Pricing and Savings
- Cost Plus Drugs: Uses a transparent "cost-plus" model, charging the manufacturer's cost plus a 15% markup, a $5 pharmacy fee, and a flat $5 shipping fee. It is often the best choice for expensive generics; for instance, the anti-nausea medication aprepitant was found to be nearly $1,000 cheaper than through GoodRx.
- Costco Pharmacy: Known for very low prices on common maintenance drugs. In a study of common generic formulations, Costco had the lowest cost for 31% of medications, compared to 10% for Cost Plus Drugs. Costco's dispensing fee is approximately $4.49, which is among the lowest in retail pharmacy.
- Pet Medications: Costco is frequently cited as a cheaper option for pet medications compared to traditional veterinary offices or online pet-specific retailers. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Membership and Accessibility
- Cost Plus Drugs: No membership fee is required. It operates as an online-only mail-order pharmacy through Truepill.
- Costco Pharmacy: You do not need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy. However, members who join the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) receive deeper discounts, typically ranging from 2% to 40% off. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
| Feature [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9] | Cost Plus Drugs | Costco Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Fee | None | Optional (required for deepest discounts) |
| Inventory | Over 1,000 generics; no brand names yet | Broad selection, including brand names and pets |
| Speed | Mail-order: 5–7 business days (standard) | In-store pickup (same-day) or mail-order |
| Best For | Expensive/specialized generics |
Routine maintenance meds and pets
|
COSTCO Pharmacy vs Walmart Pharmacy
| Feature [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] | Costco Pharmacy | Walmart Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Dispensing Fees | Lowest overall | Mid-range |
| Delivery | Free standard USPS (6–14 days) | Free 5- to 7-day mail order |
| Generic Deals | 90-day supplies as low as $9.99 | Select 30-day generics for $4 |
