up sweatshirt from Sam's Club

While I love every clothing purchase I’ve made at Sam’s, my Nine West jeans (the ones I’m wearing in all the photos) are my favorite. They’re called the Heidi Skinny Crop and even readers seem to love them as well! I’ve even spotted Athleta dupes from Sam’s, and you can’t beat the price.


3. There are no impulse buys at checkout.

Empty checkout lines at Sam's Club

Sam’s doesn’t have a lot of the do-dads that Costco does, meaning I can get out of Sam’s without a cart full of goodies that Costco conveniently places right by the checkout! Obviously, I could just say no and not be tempted, but I always seem to spend a lot more money at Costco.


4. The Sam’s Club Scan & Go app is a game changer.

Paige using the Scan and Go app at Sam's Club

When I walk into the store and see a big line waiting to check out, I always smile to myself knowing how fast I’ll check out with the Scan and Go app. I’m out and on my way with literally just the swipe of a button! Not to mention the added convenience of being able to check prices while walking throughout the store.

The best perk? It helps me stay on budget! I’ll give myself a shopping limit and I can see exactly how close I am as I’m adding items to my cart.


5. They serve Coke products.

Paige by Diet Coke soda dispenser

Everyone on the Hip2Save team knows my love for Diet Coke, so it’s mandatory I grab one after I checkout to enjoy it on the ride home. This is a huge Sam’s win for me since Costco only carries Pepsi. 😖


Why my husband loves shopping at Costco:


1. Costco has better food variety.

Paleo pancake mix at Costco

I’ll give it to Costco; they have a wider variety and unique food products compared to Sam’s Club’s selection. This is huge for people who follow different diets and eating lifestyles such as keto to get discounted bulk buys on diet-friendly groceries.

Costco also carries the Brewer’s Advent Calendar which naturally has won over my craft beer-loving husband so the fun find means another point for Costco.


2. They have a high-end selection of other consumer products.

Bruce with Costco knife set

Bruce is in love with this big ol’ knife set he picked up from Costco. He says it’s FAR superior to the one I bought at Sam’s. I’ll take his word on this one since it does seem like Costco has a better selection of name-brand items.


3. The meat department can’t be beaten.

Bruce holding up bulk meat package at Costco

My husband hates to shop, but he was all too excited to head out to Costco when we were planning a BBQ this past summer. He seriously raves about the quality of meat at Costco and how affordable it is when making bulk purchases. Well, I’ll let him have this one, too, since it meant I didn’t have to shop for BBQ supplies for the party! 😂


The main takeaway of Sam’s vs Costco.

Sam's Club and Costco shirts

I’ll always love Sam’s Club as Bruce will always love Costco, which is a difference we’re both fine living with. However, we can agree that Sam’s is better for grocery savings while Costco is better for grocery selection.

Where do you stand on the Sam’s Club vs. Costco debate?

Join The Discussion

Comments 108

  1. SunnyP

    Team Costco, but when we moved down to FL last year I was so bummed that the closest Costco was over 1 hour away. We have a BJ’s and Sam’s. I’ve tried both and prefer BJ’s over Sam’s. They have more of the organic frozen foods I used to get at Costco than Sam’s has. Only drawback is no food court!

  2. Claudia Magnet

    Hello, Sam’s Club for sure!! I have both, but am dropping Costco this month. Certainly there are products that are unique to them that I love, but not worth the membership. I have been with Sam’s for at least 20 years. We own a
    small business and have to drive 2 and 1/2 hours to our nearest, but it is worth the trip. Now you can order so many things online with no shipping, as well as the instore pickup. Love it. My kids are all Costco snobs(I do love the meat), but give me Sams!

  3. Jessica Connors

    TEAM COSTCO!! Costco has beats Sam’s hands down if shopping organic. Sam’s organics selection is minimal and more costly.

  4. anumathew

    I’m with team Costco all the way! But I do have a soft corner for sam’s clubs fresh daily squeezed orange juice.

  5. Jessica

    My Sams just got rid of their Diet Coke and only carry Pepsi products 😩

  6. susanturnerangel

    I’m a diet coke fan, too! However the variety of items, good prices, and “better” caee od their employees (not being wrapped up in Walmart’s poor treatment) has me won over.$ I can get a diet coke elsewhere, but yes, I miss grabbing one every visit. Lol

  7. Shirley P

    Is shop at both. There are things I find at one but not the other. I love the Scan & Go at Sam’s which eliminates lines. But when certain items are I. The Instant Save Books, Costco always has better coupon deals. I buy diapers for my daughter and Costco will have the huge boxes for $8.50 off of 1 box while you have to buy 2 boxes to get the same deal at Sam’s.

  8. B witt

    The one thing I’ve found better At Sam’s is they have way more motor carts for the disable Cisco only has four not enough so when my husband and I go to Cisco we can’t shop no motor carts Get More Cisco for your customers

  9. Ihearthip

    Sam’s. Our Costco is always crazy busy. Have to park far away from the building too. Also the employees at our Sams are just so much nicer than at Costco. I can’t explain that. But, yes the Diet Coke products are a plus, and also not having to walk thru that giant freezer to get my produce like at Costco. Brrr! Another thing I noticed is if Im looking for basic items for a bbq get together, like baked beans, potato salad, and Oscar Mayer hotdogs, Costco does not have any of that. However, I do miss the Quinoa salad, roast beef & gravy, chicken pot pie, and baguettes from Costco.

  10. AB

    Costco all the way! Sam’s is half a mile from my house so we use it more. We still have a Costco membership even though we don’t go often because our car insurance is so much cheaper through them. It’s worth it to pay for the membership to get the insurance savings.

  11. Lydia Williams

    I’ve traveled far & wide and always judged each place by it’s food and things to do & see. Costco wins even in other cities like NYC. A Texan in NYC while in college or working can appreciate the quality good tasty food. You get what you pay for !

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