Sam’s Club is widely known for low prices, but several stores consistently offer better deals on everyday essentials. While the warehouse giant often competes with Walmart, other retailers—particularly H-E-B and Kroger —beat Sam’s Club’s prices on specific items.
Walmart’s Competitive Edge
Despite not being a traditional warehouse club, Walmart frequently undercuts Sam’s Club. For example, Walmart sells a gallon of whole milk for $3.27, while Sam’s Club charges $3.32. The savings extend to eggs: Walmart’s Great Value brand offers a dozen for $1.94, compared to Sam’s Club’s 24-pack at $4.54 (equivalent to $2.27 per dozen).
Even in pharmaceuticals, Walmart’s Equate ibuprofen tablets cost 1.6 cents per unit, while Sam’s Club’s soft gels nearly double the price at 3 cents per unit. Target falls between the two, selling its up&up brand at 2 cents per unit.
H-E-B and Kroger’s Strong Performance
H-E-B consistently delivers lower prices on grocery staples. A 20-ounce loaf of H-E-B’s Hill Country Fare white bread sells for $1.20, while Sam’s Club’s two-pack of Wonder Bread costs $5.12 (or $2.56 per loaf). Kroger also beats Sam’s Club on white bread, offering its private label at $1.79 per loaf.
Sam’s Club vs. Costco: The Bottom Line
Despite these localized price wins, Sam’s Club remains the more affordable warehouse option compared to Costco. Publications like The Kitchn and Mashed have confirmed that Sam’s Club offers the cheapest membership and better overall value on household items and pantry staples.
“Sam’s Club largely comes out on top,” Avery Tomaso of Mashed concluded, “flaunting the cheapest membership price and less expensive household items.”
Note: Prices were accurate as of December 1, 2025, but may vary by location.
