Costco vs Sam's Club: which membership costs less?
Both clubs have a basic membership and a pricier one that pays 2% back. Here's how the fees and rewards compare, and which works out cheapest at your spending.
Fees checked October 12, 2026 on each club's own website. Sam's Club changed its fees on May 1, 2026.
Side by side
| Costco | Sam's Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic membership | $65 Gold Star | $60 Club |
| Top membership | $130 Executive | $120 Plus |
| Extra cost of the top tier | $65 | $60 |
| Reward on the top tier | 2% | 2% in Sam's Cash |
| Reward cap per year | $1,250 | $750 |
| Where the reward applies | Warehouse, Costco.com and Costco Travel | In club (including Scan & Go) and Curbside Pickup; not delivery or shipping |
| Top tier pays off above | $271/mo | $250/mo |
Which is cheapest for you?
$
Enter your spending above.
Costco Gold Star$0
Costco Executive, after reward$0
Sam's Club$0
Sam's Club Plus, after Sam's Cash$0
What the fee comparison leaves out
The membership fee is the smallest part of the bill. What really decides which club is cheaper for you:
- Which one is closer. A club 25 minutes further away costs more in gas and time than the difference in fees.
- The prices of what you actually buy. Compare a basket of your regular items, by unit price, at both clubs.
- How you shop. Costco's reward covers its website and travel bookings. Sam's Plus reward covers in-club and curbside orders, but not delivery or shipped orders.
- Other perks on each top tier. Check each club's site for the current list.