Warehouse clubs and discount retailers dominate the conversation whenever drivers search for cheapest gas prices near me. Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Walmart all offer fuel at competitive prices, but significant differences exist between them. Understanding which option delivers the best value in your specific area requires comparing membership costs, geographic coverage, pricing strategies, and quality standards.
No single choice wins universally. The best option depends on where you live, how much you drive, what you already shop for, and which locations sit conveniently along your regular routes. Smart comparisons account for all these factors rather than just looking at advertised prices.
Understanding the Players
Before diving into comparisons, understanding each company’s structure and fuel strategy helps set realistic expectations.
Costco: The Warehouse Club Leader
Costco operates 914 stores worldwide with gas stations at most U.S. locations. The company built a reputation for exceptional fuel pricing, averaging 53 cents per gallon below competitors in California with similar advantages nationwide.
Costco uses fuel as a major membership benefit rather than a profit center. The company reported record fuel sales in 2025 after extending hours to 6 AM – 10 PM on weekdays at most locations. Executive members, who now comprise about half of Costco’s membership base, account for 74.2% of net sales.
All Costco fuel meets Top Tier standards with enhanced detergent additives. The warehouse club’s pricing philosophy emphasizes consistency—minimal markups across all locations with changes based on wholesale costs rather than competitive positioning games.
Sam’s Club: Walmart’s Warehouse Division
Sam’s Club operates over 600 locations nationwide, owned by Walmart but functioning as a separate warehouse club concept. Sam’s Club offers similar products and services to Costco, including competitive fuel pricing at most locations.
Sam’s Club prices fuel aggressively to compete with Costco in overlapping markets. The company benefits from Walmart’s massive purchasing power and supply chain infrastructure. Payment flexibility exceeds Costco—Sam’s accepts Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express rather than Visa-only.
Geographic strength concentrates in Southern and Central states, though national coverage continues expanding. Sam’s Club serves markets where Costco presence remains limited or nonexistent.
BJ’s Wholesale Club: East Coast Specialist
BJ’s operates approximately 240 locations concentrated on the East Coast from Maine to Florida. This regional focus means most Americans lack convenient BJ’s access, but East Coast residents find strong coverage.
BJ’s differentiates itself by accepting manufacturer coupons, unlike Costco and Sam’s Club. This creates additional savings opportunities beyond fuel discounts. The club prices competitively with other warehouses in overlapping markets.
Gas stations exist at most BJ’s locations, using similar business models to Costco and Sam’s—low margins on fuel to drive membership value and store traffic.
Walmart: Supercenters With Fuel
Walmart Supercenters sometimes feature gas stations, often branded as Murphy USA or Murphy Express. These stations operate separately from Sam’s Club fuel centers despite Walmart’s ownership of both brands.
Walmart gas stations don’t require memberships, making them accessible to anyone. However, they typically don’t match warehouse club pricing. These stations target convenience for Walmart shoppers rather than serving as dedicated fuel discount destinations.
Pricing varies more dramatically between Walmart locations than between warehouse club facilities. Some Walmart stations price competitively; others charge closer to traditional station rates.
Membership Costs Comparison
Understanding membership economics helps determine which club delivers best value for your specific situation.
Costco Membership Tiers
Gold Star membership costs $65 annually, providing basic warehouse and fuel access. Executive membership runs $130 yearly but returns 2% cash back on all purchases, including fuel. For households spending $3,250+ annually at Costco, the cash back covers the membership upgrade cost.
Executive benefits include early shopping hours (one hour weekdays, 30 minutes weekends) and a $10 monthly grocery credit for orders over $150. These perks appeal to frequent shoppers beyond just fuel savings.
Sam’s Club Membership Tiers
Basic membership costs $50 annually—the lowest entry price among major warehouse clubs. Plus membership runs $110 yearly, offering 2% cash back on qualifying purchases (up to $500 annually), early shopping hours, and free shipping with no minimum purchase.
