Costco vs Sam's Club
Costco
Warehouse club leader, 871 locations, $238B revenue
Quality-focused bulk shoppers
Sam's Club
Walmart-owned warehouse club, 600 locations
Budget-conscious shoppers and Walmart loyalists
Short Answer
Costco has 871 locations and $238B in revenue with a $65/year Gold Star membership. Sam's Club (Walmart-owned) has 600 locations and a $50/year membership. Costco is known for higher quality and better employee wages; Sam's Club for lower membership cost.
Our Verdict
Costco for quality, selection, and employee treatment. Sam's Club for lower membership price and Walmart integration.
Choose Costco if
Quality-focused bulk shoppers
Choose Sam's Club if
Budget-conscious shoppers and Walmart loyalists
Key Differences at a Glance
Key Differences
Costco
$238B🏆
Sam's Club
$84B
Costco
$65/year
Sam's Club
$50/year🏆
Costco
871 global🏆
Sam's Club
600 US
Costco
~$26/hr avg🏆
Sam's Club
~$18/hr avg
Costco
Kirkland Signature
Sam's Club
Member's Mark
Pros & Cons
Costco
Pros
- $238B revenue, largest warehouse club
- 871 locations globally
- Kirkland Signature private label
- Highest employee wages in retail
Cons
- $65/year membership
- Parking and checkout congestion
- Fewer locations than Sam's Club
Sam's Club
Pros
- $50/year membership (cheaper)
- Walmart integration
- Scan & Go mobile checkout
- 600+ US locations
Cons
- Lower quality perception vs Costco
- Smaller international presence
- Walmart ownership polarizing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Consumer surveys consistently rank Costco higher for product quality, selection, and customer satisfaction. Sam's Club has a lower membership fee and better tech (Scan & Go).
Resources & Learn More
Dive deeper with these curated resources
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