In this price comparison of Costco Vs. You will see which wholesale club is a better price for BJs store brands. Shopping BJs Wholesale Club and Costco Warehouse Club will save you money.
Of course, you must be a paying member to shop at the club. If you aren't a brand name snob purchasing wholesale clubs store brands will save you money.
We compared the prices of Costco's brand Kirkland to BJ's brand Berkley Jensen and Weslley Farms based on price.
- You can score a $20 BJ's Membership for a year here.
- Score a Costco Membership Discount for the year here.
This isn't about quality; we wanted to see which wholesale club BJs or Costco has lower prices for the shopping store brand.
Check out our Price Comparison on Costco Gas to BJs today HERE.
My brother Taylor and I took our first trip EVER to Costco together. I wasn't at all impressed. However, I've heard from others in our Facebook group that select BJ's stores will ask for your membership card at the door.
At Costco, we have been greeted with only this a blank stare and, “Membership card.”
No friendly smile hello, do you have your membership card? We were entering Costco at 11 a.m. on a Thursday.
Even our local BJs in the Rochester area do not ask to see your membership card, but the door checkers always greet you in a friendly tone.
The Batavia BJs is one of the friendliest ones I've been to.
My overall impression is Costco is like Home Depot– very warehouse feeling. Not something I want to browse around in.
BJs is like Lowe's. It appeals to the shopper. I could browse around. Plus, the aisles have more straightforward-to-read signs than Costco.
Of course, I would compare Home Improvement stores. DIY is a lot of what my other blog is about.
Taylor and I didn't like how many items were still shrink-wrapped at Costco. It looked like a do it your self-warehouse. Where you always need a razor knife on hand.
We compared the most common Household store brand items at BJs and Costco.
Let's get to the BJs Vs. Costco Store Brand Comparision
Ibuprofen is a common household item. The Berkley Jensen brand Liquid Capsules 200 mg come in a bottle of 300 ct for $11.29. This comes out to $0.03 per pill.
Costco has Ibuprofen Kirkland brand two boxes 180 count each for a total of 360 pills. $12.49 for both. This comes out to $0.03 per pill.
Costco has the same price as BJs for liquid gel Ibuprofen.
Berkley Jensen brand Adult Gummies Multi-Vitamins comes in a 250-count bottle for $10.99. This works out to $0.04 per gummy vitamin at BJs.
Costco Adult Multi-Vitamin gummies is a two-pack each bottle with a 160 ct. for 320 gummies. This comes out to $0.03 per gummy!
Costco is One Penny Cheaper for Adult Gummy Vitamins than BJs!
Berkley Jensen 1 Ply Napkins come in an 800 count bag at $5.99. This works out to $0.0074 per napkin. What a deal, right?!
Costco Kirkland brand Napkins come in 1,040 pack for $8.99. Technically this works out to $0.0086 per napkin.
BJs is Cheaper than Costco for Store Brand Napkins by a smidgen.
The Berkley Jensen brand paper towel comes in a two-play 12 rolls 160 sheets for $15.99. This comes out to $1.33 a roll.
Costco Brand Paper Towel creates a size comes in a two-ply 12 rolls 160 sheets for $16.49. This is $1.37 per roll.
We compared Bounty Paper Towel to BJ's and Costco Brand HERE.
BJs is Cheaper for store-brand Paper towels than Costco.
Berkley Jensen Ultra Soft 36 Big Roll toilet paper is $15.99. This works out to $0.44 per roll.
Kirkland Bath Tissue is a 30 roll two-ply for $16.99. This works out to $0.56 per roll.
BJs Has Cheaper Store Brand Toilet Paper Over Costco Brand Kirkland.
Berkley Jensen Diapers are priced according to size. To compare, size four, BJs brand diapers come in a 156 ct for $25.99. This is $0.16 per diaper.
Costco Kirkland diapers size four are 180 counts for $35.99. This works out to $0.19 a diaper.
BJs Brand Diapers are cheaper than Costco!
Berkley Jensen Non-GMO Infant Formula 48 oz is $24.99. This comes out to $0.52 an ounce.
Kirkland Infant Formula is a 34 oz container priced at $18.99. This comes out to $0.55 an ounce.