Sam’s Club Plus membership delivers lower cash back caps than Costco Executive but costs $20 less. The break-even calculation depends on total annual spending patterns.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Tiers
Club membership costs $55 annually, positioned between Sam’s basic and Costco Gold Star pricing. Club+ membership runs $110 yearly, matching Sam’s Plus pricing.
The Club+ tier provides 2% cash back on most purchases but only 1% back on fuel—different from Costco and Sam’s which offer consistent percentages across all purchases. BJ’s also offers manufacturer coupon acceptance, creating unique savings opportunities.
Walmart Gas: No Membership Required
Walmart gas stations require no membership, eliminating annual fees entirely. This represents a significant advantage for low-mileage drivers who wouldn’t save enough on fuel alone to justify warehouse club memberships.
However, lack of membership requirements correlates with less aggressive pricing. Walmart stations typically price 5-15 cents above warehouse club rates, though still often beating traditional branded stations.
Geographic Coverage Comparison
Location availability dramatically impacts which option delivers practical value.
National Coverage Leaders
Costco and Sam’s Club offer the broadest national coverage. Costco dominates Western states, particularly California, Washington, and Oregon. Sam’s Club shows strength in Southern and Central regions, especially Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
Both clubs operate in most major metropolitan areas nationwide, though specific neighborhood coverage varies. Finding your nearest Costco location helps determine whether their pricing advantage offers practical accessibility.
Regional Specialists
BJ’s concentrates exclusively on the East Coast. Residents of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida find strong BJ’s coverage. Other regions lack any BJ’s presence.
This geographic limitation means BJ’s only competes in specific markets. East Coast drivers benefit from having three warehouse club options; other regions choose primarily between Costco and Sam’s Club.
Walmart Ubiquity
Walmart operates over 4,600 U.S. locations, far exceeding any warehouse club’s footprint. However, not all Supercenters include gas stations. Murphy USA stations appear at approximately 1,500+ Walmart locations, providing broader but still selective coverage.
Rural areas often feature Walmart gas as the only discount fuel option. Small towns without warehouse clubs still typically have Walmart presence, making Murphy stations valuable alternatives in markets where warehouse clubs don’t operate.
Price Comparison: Who Wins?
Actual pricing determines real value. Theoretical advantages mean nothing if competitors consistently beat you at the pump.
Warehouse Club Price Parity
In markets where Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s compete directly, prices typically stay within 2-5 cents per gallon of each other. All three use similar low-margin strategies and respond to competitive pressure.
Temporary advantages shift between clubs based on wholesale purchasing timing. One club might lead this week; another next week. Long-term averages show minimal sustained differences in head-to-head competition.
This parity means choosing based on convenience, membership costs, and shopping preferences rather than assuming one club consistently undercuts others.
Costco’s Slight Edge
When statistical differences exist, Costco marginally leads on average pricing. The company’s larger scale and operational efficiency create slight advantages in wholesale negotiations. However, these differences rarely exceed 3-5 cents per gallon—meaningful but not dramatic.
Understanding why Costco maintains pricing advantages reveals this edge stems from business model choices rather than permanent market position. Competitors can and do match Costco when they prioritize fuel pricing aggressively.
Walmart’s Different Tier
Walmart gas stations typically price 5-20 cents above warehouse clubs but still beat traditional branded stations. This middle-tier pricing reflects Walmart’s different strategy—convenience for existing shoppers rather than fuel as a primary membership driver.
For non-members of warehouse clubs, Walmart represents a solid option. For warehouse club members, Walmart rarely offers competitive advantages unless specific Murphy USA locations run temporary promotions.
Quality Standards Comparison
Price matters, but long-term engine health depends on fuel quality. All four options meet basic legal requirements, but certification levels vary.
Top Tier Certification
Costco and Sam’s Club both carry Top Tier certification, guaranteeing enhanced detergent packages that exceed EPA requirements. This certification provides confidence in long-term engine protection.
