Costco vs Sam's Club Eye Exam 2026: Direct Head-to-Head
Sam's Club wins clearly on exam price ($45-$50 vs $79-$110). Costco wins on glasses pricing and membership flexibility (no membership needed for the exam itself). Below is the full per-metric breakdown.
Per-Metric Comparison (2026)
| Metric | Costco | Sam's Club | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (no insurance) | $79 - $110 | $45 - $50 | Sam's Club |
| Exam (with VSP / EyeMed copay) | $10 - $25 | $10 - $25 | Tie |
| Contact lens fitting | $95 - $140 | $85 - $120 | Sam's Club |
| Membership cost | $65/year Gold Star | $50/year Club | Sam's Club |
| Membership required for exam? | No (OD is independent) | Yes | Costco |
| Glasses pricing (frames + lenses) | Excellent value | Competitive | Costco |
| Frame selection breadth | Wider | Smaller | Costco |
| Progressive lens pricing | Strong | Mid | Costco |
| Number of locations | ~580 warehouses | ~600 clubs | Sam's Club |
| Walk-ins? | Limited | Limited | Tie |
Total Cost Scenarios (2026)
| Scenario | Costco Total | Sam's Club Total |
|---|---|---|
| Exam only, new member (no glasses) | $79-$110 (no membership needed) | $95-$100 ($50 club + $45-$50 exam) |
| Exam only, existing member | $79-$110 | $45-$50 |
| Exam + mid-range glasses | $250-$350 | $220-$320 |
| Exam + premium progressives | $400-$550 | $420-$580 |
Quick rule: Exam only with no membership? Costco. Exam + glasses with existing membership at either? Compare total quotes - Costco wins on premium frames, Sam's on basic.
FAQ
Is Costco or Sam's Club cheaper for an eye exam in 2026?
Sam's Club: $45-$50 vs Costco $79-$110. Even with the $50 membership, Sam's saves money for first-time members on exam alone.
Which has better glasses?
Costco generally wins on glasses pricing, frame selection, and progressive lens value. Sam's Club is competitive but a smaller selection.
Do I need a membership for the exam?
Costco: no, the optometrist is independent. Sam's Club: yes, membership required to access Optical Center.
Do both accept VSP and EyeMed?
Yes. Both accept VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, Spectera, Humana, and Aetna. Verify locally as the OD is independent.
Which has more locations?
Sam's Club ~600 clubs vs Costco ~580 warehouses. Roughly equivalent footprint, though Sam's has more rural locations.
Sources
- Costco Optical Services
- Sam's Club Optical
- Costco membership pricing
- Sam's Club membership pricing
- NerdWallet — Cost of an Eye Exam
All prices verified May 2026. Costs vary by location; coverage varies by plan.