BJs Store Brand Infant Formula is Cheaper Than Costco Kirkland Infant Formula.
Berkley Jensen Ultra Laundry Detergent comes in a 170 oz bottle priced at $13.99. This comes out to $0.08 an ounce or $0.12 a load.
Kirkland brand Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent comes in a 196 oz bottle priced at $14.69. This comes out to $0.97 per ounce or $0.11 a load.
Costco Kirkland Laundry Detergent is Cheaper Than BJs Brand Detergent.
Are you wondering How BJs Brand detergent compares to Tide? Check out my review here.
Berkley Jensen Dishwashing Liquid comes in 100 oz. Bottle for $6.99. This comes out to $0.07 per ounce.
Kirkland Environmentally responsible dish soap comes in a 135 oz bottle for $7.99. This comes out to $0.06 per ounce.
Kirkland Dish Soap is Cheaper than Berkley Jensen Dish Soap.
Berkley Jensen Laundry Dryer Sheets come in two boxes 190 ct each for a total of 380 sheets at $6.99. This comes out to $0.02 a sheet.
Kirkland Dryer Sheets come in a two-pack 250 sheets a box for a total of 500 sheets at $7.99. This comes out to $0.02 a pack.
BJs Brand and Costco Brand are the same prices for Dryer Sheets.
Berkley Jensen AA Batteries come in a 48 count pack for $15.99. This comes out to $0.33 per battery.
Kirkland AA Batteries come in a 72 pack for $19.99. This comes out to $0.27 per battery.
Kirkland Brand batteries are cheaper than Berkley Jensen Batteries.
Berkley Jensen Adult Dog food comes in a 30 lb. bag for $29.99. This comes out to $0.80 per pound.
Kirkland Adult Dog food comes in a 40 lb bag for $31.99. This comes out to $0.80 per lb.
Costco Kirkland Dog Food and BJs Berkley Jensen Dog Food is the same price.
Wellsley Farms ( BJs brand) Animal Crackers come in a 45 oz container for $4.99. This comes out to $0.11 per ounce.
Kirkland Animal Crackers come in a 64 oz container for $9.99. This comes out to $0.15 per ounce.
Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers are cheaper than Kirkland Animal Crackers.
Berkley Jensen Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg 500 count in a bottle is $7.99. This works out to $0.02 per pill.
Kirkland Ibuprofen Tablets come in a two-pack of 500 counts 200 mg pills for $9.99. This works out to $0.01 per pill.
Costco is the cheaper one for Ibuprofen Tablets!
Berkley Jensen Tall Kitchen 13 gallon bags 140 count is $14.99. This comes out to $0.11 per bag.
Kirkland Tall Kitchen bags are 13 gallons with 200 bags in a box for $14.99. This comes out to $0.07 per bag.
Kirkland Trash Bags are a better deal than Berkley Jensen Trash Bags.
Berkley Jensen Baby Wipes Fragrance-Free comes in 11 -100 packs for $21.99. This works out to $1.99 per pack.
Kirkland Baby Wipes Ultra Soft Unscented come in a 900 count for $17.99. In addition, you get 9 -100 count packs. This works out to $1.99 per pack.
BJs and Costco are tied for the price on Baby Wipes.
Overall the price difference for brand names at Costco or BJs is very close. You won't break the bank choosing one over the other. It will come down to personal shopping preference. I love putting to rest when people say Costco is the cheapest or BJs is the most affordable.
Keep in mind these items do go on sale at both stores. This is when you shop and purchase the store brands.
If you like price comparisons and want to see more, please comment below. We love to hear your feedback.
Does this change the way you feel about BJs or Costco?
- Budget-Friendly Shopping Hacks Every BJ's Member Should Know
- Score Big with BJ’s Exclusive $15 Digital Coupon Offer!
- The Best BJ’s Deals This Month ( January 2025)
- Save Big on Cleaning and Laundry Essentials with BJ’s Limited-Time Offer!
- Feed a Family of Five Without Overspending: Easy Menus and Bulk Shopping Secrets
Winner Picked for T-Shirt, Gift Card & Guide
I definitely buy based on which store has their brand on sale, but I must say Costco heavily discounts their brand when on sale, so I keep track of each stores price and sale price in order to determine if I really need it at that point.