BJ’s also uses Top Tier certified fuel at most locations. Walmart Murphy USA stations vary—some locations use Top Tier fuel, others don’t. Check specific locations for certification status.
Understanding fuel quality differences helps evaluate whether minor price advantages at non-certified stations justify potential long-term engine deposits and reduced efficiency.
Consistency Across Locations
Warehouse clubs maintain more consistent quality standards across all locations. Murphy USA stations at Walmart show more variation since individual locations may source fuel from different suppliers.
For drivers prioritizing consistent quality, warehouse clubs deliver more predictable experiences regardless of which specific location you visit.
Convenience Factors
Beyond price and quality, practical convenience considerations affect real-world value.
Operating Hours
Costco extended hours to 10 PM on weekdays at most locations, improving accessibility significantly. Sam’s Club operates similar extended hours at many facilities. BJ’s hours vary by location but generally close earlier than the other two clubs.
Walmart Murphy USA stations often operate 24/7 or with extended hours matching Walmart Supercenter schedules. This provides maximum flexibility for drivers with irregular schedules or overnight needs.
Payment Method Flexibility
Costco accepts only Visa credit cards and PIN-based debit cards. Sam’s Club accepts Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. BJ’s similarly accepts multiple card networks. Walmart Murphy USA accepts all major credit cards.
Payment flexibility matters for drivers optimizing credit card rewards. Premium gas rewards cards offering 5% back often run on non-Visa networks, making Sam’s, BJ’s, or Walmart more compatible with rewards strategies.
Wait Times and Congestion
All popular discount fuel locations see traffic, but patterns vary. Costco typically experiences the heaviest congestion due to market-leading pricing. Sam’s Club sees moderate traffic. BJ’s and Walmart generally have shorter waits.
Learning how to avoid long lines helps at any location, but drivers extremely sensitive to wait times might prefer slightly higher prices at less crowded alternatives.
Making Your Choice: Decision Framework
Selecting the best option requires evaluating your specific circumstances rather than following general advice.
Assess Geographic Options
Identify which clubs and Walmart stations exist within convenient distance of your regular routes. Options along your daily commute or near home deliver far more value than slightly cheaper alternatives requiring detours.
Calculate Membership Economics
Determine annual fuel consumption and typical savings at each available option. Factor in membership costs for warehouse clubs. Include shopping benefits if you’ll use the warehouse for groceries and household items beyond just fuel.
A driver using 600 gallons annually saving 15 cents per gallon saves $90—enough to cover Sam’s basic membership ($50) with $40 remaining, or nearly covering BJ’s Club membership ($55). Costco’s $65 Gold Star requires slightly more usage to justify through fuel alone.
Consider Total Household Usage
Multi-vehicle households multiply savings proportionally. Two cars doubling fuel consumption mean membership costs get justified twice as fast. Include all household vehicles when calculating break-even points.
Evaluate Shopping Patterns
Drivers who already shop at warehouses for groceries find fuel savings as bonus benefits. Those joining solely for fuel need to ensure fuel savings alone justify annual costs. Understanding how membership clubs save money helps make informed decisions.
Regional Recommendations
Different regions see different competitive dynamics that affect optimal choices.
West Coast: Costco Dominance
California, Washington, and Oregon see heavy Costco presence with exceptional pricing. Sam’s Club operates in these states but with fewer locations. BJ’s doesn’t exist on the West Coast. Costco represents the clear choice for most West Coast drivers with convenient access.
East Coast: Three-Way Competition
From Maine to Florida, drivers choose between Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. All three price competitively, making decisions based on location convenience and shopping preferences rather than fuel pricing alone.
South and Central: Sam’s Club Strength
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and surrounding states see strong Sam’s Club coverage with competitive Costco presence in major cities. Sam’s lower membership cost ($50 vs $65) creates slight advantages for fuel-only members in these regions.
