Warehouse Club Comparison: Is BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club Cheapest?
No one likes paying a ton for necessities like groceries. One way many people save money on groceries is through warehouse club stores. Buying certain grocery and household items in bulk could save you a ton of money. However, wholesale club memberships can be expensive. And how do you know which one gives you the most bang for your buck? They don’t always let you take a stroll through before you sign up — and besides, comparing all your options takes a lot of legwork. So, we did the warehouse club comparison for you.
How to Pay for a Warehouse Club Membership
You know you’re ready to splurge on a warehouse club membership (and you’ll know which one by the time you get to the end of this article) but what about paying for said membership? If you’re wondering how you’re going to cover the bill for a warehouse club membership, some of our favorite ways to make quick money can help.
| Offer | What You Can Earn | What You Have to Do | Take Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| InboxDollars | $225/month | Complete short surveys | |
| Branded Surveys | $600+/month | Share your honest opinion | |
| Kashkick | $1,000/month | Try out apps |
Warehouse Club Comparison on Membership Prices
We put Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s head-to-head. We compared not just their membership fees, but the benefits and perks of their membership that can help you save money. *Fees subject to change
Make money easier. Sign up for The Penny Hoarder’s newsletter today.
Membership Fees
The first factor is the annual membership fee you’ll pay before you can shop, and what it gets you.
For the purposes of this post, we’ll compare the rates of the base (aka, the cheapest) memberships, which basically just get you in the door.
The clubs also offer higher tiered memberships with perks like cash-back rewards, but they’re all at least $100. At 2% cash back on select purchase, you’re looking at a $2,000 spend to break even — which isn’t cheap. However, it is probably doable over the course of a whole year if you’re making lots of your purchases at the warehouse.
Still, let’s low-ball it for the purposes of this post.
- BJ’s costs $60 for a personal membership, and you get a free second card for someone in your household.
- Costco is the priciest at $65 for its Gold Star membership, but like BJ’s, you do get a second member card for free.
- Sam’s Club’s Savings Membership goes for $60, but you can often find a discount for your first year. We’ve seen offers to join for just $25, the most affordable option of the bunch. And like the others, you get the second membership card for free.
Now, let’s look at each store and see what they offer the average shopper and club member.
One way to save more money when shopping at warehouse clubs is to use a cash-back rewards credit card. Look for cards that offer a flat-rate cash back to maximize your earnings every time you shop.
BJ’s
Basic Membership benefits
A basic BJ’s membership will get you access to more than 265 warehouses in 22 states. Most stores are spread out across the East Coast, particularly in New York and Florida. BJ’s says it offers up to 25% off grocery store prices, discounted prices at BJ’s Gas stations, same-day delivery ($9.99 fee) and curbside pick up for all members (there’s a $3.99 fee for orders of $50 or less).
It also offers a discounted rate of $25 for membership fees for the following groups: College students, first responders, veterans and active-duty military, teachers, government employees, and medical professionals. This discount and special offer is identical across the board and available year round.
One of the biggest benefits that BJ’s offers over Sam’s Club and Costco is that it accepts manufacturer’s coupons, which you can stack with its store coupons.
Additional Services
Every BJ’s Warehouse is also equipped with additional services available to all members. This includes a tire and car service center, optical center that can perform eye exams and fill eyeglass prescriptions, a travel service and installation services for home improvement services.
Club+ Membership
On top of its basic membership services, BJ’s also offers an advanced plan for $120. The Club+ Card offers additional discounts on gas prices, 2% rewards on most in-store purchases and free curbside pickup.
Costco
Costco‘s membership costs $65, which makes it the priciest of the bunch. However, Costco has a promotion through Dec. 20, 2026, that offers a $45 electronic gift card for new Gold Star Members who set up auto renewal.
Basic Membership benefits
Costco leads the packs with 939 locations worldwide, including 647 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It has comparable prices to BJ’s, though some items, especially name brands, are slightly cheaper at Costco. Additionally, it also offers discounted rates at its gas stations, same day delivery and curbside pick-up for all members.
Costco doesn’t have special offers for the same service groups as BJ’s, including military veterans, college students and educators.
Additional Services
Costco stores also offer a variety of additional services. In contrast to BJ’s, it has a full pharmacy service with home delivery options. Members can also join its Costco Member Prescription Program to get a prescription drug discount card to cover themselves, their dependents and their pets. Costco, like BJ’s, has a tire service center, optical care center and a travel service. The stores also are famous for their food courts, which continue to sell hot dogs for only $1.50. You can also buy stamps in bulk at a slight discount.
Executive Membership
Costco’s advanced membership, the executive card, is available for $130 a year. New members can qualify for $65 digital gift card. With the Executive Membership, you get 2% reward on all purchases (up to $1,250) and a $10 monthly credit on same-day delivery. It also advertises additional discounts on all available services.
Sam’s Club
Basic Membership Benefits
By most estimates, Sam’s Club offers the lowest prices among the three stores. Sam’s Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, so it should be no surprise its nearly 600 locations are similarly spread out across the United States and Puerto Rico. Like its competitors, it offers free curbside pick up and same day delivery.
Sam’s Club has discounts available for active and retired military, military spouses and college students.
Additional Services
Like Costco, Sam’s Club offers an in-store pharmacy, as well as discounted gas stations, tire service, optical care and travel services, similar to both Costco and BJ’s.
Sam’s Club advanced membership
The Plus Card is available for $120 annually. On top of the standard 2% Reward, the Plus membership also comes with free shipping on orders of $50 or more, optical savings, extra shopping hours at select locations and free curbside pickup. To sweeten the deal, Plus membership now also includes Walmart Plus, which includes free delivery at Walmart.
The Final Verdict
BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club all offer unique saving opportunities for shoppers. Sam’s Club tends to have the cheapest grocery prices and the most opportunities for additional savings with its advanced membership plan, especially now that it includes a subscription to Walmart Plus.
With that said, Costco, overall, has the most accessibility and arguably the widest available services and convenience. However, it remains the most expensive for membership fees.
BJ’s, however, offers significant discounts for service members, and depending on where you live, could be the most convenient location over Costco or Sam’s Club. Either way, all three warehouse store chains are worth exploring if you want to cut down your grocery costs for you and your family.
William Fewox has worked as a freelance writer since 2017, and his work is featured in literary magazines such as The Aquarian, The Navigator and The Historian. Senior Managing Editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated information as of November 2026.