For the toilet paper and paper towels could you do the math based on the square feet? I feel like going by rolls throws off the math because we don’t know how big they are. Costco rolls are gigantic lol
Awesome article btw!!
bi’s prices are better than costco
I can’t begin to say how much money I save at Costco. The Kirkland brand is top quality usually manufactured by a top name brand (ex. Kirland washers are made by Whirlpool) I also get cash money back from their deal with Visa and cash rewards from Costco by being an executive member. It really is my favorite store out there especially with all the organic products they sell. I trust in them to get me the best products at the best price with a no fuss return product.
Costco is bigger and cleaner here in the Northeast and has been paying their workers 15.00 an hour with full medical on date of hire. Costco international is a sought after stock outperforming the market many times. Employee turnover is the lowest in the business. The isles are twice as wide, cleanliness is a priority, and they outperforming BJs on every level. I can pick items that are better and cheaper at Costco if I choose also. There are numerous links on your page to join BJs not Costco. Thank you. BTW 15.00 an hour and medical date of hire, believe me the workers are smiling, don’t take it personal.
Hi Tore, I won’t take it personally. I live in Upstate New York where we recently got a Costco. This blog was offered to me four years ago and I enjoy shopping at BJs. I primarily post BJs deals because Bjs is popular here as we have three in the area and one Costco. I love doing a comparison for others to see prices that is what the blog is about. Yes, you stumbled upon a blog that is focused on Bjs but hopefully, you understand why 🙂 Either way, I’m glad you took the time to read the post and leave a comment 🙂
Yes, Costco takes care of their employees very well! I’ve never had a bad experience with any worker there.
For me and my wife we both have been Costco fans now for over 5 years and we’ve had both memberships before and happen to disagree with the opinions on Costco versus bjs wholesale. Costco, for 1 has better quality stuff and has much more to offer, not to mention we save a lot of money by shopping there! Their customer service is much more superior than bjs any day! Their gas prices we also find the best than anywhere really! And last but least y’all will always find better and more samples at Costco than bjs as well. We love the food court as well as they offer sausage dogs, yogurt soft serve with strawberry toppings if you like, pizza, hamburgers, salads, and more. Try it out you wont be disappointed and the employees become your friends!
I have both, BJ and Costco memberships but I prefer Costco, is a more clean and organized environment, there is more space between isles, have better quality merchandise and their food is better on my opinion. I go to BJ’s for emergency shopping because is closer. I feel claustrophobic at BJ’s, merchandise is piled up, feel like I am in a dollar store.
You do some odd comparisons. Are the toilet paper rolls the same size? Both 2 ply? I tend To buy brand name (ie bounty paper towels) cause we have found a store brand that we like. The tip or not as absorbant etc. that’s the brand to brand. How much is charmin at Costco vs Bjs. Etc
I meant Trick is to check…
For example for the trash bags, are they the same strength? I’d pay the extra pennies a bag if they were thicker and less likely to rip. This price comparison is great is the price is all you care about but for me if I dont Have to use 3 paper towels or 2 trash bags, that makes them cheaper.
They are the same ply which is noted in the post. My next post will be on Name Brand Items for sure!
This is a comparison of store brand products. I am a member of both clubs and find that brand named items are significantly more expensive overall at BJ’s than at Costco. Someone should do a comparison of this as well.
Costco seems to be better on the grand scale and has better quality and customer service. Bjs has a deli, better bagels and stick pepperoni with later operating hours than Costco.
But if I had to make a choice … I’d stay with Costco.
Hey, George, that is my next comparison coming up! Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
My Costco IN Saten Island got a deli 5 years ago. Maybe other locations will too.
I really don’t care how I’m greeted at Costco. It’s fun to shop there. I buy a lot of my clothes and electronics there. They have a consierge service for your electronics. I went to BJ’s once. I found it very boring. Going into Costco has a party atmosphere. I buy gas there, bought tires there.
Thanks for the review.
