All four big warehouse clubs — Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale, and Walmart — sell gas below what most street-corner stations charge. But there are real differences in price, quality, availability, and whether the membership pays off for your specific situation.
Here's a straight comparison.
Side-by-Side Price Comparison
| Brand | Avg. Discount vs. Local Stations | Membership Cost | Gas Quality | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 10–25¢/gal | $65/year | Top Tier | Nationwide, 600+ locations |
| Sam's Club | 5–15¢/gal | $50/year | Top Tier | Nationwide, 600+ locations |
| BJ's Wholesale | 5–12¢/gal | $55/year | Standard | East Coast only |
| Walmart | 3–8¢/gal | None (Walmart+ adds 10¢) | Standard | Nationwide, 1,700+ stations |
Costco: Cheapest Gas, Most Strict
Costco wins on price, full stop. Their business model is built around bringing you in with cheap gas and cheap hot dogs, then making money when you buy a 36-pack of paper towels.
Who it's best for: Drivers who fill up frequently (10+ gallons per week) and already shop at Costco for groceries and household items. The $65 membership pays for itself quickly if you use it regularly. Watch out for: Costco only accepts Visa credit cards and debit cards. No cash, no Mastercard, no Amex. Lines can be long on weekends.Sam's Club: Nearly as Cheap, Cheaper Membership
Sam's Club is typically 2–5 cents per gallon more expensive than Costco, but their basic membership ($50/year) is $15 cheaper. Plus Plus members can get instant fuel discounts via the Sam's Club app.
Who it's best for: Walmart shoppers who want warehouse club savings without the full Costco price tag. Sam's Club app makes it especially easy — you can pay at the pump through your phone. Watch out for: Their station locations aren't quite as numerous as Costco in some western states.BJ's Wholesale: East Coast's Best Option
If you live on the East Coast and Costco isn't nearby, BJ's is your best bet. Prices are very competitive, and BJ's accepts manufacturer's coupons — something Costco famously does not.
Who it's best for: East Coast drivers in Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Massachusetts who want Costco-level savings with slightly more flexibility. Watch out for: If you're in the Midwest or West, BJ's simply doesn't have locations near you.Walmart: No Membership, Decent Savings
Walmart gas is available to everyone with no upfront cost. The savings aren't as dramatic as Costco, but for infrequent drivers or people who don't want to pay an annual fee, Walmart is a solid option.
Walmart+ members ($98/year or $12.95/month) get an extra 10 cents off per gallon at Walmart and Murphy USA stations — which can make Walmart gas price-competitive with Sam's Club when you factor that in.
Who it's best for: Occasional drivers, people who already have Walmart+ for free delivery benefits, or anyone who doesn't drive enough to justify a separate warehouse club membership.The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?
- You drive a lot + shop at warehouse clubs: Costco is the easy win.
- You want to save on membership fees: Sam's Club is a great second option.
- You're on the East Coast: BJ's competes with Sam's and sometimes beats them.
- You don't want a membership at all: Walmart gas is the cheapest no-membership option.