Costco is suitable for those who buy in bulk and value a wide selection and strong customer service, while Aldi is better for those seeking lower prices and no membership fees, with a focus on store-brand products.
| Attribute | Costco Wholesale | Aldi |
|---|---|---|
| Price of staple goods (milk, bread, eggs) | Prices on staple goods are generally cheaper at Costco than at other supermarkets. For example, milk can be $3 cheaper in Hawaii. | Lower prices compared to traditional grocery stores. |
| Organic produce selection | Costco is the largest retailer of organic foods in the U.S.. They reached $6 billion in sales in 2024, representing nearly 10% of all organic food sales. Costco offers a wide selection of organic options, including fresh produce, dried fruits, frozen vegetables, prepared sauces, and salsas. | Selection of organic produce, including bananas, apples, berries, spinach, kale, and tomatoes. Continuously expanding organic options. |
| Meat and seafood quality and variety | Costco's meat department is highly rated for both quality and variety. They offer a wide selection of meats, including USDA Prime steak sirloin and Wagyu beef. Seafood lovers can find gourmet cuts of ahi tuna and lobster tails. | Offers meat and seafood, with some items under the "Never Any!" brand, which means they are without antibiotics, added hormones, steroids, or animal by-products. |
| Store brand quality and variety | Costco's Kirkland Signature brand is known for its quality and is often compared favorably to national brands. Kirkland products can save you up to 20% off any given product. Some Kirkland products are made by famous brands. | Over 90% of Aldi's products are exclusive store brands. These brands are tested to meet or exceed the quality of national brands, often at a lower cost. |
| Bulk buying options | Costco is known for selling products in bulk. Buying in bulk at Costco can save you over $1,000 a year compared to supermarkets. | Permits bulk buying, but it's best to contact the local store manager to arrange the purchase, pick-up, and payment. Not all items are available for bulk purchase. |
| International food selection | Costco offers a wide selection of international cuisine. They have an international food event where customers can sample foods from around the world. Costco carries many international brands, look for "Product of" or "Imported from" on the label. | Offers international food items, often as weekly specials that rotate. Commonly has Mexican and Asian items, and sometimes Indian items. During certain times like "German Week," they offer a wider variety of German groceries. |
| Prepared food options (deli, bakery) | Costco offers prepared foods such as rotisserie chicken for $4.99. They also offer bakery items. | Has prepared food options such as deli meats, salads, and baked goods. |
| Alcohol selection (beer, wine, liquor) | Costco offers beer, wine, and liquor. | Availability of alcohol depends on the state and local laws. Some Aldi stores sell beer, wine, and hard beverages like ciders and seltzers. Aldi's in-house alcohol selection is typically less expensive than name brands. |
| Store layout and cleanliness | Not available | Designed for efficiency, which means simple aisles and a smaller footprint. |
| Customer service and return policy | Costco is known for its commitment to customer service. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on both merchandise and membership. Costco's return policy is incredibly flexible and lenient. | Return policy allows customers to return most items within 60 or 90 days of purchase. Aldi also has a "Twice as Nice Guarantee" for Aldi-exclusive branded food items, offering a replacement and a refund if you're not satisfied. |
| Location and accessibility | Costco warehouses are located in many countries. Costco stores are easily accessible by car and public transportation. | Over 2,400 stores in 39 states. |
| Membership fees and benefits | Costco has annual membership fees. The Gold Star membership is $65 per year, and the Executive membership is $130 per year. Executive members earn 2% cash back on purchases. | Does not charge a membership fee. |