10 Things You Should Buy at Walmart Over Sam’s Club

You can save money at Sam’s Club if you need to buy in bulk, but some items are way more cost-effective at Walmart. And since these two stores are both under the same ownership, you can expect low prices on exclusive items no matter which you choose.

However, there are some products that you should definitely check out at Walmart before making a trip to Sam’s.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $2.28

While the prices of milk are comparable at both superstores, you could be wasting money if you buy from Sam’s Club.

Depending on your household size and weekly milk needs, a half-gallon from Walmart might suit your needs better and end up saving you money. 

Buying a full gallon from Sam’s Club at $4.03 is still around $0.03 a fluid ounce, so Walmart might be the most cost-effective for your dairy products before they go bad.

Price: $3.32

You can get two packs of 500 napkins from Walmart for a few dollars less than at Sam’s Club.

Walmart’s Great Value napkins cost just $3.32 a pack, meaning you can buy multiples for under $10. Meanwhile, the Member’s Mark 660-pack is $10.98, and with the Walmart deal, you’d get 1000 napkins for $4 less.

Price: $24.98

The truth is, you’ll have a hard time finding framed artwork at Sam’s Club for such a steal.

Walmart offers this three-piece set of home decor that brightens up any space with some color for just $24.98. At Sam’s, however, you’ll be more limited to functional decor like storage baskets or shelves unless you find some seasonal artwork in stock.

Price: $4.98

Sam’s Club has a limited selection of cereal compared to Walmart despite being a few cents cheaper per ounce.

Buying your cereal at Walmart means you can still expect low prices, like this Special K for $4.98. Shopping for cereal at Sam’s Club means you have to buy in bulk, and you run the risk of it going stale before you can finish the box.

Price: $28.44

Though Sam’s Club offers seat covers by themselves, you can save nearly 50% by buying similar covers for your car at Walmart instead.

Walmart sells seat covers in two-packs for $28, but one seat cover by itself at Sam’s Club is $49.98. Plus, the Walmart covers come in many styles and colors and are the more affordable option.

Price: $0.98

Unlike Walmart, Sam’s Club doesn’t have a dedicated section for party supplies and usually only offers them around holidays.

If you’re looking for decorations, gift wraps, and other supplies for your next event, your best bet will be Walmart. Sam’s Club (at least for now) only has a plain wrapping roll online that may be cost-effective but not very festive.

Price: $11.98

Both superstores sell a variety of fresh and frozen meat, but Walmart might be more budget-friendly.

Unless you’re planning a big event or need a lot of meat for a recipe, you’re probably better off skipping the large portions from Sam’s Club, especially since you wouldn’t be able to thaw the pounds of ground turkey separately. 

Walmart has smaller portions, from three pounds and less, at just $3.99 per pound to still help you save.

Price: $29.92

Even Sam's Club's least expensive desk chair is still almost $50 more than the Walmart option.

A simple mesh desk chair at Walmart would cost you under $30, but this one at Sam’s Club is nearly $75. Walmart is better if you need something affordable more quickly, and this chair still has amazing reviews online.

Price: $4.28

Though you can get a three-pack of frozen pizza from Sam’s Club for an affordable price, it may end up costing your freezer space.

Buying in bulk can be a smart idea if you have the room, but sometimes Walmart’s a better choice for a quick dinner that still lets you save money and valuable space in your freezer. Plus, this three-pack from Sam’s Club is just a few cents cheaper per pizza.

Price: $80.00

Walmart has a whole aisle for travel and luggage in stores, while Sam’s typically has more online.

If you want to try out the luggage in person, you'll need to visit Walmart. You can find something like this soft-side carry-on spinner for just $80. A comparable piece at Sam’s Club is not only smaller (at 21 inches) but also almost $10 more.

Shopping at Walmart helps you save even more on your groceries, home goods, and everyday essentials. The superstore offers some serious bang for your buck without paying for a Sam’s Club membership. 

Both stores have their benefits, but Walmart has a wider variety of smaller-sized items if you need something in a pinch.