Thanks Sharon, you must be in an area where Costco is more popular? By us, we only have one Costco in our area and three BJs. I plan on doing a video to show how our Bjs in this area definitely has a more party atmosphere over BJs. Since Costco is still new in our area I’m always open to seeing what each club has.
The quality of Kirkland brand surpasses Berkeley jensen by a mile. Case closed! I would drive 20 miles to get to a Costco even if there was a BJs around the corner from me.
Thanks Mike for the feedback. Costco is new to our area as there are only one and three BJs all in the same proximity. If funds allow I would love to do some video on Kirkland Brand VS. BJs brand items to get a quality post over price! Thanks for stopping by.
I shop at both but love costco more. Their brand Kirkland is top quality. Like the animal crackers for example my kids love them because they are organic. Hard to compare organic to regular price wise. You also have a larger selection and a big online selection.
I see BJ’s improving but they are not there yet. Most stores are mainly self check out wjust a few humans at the register.
The deli is a plus for BJ’s and they do have a 10 item or less line which I wish Costco had.
I take my kids to Costco it is an experience. Free samples, toys books and clothes they like. BJ’s is shopping. You also can’t beat the wine and beer selection if you are lucky enough to have one and the pharmacy at Costco is amazing.
I ordered a washer from BJ’s because it said extended manufacturer warranty well I called for three weeks almost every day. They finally acknowledged there was an issue and sent me a $50 gift card for my laundromat bill. The third week I told.tbem I am ordering it from Lowe’s and if I don’t have it from then before Lowe’s can deliver I was cancelling. Lowe’s called me the next day asking when they could deliver it – the next day and it was the same exact washer $150 less.
So my point is each store has something going for it. I think BJ’s has room to grow. Maybe with their IPO money they will get better.
Thank you! This is super helpful. Please provide more comparisons in the near future.
Thanks for the comparison. Many people are correct with their analysis stating proximity to their home us a major factor in where they shop. As a side note, your math is incorrect concerning Berkley Jensen Dishwashing Liquid comes in a 100 oz. bottle for $6.99. This comes out to $0.60 per ounce. It is actually 0.0699 or .07 cents with rounding.
Once again thanks for posting.
Thank you so much Al! We updated the post.
I tried to go to Costco. I wanted to see if it was better than bjs. I went to receptionist desk and was told since I didn’t have a membership, I couldn’t go in. At bjs , they let u do a one time to go in. That turned me off. So I am a die hard bjs fan now so Costco can go scratch in my book. Thank u bjs for making my decision for me.
Tasia & Taylor,
I would appreciate it very much if you did a brand to brand comparison with Costco & BJs. Thanks for this comparison.
I’m not sure what you mean by brand to brand Mary that is different from this post? This is BJs store brand compared to Costco store brand.
All that said how much can some really save in 20 years timeframe? May be couple of thousands; so why to take hell lot of headache and run around for deals for peanuts? Just use the nearest one. I use both Sams Club and Costco. Used BJs before; liked all 3. I never compare the price though. Just enjoy buying things I need.
I have always like the BJ’s brand over Costco in pricing. I also like the pricing of the name brand items at BJ’S better then Costco. My only problem is that Costco is a 20 local driving time away and BJ’s is 45 min highway driving time away. For me to go to BJ’S I might be saving in product but the cost of gas and time puts Costco at the top.
Thanks for presenting such a thorough comparison of each store’s house brands – head to head.
I suggest just one change. Your summary of 200mg ibuprofen is that Costco is cheaper by one cent. Actually, by your calculation, they are half the price of BJs – 2 cents per tablet vs. 1 cent per tablet. That would be 50% less.
Other than that, job well done!
Thank you Mark! I will fix that 🙂
50% cheaper….I was thinking of it in the same manner. Big difference overall when buying in large quantity.
Costco is the third largest retailer. Walmart is #1. I shop at both stores. Sam’s club is one of the best warehouses. BJ is a warehouse but it’s brand is not a show stopper. What is BJ’s brand? Most people shop at Costco because of the food court. There is nothing BJ’S has that bring the consumer in the store.
I prefer shopping at BJ’s, they have more of a variety when it comes to food and snacks for my kids, I have both stores near me but prefer BJ’s, I also think their coupon books sway me more to shop at Bj’s than Costco
Also you can use a BJ’s coupon and a manufacturer coupon to double up.
