Costco vs Sams
 

Took a drive to Costco yesterday to get our membership. Took about an hour to get there due to traffic in Wildwood. We bought our membership to beat the rush when it opens here.
Here’s what we found for a few of the things that we buy regularly at Sam’s:
Cheerios 40 oz
Costco 8.49 Sam’s 4.88

Canned chicken breast 6 cans 12.5 oz
Costco 16.49 Sam’s 11.98

Frosted Flakes
Costco 10.99 for 62oz Sam’s 5.88 for 55oz

I thought that when Costco opened, we might just give up our Sam’s membership, but I don’t think so. I was surprised it was that much difference in prices for some items. Salted cashews were less at Costco than they were at Sam’s.
Check your prices before you do any serious shopping at Costco

I will keep my Sam’s membership if for no reason other than their meats. Their Prime grade steaks are the best I’ve found in the area.

I’m sure this subject will be debated back and forth for some time. I am not familiar with Costco but have been a Sams customer for many years. Price does mean something for us seniors so something else must be the “draw” for Costco?

And Sam's and BJ's

We moved down from NYC and there were great butchers and fish stores within a mile of our place in Flushing.

I wholeheartedly agree. The meats at Sam's are superior. I tried probably 10 butchers within 35 minutes of our Orlando home and I found Sam's meats were the best around--hands down. MUCH better than Publix (and half the cost) and better than Winn Dixie also.

We were going to transition to Costco when we moved into Wildwood next month (closer) but I think it's worth the cost of keeping Sam's for a year just for the meats.

Their filets, butts, ribs, chicken, brisket and prime rib hamburgers are worth the membership.

Thanks for the reminder.

Lived in S. Florida before moving to TV. There was a Costco and a Sams about 1 mile away from each other. Sams was never busy and was closed down. Personally like Costco better. Better service and their cafe department is way faster. Sample products at Costco are much betterr. Went to Sams recently. Several venders told me to wait 15 minutes for a sample. Never that long at a a Costco

The Sam’s prime steaks are great and I like that I can pick what I want. Costco meat is outstanding as well and can get prime if you want it, just can’t select specific pieces. In that regard I like Sam’s. But man that Costco meat is great as well.

shhh! Yeah, Sam's seems to have much better prices than Costco, unless you are shopping for really higher end stuff - which Costco seems to specialize in (a vibrating chair for $3500- wow!).

Been a long time Sam's member. I have a list of gotta have stuff I buy there every month, but not much more.

Been a Costco member for the past six months or so, and with the exception of an exceptional deal on an Ipad, I have bought little there. If it goes on "really $ special", better grab it quick.
Got membership in anticipation of the new Villages store, but I doubt I'll renew.

BJ's - bought the first year for $25, then cancelled. Sorry BJ's you're just not in the same league; quality and/or price.

BJ’S so far has cheaper gas than anywhere in the area. Maybe Costco will raise the bar a bit.

According to their websites, BJ's gas is a bit higher than Sam's gas today.

Gasbuddy shows gas at the Walmart Neighborhood Market is cheaper than BJ's though I don't trust that as much.

.10 less at Walmart today than BJs, with plus .20 less. But unless I am going to Artman or Mulberry or once a year DR appointment, driving to BJ or Sam’s isn’t worth time or miles. For the first time in 20 plus years we didn’t renew Sam’s club. Keep getting cute emails, and today offered a discount to come back

We still buy enough to make it worth our 11 mile trip and get gas while we're there. Walmart Neighborhood Market is pretty close in price - if not for the rotisserie chicken, $1.68 hot dogs, or a couple other things we would just buy gas closer.

2 miles to Pike I sometimes get you Clermont faster on some days, then Sam’s. We have had our Sam’s business membership forever, but we spend more time here at Costco or the base for shopping. For quick stuff Kroger is worth 15 minutes of wifi time.

I do prefer Costco chicken, our cat likes Sam’s chicken better (less spices)

Costco frozen lattes are our favorite, we stop at Clermont Costco after Disney just for a cold brew, and their chicken sandwich on a ciabatta roll. No shopping just snack.

We are weighing on renew Sam’s discount, but finding it hard to buy stuff worth the drive

Multiple reviews/comparisons have come the same conclusion: "better" is mostly determined by "more convenient."

Never thought of stopping at Costco in Clermont on the way home though we have started that with Trader Joe's. With Costco coming to 466, might need to consider a membership to try it out.

We’ve had a BJ’s card fur about eight months and their credit card for the same. Because they give you credits every time you use the CC we haven’t paid a dime for anything the last three times we shopped there, and we still have hundreds to use in the future. The way I see it we won’t ever need to pay again.