Comparison · Verified May 2026
Murphy USA vs Costco: convenience vs warehouse fuel strategies
Two business models chasing the same low-price customer. Murphy USA via Walmart-adjacent convenience and no membership. Costco via warehouse-club density and a $65/year membership. The right answer depends on how much you drive and whether you already shop at either.
Quick answer
Murphy USA wins if
- You don't want to commit to a membership
- You drive less than ~260 gallons/year
- You already have Walmart+ (10¢/gal stack)
- You pay with Mastercard, Amex, or Discover
Costco wins if
- You shop Costco for groceries already
- You drive 500+ gallons/year
- You want Top Tier certified fuel
- You already pay with Visa
Side-by-side
All figures verified May 2026. The two chains have similar customer pitches (cheap fuel) but very different cost structures: Murphy USA earns on convenience and non-fuel margin; Costco earns on membership economics.
| Category | Murphy USA | Costco |
|---|---|---|
| Total US locations (2026) | 1,244+ (planning 1,744 by 2033) | ~500 gas stations |
| Adjacency strategy | 1,100+ at Walmart parking lots (27 states) | Co-located with Costco warehouses |
| Membership required | No (open to all drivers) | Yes ($65/yr Gold Star or $130/yr Executive) |
| Typical savings vs local | 10-15¢/gal below nearby exit stations | 10-30¢/gal (30-40¢ in volatile markets) |
| Walmart+ stack ($98/yr) | 10¢/gal off (best stacking opportunity) | Not applicable |
| Top Tier certified | No | Yes |
| Payment methods at pump | All major cards, cash, debit, Walmart+ scan | Visa only, Costco Anywhere Visa, cash, debit |
| Best for | Light drivers, anyone, no commitment | Heavy drivers, Costco shoppers, Visa users |
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Frequently asked questions
Is Costco or Murphy USA cheaper at the pump?
Costco usually wins on per-gallon math but requires a $65/year Gold Star membership. Murphy USA's typical 10-15¢ below-local discount stacks with Walmart+ ($98/year) for an additional 10¢/gal off, putting it within 5-10¢ of Costco for Walmart+ members without requiring the Costco membership commitment. The crossover point depends on your annual fuel volume.
Do I need a membership to buy gas at Murphy USA?
No. Murphy USA is open to all drivers at the pump. The Walmart+ membership ($98/year) only adds a 10¢/gal discount and isn't required to fuel up. This is the major structural difference from Costco, which gates ALL access at the pump behind a $65+ membership.
Is Murphy USA fuel Top Tier?
No. Murphy USA fuel meets EPA additive requirements but does not carry Top Tier certification. Costco IS Top Tier certified. For drivers prioritizing the manufacturer-recommended additive package, Costco wins on certification despite Murphy USA's no-membership convenience advantage.
Why are Murphy USA stations always next to Walmart?
Murphy USA's growth strategy from 2012 onward was built around Walmart adjacency. The two companies had a partnership that placed Murphy USA stations in Walmart parking lots in 27 states. The formal partnership ended in 2016, but the existing 1,100+ Walmart-adjacent stations remained. New Murphy USA growth (planning 500 more by 2033) is increasingly stand-alone but the Walmart legacy still defines the footprint.
What's the membership break-even at each chain?
Costco Gold Star ($65/yr) at a typical 25¢/gal savings vs local breaks even at ~260 gallons of fuel annually (about 9 fills/year for a 30-gallon-per-month driver). Murphy USA has no membership required, so the comparison is just per-fill savings. For drivers who fuel less than ~260 gallons/year, Murphy USA with Walmart+ ($98) often nets out cheaper than Costco with its membership because Walmart+ benefits extend beyond just fuel.
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Murphy USA, Costco, and Walmart are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Used here for nominative reference only. Gas Price Check is not affiliated with any of these companies. Membership rates, location counts, and amenity details verified May 2026 and subject to change.