Yes I love BJs, save a lot with coupons ??
Things are relative. Both my wife and I prefer COSTCO overall. We try and not be penny wise and pound foolish. After all, the general inventory at COSTCO, pertaining to appliances and home furniture, appears to be not only of better quality, but rather stylish. Thing is, the one COSTCO we can reach is always overcrowded. And BJ’s is within geographical range. Therefore, we had to quit COSTCO and become BJ’s members. But we still dream COSTCO a lot. But to each it’s own. My taste could be someone else’s poison.
I am both a BJ’s and Costco member all I can say is a BJ’s what happened to the hot dog
BJ’s has a deli that is the reason we shop there and not the other clubs. The prices at the deli on lunch meat and cheese can’t be beat(the other club stores do not have a deli) and the prices are far better than grocery stores.
No matter how y’all look at it bjs cheaper. BJ’s send out a big book each month and hand pick little packet of coupons and it always work out they have what I need for house supplies for me. Sticking to BJ’s.
Did you read the article? Costco and BJ have comparable prices. Costco also sends out a coupon every month. How about gas? Costco in the Boston, ma area has the cheapest gas than everyone else. I drive a lot so I save at least 20 cents per gallon and sometimes more. I used to have a BJ card and I didn’t like it. One of the worst shopping experiences I ever had was trying to buy tires at BJ’s. BJs made buy the tires in the store and then I had to cart them over to where they install them. Then there was one guy changing tires and 3 people in front of me. Took 3 hours to change my tires at BJ’s. I tried to talk with the manager at BJs but he had better things to do than deal with me. At Costco they change your tires while you shop (about 45 minutes). Also you can return anything at Costco.
That stinks about the tires. And seems strange. We got our tires done at BJs and it’s a separate area in the back. So we left the car had the tires done while we shopped. Took about 45 minutes. It’s like many stores the management at any retailer makes the store.
Hi. You mentioned tires. Went to a Tire Kingdom store here in Florida around 2016-2017 for 4 tires and an alignment on a Tuesday, or whatever mid-week day that I usually had off from work back then. Took 9 hours to get it all done. And of course, I had to pay first…so I was stuck. Took a nap, watched their tv, etc. Others were doing the same. Tires came in from a Tire Kingdom truck….guess it was from another store. After installation, I then had to wait for a turn on the alignment machine. 9 hours. Crazy. It still bothers me, and haven’t bought tires on any of my 3 vehicles since…my wife has once, and our adult son has once. (for different cars).
I have never stepped foot in a Costco, mainly because I have never lived near one. My friend hopes one will be built close to us at some point. With all I’ve heard from friends and now with your comparison findings, I don’t know I’m happy with BJ’s and its not too far from us. We have a list of items we know we can get at a better deal than Walmart or other local grocery stores. You need to know your prices and shop the deals at those stores. I wouldn’t be opposed to checking out a Costco in person but sounds like BJ’s is still the store to shop. Thanks for sharing this info to help us all make informed decisions!
BJ’s has a coupon for the dryer sheets and other store brand products, so wouldn’t BJ’s be cheaper overall when those are factored in?
I didn’t want to add in coupons because they change so frequently. Costco runs sales on their store brand items as well. Possibly if one store has a coupon for the store brand and the other doesn’t yes it would be cheaper. I felt looking at regular price makes the most sense for people who read the post today and months from today 🙂
I go to costco more than BJ’S simply because costco is 10 minutes away and BJ’S is 45… I’m glad to know the prices are so comparable because alot of time I wonder if I’m over spending just for the convenience of not driving over an hour round trip. I do prefer the atmosphere in BJ’s better though. I wish they would open one closer!!
Oh yes, I totally would be doing the same. For us, we have more BJs in our area and one Costco store. I’m glad to help you realize you can aren’t overspending on store brands if you shop at Costco. I can’t wait to do name brand items next!
I wish we had a Costco close by for certain things but overall I do like the value of BJ’s brand items. I have tried the Costco brand of wipes and I prefer BJ’s brand wipes, baby wipes that is. Thanks for the price comparison post.