When comparing Walmart vs. Costco and Canadian Tire, Costco comes out on top for best prices on everyday items and an excellent return policy. Walmart has the benefit of convenient locations and a wide variety of popular brands, while Canadian Tire stands out for its selection of tools and automotive parts.
This article shows how we compared prices, return policies, price match policies, and other aspects of these major retailers. There's also a selection of suggested credit cards to use at whichever of these places you prefer to shop.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart’s main appeal is its wide range of both generic and brand-name products.
- Costco offers the best prices for buying in bulk.
- Canadian Tire runs exceptional sales and has a better selection of auto items, tools, and tires.
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Walmart vs. Costco and Canadian Tire: An overview
For our Walmart vs. Costco vs. Canadian Tire study, we compared the prices of the exact same product offered by each store in the same region, using the store-owned brand whenever possible. Costco's generic brand is Kirkland, Walmart's is Great Value, and Canadian Tire carries Frank.
Here's an overview of what we found, with the lowest price in bold:
| Item | Walmart | Costco | Canadian Tire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper towels – store brand pkg of 12 | * $19.86 | * $33.99 | * $21.99 |
| Paper towels – Bounty 12 rolls | * $29.96 | * $39.99 | * $43.98 |
| Dishwasher pods – store brand | * $19.98 for 110 pods * 18.16 cents per pod | * $18.99 for 115 pods * 16.51 cents per pod | * No generic brand |
| Dishwasher tabs – Cascade | * $24.97 for 100 tabs * 24.97 cents per tab | * $23.99 for 115 tabs * 20.86 cents per tab | * $34.99 for 100 tabs * 34.99 cents per tab |
| Coffee (pods) – store brand | * $39.94 for 84 pods * 47.55 cents per pod | * $49.99 for 120 pods * 41.66 cents per pod | * $42.99 for 72 pods * 59.71 cents per pod |
| Coffee (ground) – Tim Hortons | * $28.47 for 875 g * 3.25 cents per gram | * $39.99 for 1.36 kg * 2.94 cents per gram | * $32.99 for 875 g * 3.77 cents per gram |
| TV – LG Nano 4K 50" | * $699.99 | * $447.99 | * $499.99 |
| Coffee table – lift top | * $128 | * $339.99 | * $204.99 |
| Car tires – each (BF Goodrich winter) | * $244.12 | * $179.99 | * $192.99 |
| Power drill – DeWalt combo | * $369.41 | * N/A | * $229.99 |
* Prices as of August 2026. All are the online prices before taxes or delivery fees.
Walmart vs. Costco and Canadian Tire: Walmart
You might shop at Walmart because there are more locations near you than Costco or Canadian Tire, but you might also enjoy shopping at the retailer because of its great range of brands and price points.
You'll almost always be able to find an inexpensive product under the Great Value grocery line, and Walmart also has its own line of home furnishings at everyday low prices. So, if you're furnishing your first place or just need basic housewares at an affordable price, Walmart probably has you covered.
Walmart return policy
You can return almost anything you purchase at Walmart, whether you bought it in-store or online. You just need to have valid proof of purchase and be within the 90-day return window.
There are a few exceptions for online purchases, such as when they were fulfilled and shipped from outside Canada or by Marketplace sellers, or when they're oversized items (like mattresses).
Some items also have a smaller return window. Contract post-paid phones only give 14 days, while the majority of consumer electronics and optical products have 30 days.
Does Walmart price match?
Walmart does not price match with its competitors. The closest you'll get is an in-store price that matches the price listed on Walmart.ca. The item must be exactly the same as what you see in store and still be in stock online.
It won't, however, price match any clearance or special-event prices, such as Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday.
Walmart vs. Costco and Canadian Tire: Costco
Take a look at the example prices we researched, and you'll see that you can often score a lower price at Costco while getting more product. Sure, you have to buy a Costco membership in order to access these amazing bulk prices, but if you're regularly stocking up or shopping for a group, the membership quickly pays for itself.
Costco makes it easier than the other retailers in this study7\ to compare prices while shopping. It clearly lists each item's unit price, so you can see the best deal down to the ounce. Costco also uses special price codes to offer manager specials or clearance products.
Costco return policy
Costco has one of the most legendary return policies because it's so generous. Costco wants customers to enjoy their products, and if, for some reason, you aren't satisfied, you can return an item (even if it's opened or used) for a full refund.
There are some exceptions to be aware of, though. Costco doesn't allow returns for:
- Cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries (these may have limited-time warranties listed)
- Custom installation services
- Airline and live performance events
- Gold bullion, gold bars, silver coins and silver bars
- Gift cards and Costco Shop cards
Costco pricing
At first glance, Costco's prices might look higher than the competition, but if you look at the product sizes, you'll usually see you're getting more bang for your buck.
