Amazon vs. Costco: Which Retail Giant Gives You the Best Value in 2026?
Written by
Kellan Jansen
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Researchers say that 4 in 10 U.S. consumers today are value seekers — meaning they make purchase decisions based on price and are often willing to sacrifice convenience to save.
For these shoppers and many others on a budget, Amazon and Costco offer some of the best pricing on everyday retail essentials. But which offers the best value for your money? The answer depends on what you’re buying and how much of it you need, among other factors explored below.
Head-to-Head Price Comparisons on Everyday Essentials
To compare values fairly, we reviewed prices for commonly purchased household staples as listed on Amazon’s and Costco’s websites. The table below compares the two retailers on total and per-unit costs. Note that these prices can vary over time and exclude limited-time promotions.
| Product | Average Amazon Price | Average Costco Price |
| Toilet Paper (24 rolls) | $27.59 ($1.14 per roll) | $26.99 ($1.12 per roll) |
| Paper Towels (12 pack) | $22.86 (1.90 per roll) | $23.99 (1.99 per roll) |
| Laundry Detergent (160 loads) | $14.75 ($0.09 per load) | $19.99 ($0.13 per load) |
| Rice (20 pounds) | $36 | $24.99 |
| Coffee (43.5 ounces) | $14.98 | $22.99 |
Looking at these numbers, Costco and Amazon have very similar pricing across everyday staples. Each retailer has categories where it comes out ahead. For example, rice is meaningfully cheaper at Costco in this comparison, while coffee and laundry detergent cost less on Amazon.
It’s also important to note that this comparison is based on products with comparable package sizes to keep pricing fair. In practice, shoppers who are flexible about quantity may be able to find better value outside these exact matches.
For example, rice was significantly cheaper at Costco in this comparison. But Amazon offers smaller bag sizes that narrow the price gap. Costco’s pricing, on the other hand, tends to improve as package sizes increase. This means it’s often smart to compare prices at both companies before making your purchase.
The bottom line is that price differences on most everyday staples are relatively minor. While some categories show clear gaps, many items are priced within a few dollars of each other. Overall, value often depends less on individual product prices and more on factors such as the quantity purchased.
Membership and Subscription Costs: Do They Change the Math?
Amazon and Costco both have membership programs that provide access to the best deals and services. These can impact which store offers the best value.
For example, Costco memberships start at $65 annually, and you’ll need one to shop in stores or online. The lower per-unit prices on Costco’s bulk items can offset this fee over time. But you’ll need to shop consistently to see that return on your membership investment. Costco also offers a higher-tier $130/year subscription, which provides an additional 2% reward on your yearly spending.
Amazon Prime subscriptions cost $14.99 per month plus tax, or about $180 annually. This is optional, so you can shop on Amazon without being a Prime member. However, you won’t get access to free two-day shipping and other bundled benefits unless you pay for a subscription. Plus, your delivery fees on each transaction could offset any savings.
If choosing between Amazon and Costco memberships, consider how you prefer to shop. Costco’s savings come from in-person visits to warehouse locations and bulk purchases, which lower per-unit costs. Amazon’s membership costs a bit more, but it unlocks free shipping.
Which Retailer Is the Better Value for You?
Costco and Amazon have similar prices on everyday staples. Most differences are small enough that you could buy from either retailer based on your shopping preferences without much variation in cost.
Costco tends to offer the strongest value for shoppers who buy groceries and household staples in bulk. Households with plenty of storage space can benefit from Costco’s lower per-unit pricing. However, Amazon may be a better option for shoppers who prefer flexibility or frequently rely on delivery for convenience. Its per-unit prices can be higher, but they aren’t always so.
For many consumers, the best strategy is to shop at both retailers strategically. Choose Costco when you’re ready to stock up on bulk food and supplies and Amazon when you prefer delivery or can find a lower price online.
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