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Costco is the undisputed king of bulk-buying. Yet, the $65 annual fee for its membership can feel like a gamble. For many people, the upfront cost seems steep. The truth is, some memberships can be a waste of money, but not this one. Costco can help you save hundreds of dollars a year with a little strategy.
By strategy, I don’t mean tracking the price of every brand of bread or mastering secret Costco shopping tips to save money. The real secret to saving money at Costco isn’t all that complicated – you just have to know what to buy. Last time, I found out that Costco had Kalamata Olives and the price for a 2-pack jar was comparable to the local grocery store! Honestly, you can’t go wrong their Kirkland brand. Great quality at good prices.
Anyways, let’s jump into the best things to buy at Costco that can easily pay for the cost of your membership.
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1. Rotisserie Chicken
There are many Costco deals you should not miss. However, nothing compares to Costco’s famous $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken. It is basically a national treasure and cult favorite, and no, we’re not being dramatic. For one, it’s cheaper and bigger than rotisserie chickens at other grocery stores, ultimately helping you save money. Secondly, it’s perfectly seasoned and versatile enough to use in salads, wraps, and casseroles all week.
2. Kirkland Batteries
It’s normal to second-guess yourself in the checkout line and wonder, “Is a Costco membership worth it?” Well, the answer is yes. The Costco membership is a huge money saver, especially if you buy premium and affordable alternatives like Kirkland batteries. They are highly rated for longevity, cost less per unit compared to smaller packs at other retailers, and can result in bigger savings.
3. Gasoline
If your local Costco has a gas station, you should think of it as your personal savings pump. Costco gas stations typically sell fuel that’s 10-30 cents cheaper per gallon, giving you an easy way to save money on every tank refill.
Pro tip: fill up midweek to skip the weekend crowds.
4. Ground Beef (Bulk Packs)
Buying ground beef in bulk might not feel glamorous, but it’s a solid money-saver, and your wallet will thank you. Kirkland Signature Ground beef costs $1-$2 less per pound (~$5.50/lb vs $6.88/lb in regular stores). You can portion it, freeze it, and enjoy more Tuesday taco nights without overspending.
5. Toilet Paper
You might have already heard about the legendary Kirkland Signature 2-Ply Bath Tissue. It comes in 30-roll packs and is a great deal for both price and quality. You could save as much as $10 per pack by buying toilet paper at Costco, rather than at grocery chains like Ralphs or Vons.
6. Peanut Butter (Natural/Organic)
Whether you’re team crunchy or creamy, buying Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter is undoubtedly a smart move. They taste the same, and you’ll usually get two giant 28-oz jars for the price of one organic jar (~$11) elsewhere. Plus, it’s made from fresh ingredients and without any preservatives.
7. Eyeglasses
Just because you are buying eyeglasses from a retailer, it doesn’t mean they’re poor quality or won’t last long. Costco Optical carries high-quality frames and lenses from brands like Bebe, Burberry, and Foster Grant, which cost $200-$300 less than traditional eyewear stores. Yes, it’s a great frugal living tip, and the fact that Costco Optical accepts most insurance plans makes it even better!
8. Prescription Medications
Whether it’s generic Lipitor or metformin, Costco’s Pharmacy Program has everything you might need. You can save money buying in bulk on your regular prescriptions, even without insurance. Besides, the FDA ensures that generic store-brand meds use the same active ingredient dosages as branded ones, making it a no-brainer.
9. Frozen Fruit for Smoothies
Next time you are stocking up your fridge, consider Costco’s Wyman’s and Kirkland Signature Frozen Mixed Berries. They come in massive bags and cost far less per ounce than other grocery stores’ freezer sections. Staying and eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive.
10. Olive Oil
Olive oil, especially high-quality extra virgin varieties, can be pricy. But what if you could get even better quality for a fraction of the price? I am not exaggerating – Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a top-tier product that comes without the steep price tag. Also, sourced from Mediterranean grooves, it consistently ranks higher in blind taste tests and rivals boutique brands at a much more reasonable price.
11. Fresh Flowers
Why spend a fortune at a florist when you can get a bouquet as lush as a garden at Costco, for a fraction of the price? Their Rainforest Alliance Certified flowers are perfect for gifts or brightening up your dinner table. Plus, you’ll get more blooms for your buck, making it an easy and smart way to boost your Costco grocery savings.
12. Spices & Seasonings
More money doesn’t always equal better quality, especially in the case of spices and seasonings. Even Costco’s bulk jars of McCormick Garlic Powder or Everything Bagel Seasoning are perfect for home cooks and cost less per ounce than other grocery brands.
13. Maple Syrup
With Costco’s 100% pure maple syrup, you could skip the fake and pricey stuff. Costco sells the syrup in 1-liter bottles, which are often cheaper than smaller, watered-down versions found at other stores. Pair it with your favorite cereal or a pancake mix from Costco, and save money on breakfast every day.
14. Cheese
Whether it’s Tillamook Cheddar or BelGioioso Mozzarella, Costco’s cheese aisle is dangerously good. These high-end cheeses cost much more per ounce at regular stores than at Costco. Plus, these aren’t off-brand – they are just smart buys for all cheese lovers.
15. Snack Packs
From Annie’s Organic Fruit Snacks to Kirkland Protein Bars, Costco serves all your snacking needs at a low cost. These protein bars are as good as Quest bars and cost far less per serving. Whether it’s for your child’s lunchboxes or a light snack post-gym, Costco has many affordable and healthy options.
16. Eggs
Nothing beats a classic breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. Luckily, Costco sells 24-count cartons of Kirkland Organic Eggs at a lower price than something like Organic Valley’s 12-packs. While the Costco 24-count pack costs $5.99, the Organic Valley’s 12-pack can cost much more at upwards of $7.99. It’s a no-brainer if you go through eggs quickly. You could also pair it with a smoothie made from Kirkland Signature Frozen Mixed Berries for the perfect start to your day.
17. Coffee Beans
All coffee aficionados would agree that our day doesn’t start until we have had our daily dose of caffeine. Luckily, Costco has got your back in that department, too. The superstore has a wide selection of fresh and affordable coffee beans, including bulk packs of Peet’s Coffee, Starbucks, and in-house brands like Kirkland Signature Colombian beans.
18. Laundry Detergent
Costco isn’t just great for groceries, it also has many affordable and excellent options for laundry products. For example, Costco’s massive bottle of Kirkland Free & Clear will get you more washes for your buck.
Here’s a quick example – a 150-ounce bottle of Kirkland Free & Clear costs around $11.99 (12 cents per load) and will give you 100 loads. Whereas, a 100-ounce bottle of Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent that’s good for approximately 64 loads costs around $14.99 (23 cents per load). That’s a savings of about 11 cents per load, which can add up quickly if you do laundry multiple times a week.
19. Baking Essentials
If you are an avid baker, Costco’s baking section might just feel like Willy Wonka’s pantry for grown-ups. From premium yet affordable ingredients like King Arthur Flour and Kirkland Chocolate Chips, to organic sugar, it has everything a baker might need. Stocking up on these essentials means you’ll never run out of ingredients to bake a surprise cake or brownies at 3 a.m. After all, sweet cravings can hit anytime – whether it’s midnight or first thing in the morning.
20. Gift Cards
Beyond groceries and everyday essentials, Costco also gives discounts on its gift cards. From a $100 Uber gift card for $80 to savings on Texas Roadhouse, Domino’s, and even movie theaters, the gold is often hidden in plain sight (near the checkout counter). Besides, deals like two $50 Spafinder gift cards for $75 make it easy to pamper yourself. Better yet, bring a friend along and turn it into a well-deserved self-care day.
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