As you shop the warehouse, pay attention to how items are priced. Costco's secret sales codes can help you save even more on your next haul.
| Price Code | What it Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ends in .97 | Clearance | Buy now |
| Ends in .88 or .00 | Manager discount | Buy if the item is in good shape |
| Ends in a 9 | Regular price or manufacturer discount | You might want to wait for it to go on clearance |
| Ends with * | Item won't be restocked | Buy now |
Walmart vs. Costco and Canadian Tire: Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire (CT) stands out from these retailers as your most Canadian option, but its selection often isn't as extensive as Walmart's. This also means you won't have as many opportunities to buy in bulk as you do at Costco.
However, if you need tools or tires, you'll get a better range of products to choose from at affordable prices. Big-ticket items, like electronics, are priced similarly at Costco, so comparison shop before you buy at CT.
Although groceries tend to cost more across the board, some CT sales offer sweet deals on household favourites.
Canadian Tire return policy
If you have your receipt and the unopened item, you can return it within 90 days. If you can't find your receipt, Canadian Tire offers to look up your purchase information if you paid by credit or debit card.
Some items have different return deadlines:
- Auto electronics: 14 days
- E-scooters and electronics: 30 days
- Dehumidifiers, air conditioners, gas-powered outdoor equipment, and outboard motors: 30 days
- Apple products: 30 days
- Bikes are eligible for tune-ups within 30 days, but can't be returned
There's also a lengthy list of exclusions you should check before starting a return.
Be aware that Canadian Tire's Christmas and Halloween decor is subject to stricter return policies – see your local store for details.
Does Canadian Tire price match?
Canadian Tire stopped price matching with its competitors a few years ago. Unlike Walmart, Canadian Tire won't match the prices displayed for its in-store products against what's listed on its website.
Best credit cards for shopping at Walmart, Costco, and Canadian Tire
Here are your best credit cards for each retail giant:
| Category | Card Name | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best card for Walmart | MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 5 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and select recurring bills (up to $50,000 spent annually per category) * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases |  $40 GeniusCash + Up to 30,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Best co-branded Walmart card | Walmart Rewards World Mastercard | $0 | * 3% back in Walmart Rewards at Walmart * 1% back in Walmart Rewards on all other purchases | 25 Walmart Dollars (terms) | Learn more |
| Best card for Costco | Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | $0 | * Earn 2% cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Comwave, or Shaw * Earn up to 3% cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars * Otherwise, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases | None | Learn more |
| Best co-branded Costco card | CIBC Costco World Mastercard | $0 | * 3% cash back on restaurants and Costco gas (up to $5,000 spent per year) * 2% cash back at other gas stations, EV charging, and at Costco.ca (up to $8,000 spent per year) * 1% cash back on all other purchases | None | Learn more |
| Best card for Canadian Tire | SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express | $119.88 | * 4% cash back on gas and groceries * 2% cash back on all other purchases | 10% cash back for the first 3 months + $50 (terms) | Learn more |
| Best co-branded Canadian Tire card | Triangle World Elite Mastercard | $0 | * 4% CT Money at Canadian Tire stores * 3% CT Money on grocery store purchases * 1% CT Money on all other purchases * Collect 5 cents CT Money per litre on reg/mid grade fuel, or 7 cents on premium fuel at Gas+ and Husky stations | None | Learn more |
FAQ
Is Costco cheaper than Walmart in Canada?
In our study, most of the products we compared were cheaper at Costco, and, in some cases, you actually got more product for your money. That said, because you're buying in bulk and have to pay a membership fee, be prepared to spend more initially.
Which one is better, Costco or Walmart?
It's hard to beat Costco's prices and fantastic return policies. Our only quibble is that you have to pay for a membership and be prepared to spend a lot, since you're buying in bulk. This might make it harder for some Canadians to shop at the warehouse.
Are prices better at Canadian Tire vs. Walmart?
Prices are generally better for groceries at Walmart unless you can score a great deal at Canadian Tire. However, prices for home goods, tools, and tires tend to be cheaper at Canadian Tire. It just shows the importance of comparison shopping.
What's the return policy at Costco?
The general rule for Costco returns is that you can return unopened items with your receipt within 90 days of purchase. However, there are quite a few items that have special return windows, so check your receipt to see if you have less time (or can't return the item at all).
Which is better, Canadian Tire or Walmart?
In terms of prices, the best retailer depends on what you're shopping for. Walmart tends to have cheaper grocery prices and a somewhat better price-matching policy. Canadian Tire boasts a larger selection of tools and auto supplies and occasionally runs big sales.
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