Rural and Small Town: Walmart Advantage
Communities without warehouse clubs often feature Walmart Murphy USA as the only discount fuel option. Despite pricing above warehouse clubs, Murphy stations beat traditional branded alternatives while requiring no membership fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which warehouse club has the cheapest gas prices overall?
No single club consistently wins everywhere. Costco marginally leads on average national pricing, but differences typically stay within 2-5 cents per gallon. In markets where all three clubs compete, prices fluctuate based on wholesale timing, and leadership shifts weekly. Choose based on which club sits most conveniently along your regular routes rather than chasing minor price differences that change constantly.
Can I use my Costco membership at Sam’s Club gas or vice versa?
No, memberships are not interchangeable. Each warehouse club requires its own membership for fuel access. You cannot use a Costco card at Sam’s Club or a Sam’s card at BJ’s. Some drivers maintain memberships at multiple clubs for maximum flexibility, but this requires paying separate annual fees for each club.
Is Walmart gas the same as Sam’s Club gas?
No, despite Walmart owning Sam’s Club, their fuel operations are separate. Walmart Supercenter gas stations (often Murphy USA) don’t require memberships and typically price higher than Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club gas stations require paid memberships but offer lower prices. They source fuel independently and maintain different operational standards.
Do I really save enough at warehouse clubs to justify membership costs?
Most frequent drivers do. Saving 15 cents per gallon on 480 gallons annually (12,000 miles at 25 mpg) totals $72—covering Sam’s basic membership ($50) or nearly covering Costco Gold Star ($65). Higher savings, more mileage, or multi-vehicle households justify memberships even faster. Low-mileage drivers under 8,000 miles annually might not save enough on fuel alone to justify membership.
Which club has the best fuel quality?
Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s all use Top Tier certified gasoline with enhanced detergent additives. Quality is essentially equivalent across all three. Walmart Murphy USA varies by location—some use Top Tier fuel, others don’t. For guaranteed quality consistency, any of the three warehouse clubs delivers equivalent engine protection.
Can I buy gas at warehouse clubs without shopping inside?
Yes, membership allows gas purchases whether you shop inside or not. Many drivers buy memberships exclusively for fuel access without using warehouse shopping benefits. However, combining fuel savings with occasional bulk shopping maximizes membership value. The clubs want you to shop inside, but you’re not required to beyond paying membership fees.
Which club is best for someone who needs diesel fuel?
Diesel availability varies by location. Costco offers diesel at select locations, primarily in areas with commercial vehicle traffic. Sam’s Club similarly provides diesel at some facilities. BJ’s has limited diesel availability. Check specific locations before assuming diesel access. For diesel-dependent drivers, location-specific availability matters more than which club name appears on the sign.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Best Option
Comparing Walmart, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco reveals no universal winner. Each option serves different needs and geographic markets. Costco leads slightly on average pricing but requires higher membership fees. Sam’s Club offers the lowest membership entry cost with strong Southern coverage. BJ’s serves East Coast markets well with unique coupon policies. Walmart provides no-membership access with middle-tier pricing.
Success requires matching options to your specific situation. Drivers with convenient Costco access and high annual mileage typically find it delivers best value. Those in Sam’s Club strongholds might prefer the lower membership cost. East Coast residents benefit from comparing all three warehouse clubs. Rural drivers without nearby warehouse clubs find Walmart Murphy USA beats traditional stations without requiring memberships.
The smartest strategy involves maintaining flexibility. Check current prices at all nearby options before each fill-up. Even if one location wins 80% of the time, checking ensures you catch the 20% when alternatives offer better deals. Markets change, promotions launch, and wholesale timing creates temporary opportunities at unexpected locations.
Don’t let brand loyalty override economics. If Sam’s Club sits on your route and prices match Costco that requires a detour, choose Sam’s. If Walmart runs a weekend promotion beating nearby warehouse clubs, take advantage. Treating all options as tools in your savings toolkit rather than making rigid commitments to single brands maximizes long-term savings across all fueling decisions.