Costco vs Sam's Club Eye Exam 2026: Direct Head-to-Head
The two overlap on exam price ($50-$100 Sam's vs $79-$110 Costco). Costco wins on glasses pricing and membership flexibility (no membership needed for the exam itself); Sam's can edge it at the low end for existing members. Below is the full per-metric breakdown.
Per-Metric Comparison (2026)
| Metric | Costco | Sam's Club | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (no insurance) | $79 - $110 | $50 - $100 | Close |
| 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) | $100-$150 ($50 club + $50-$100 exam) |
| Exam only, existing member | $79-$110 | $50-$100 |
| 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?
Close. Sam's Club $50-$100 vs Costco $79-$110, overlapping ranges. Costco needs no membership for the exam, so for a first-time visitor wanting only an exam it is often the cheaper total; existing Sam's members can edge it at the low end.
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 June 2026. Costs vary by location; coverage varies by plan.