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I compared prices of 25 items at Costco and Sam's Club. Costco has lower prices for produce and dairy, but Sam's Club comes out ahead with some pantry and plant-based items.Both retailers have similar benefits for members at different price points. Costco and Sam's Club are both warehouse-style stores where customers can purchase memberships to access bulk products at discounted prices.Charles Krupa/AP ImagesWith inflation reaching a 40-year high, grocery shoppers are trying to find the best deals, so I compared the two stores in Western New York to find which has the best deals.A shopper carries her groceries to her car in plastic bags after shopping at a grocery store in San Diego, September 2014. Mike Blake/ReutersChicken breasts and thighs are both priced lower per pound at Sam's Club.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderNot all meat is cheaper at Sam's Club.
Ground beef was 19 cents more expensive per pound at the Walmart-owned chain.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderHowever, both chains sell rotisserie chickens for $5.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderCostco had a far lower price on eggs — $1.78 per dozen, versus $2.59 at Sam's Club, for a savings of nearly a dollar per dozen.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderAlmond milk is more affordable at Sam's Club by 30 cents per quart, which could be a significant difference for dedicated plant milk drinkers.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderFor dairy milk, the opposite is true. Shoppers will find 2% milk is about ten cents more expensive per quart at Sam's Club, for about a 40 cent difference per gallon.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderCheerios are just slightly less expensive at Costco by 15 cents per pound.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderMac and cheese was significantly less expensive at Costco ...Mary Meisenzahl/Insider... but plain pasta is a better buy at Sam's Club.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderPeanut butter is 22 cents per pound less expensive at Sam's Club.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderOlive oil is nearly a dollar per quart cheaper at Sam's Club.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderOther pantry staples are cheaper at Costco, like canned corn, which is 12 cents less expensive per pound at Costco.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderThe same was true of chickpeas, canned soups, and spices.Mary Meisenzah/InsiderPotatoes and onions were both cheaper per pound at Costco, too.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderGrapes were 50 cents per pound pricier at Sam's Club.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderAs for condiments, ketchup is about 10 cents cheaper per pound at Costco, and ranch dressing is nearly exactly the same at both stores.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderSam's Club offers memberships at two tiers: $45 a year for Club level, and $100 a year for Plus.Sam's Club membership card. Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty ImagesCostco also has two levels, each more expensive than Sam's Club's.
Costco's Gold Star membership is $60 a year, and the Executive Level is $120 per year.ShutterstockThey offer similar benefits, like discounted gas, access to pharmacy services, travel, and more.Getty/Kevork DjansezianOut of the 25 items compared by Insider, Costco had a lower price on slightly more of them.Mary Meisenzah/InsiderIt's not easy to declare a winner, because prices are so close on nearly every item, and Sam's Club has slightly lower membership costs.Costco warehouse shopping aisle shown in California Thomson ReutersTo break it down by category, Costco generally has better prices for produce and dairy.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderSam's Club is a bit better prices on plant-based items, and meat and pantry items are split between the two.Mary Meisenzahl/InsiderPrices at both stores are generally lower than non-membership grocery stores, according to previous price checks by Insider.Joe Raedle/GettyDo you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyku9Ktmqhlpqh6tK3MrGScpKWXerOx1aKcsGWgp7aksdJmpJ6ZpGK9s7vDrpqeZaCWu7W%2B2GZpaWpiYoI%3D