11 Costco Items That Are Actually Cheaper Than Dollar Tree

When you're trying to stretch your monthly budget, purchasing necessities from your local Dollar Tree might seem like a logical choice. However, Costco offers many bulk purchase items that cost less per unit.

Whether you're looking for cleaning supplies or snacks, more often than not, Costco members save more money with the affordable choices offered by the big retailer.

Check out the following price comparisons for 11 items at Costco that are worth picking up.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

At Costco, the Kirkland Signature paper towels cost $23.99 for a 12-pack. The two-ply sheets are absorbent and ideal for quick cleanups. Dollar Tree sells similar paper towels for $3 for a two-pack with 111.8 feet of paper per pack.

The cost per foot of Costco paper towels is 23 cents. For instance, Dollar Tree's price for paper towels is 34 cents a foot, making Costco a much better deal.

Buying in bulk is the perfect way to save money on household essentials. At Costco, a 30-pack of Kirkland toilet paper costs $24.99.

Dollar Tree offers a 6-count pack for $5 with 31 square feet per roll. While the cost per roll is the same, Costco's toilet paper has approximately 16 square feet more per roll, making it a better deal.

Alkaline batteries are good to have on hand, especially during the holidays. Costco Kirkland Alkaline batteries are sold in packs of 48 for just $15.99.

The price per battery is a little over 33 cents. At Dollar Tree, you can purchase a 4-pack of alkaline batteries for $3, making the cost per battery .75 cents. At Costco, you'll get more than twice the number of batteries for the same price.

You don't want to run out of this one! Buying soap in bulk ensures you always have soap on hand at every sink in your home. Costco Softsoap Advanced Clean liquid hand soap refills come in a two-pack for $12.99 each.

The cost per fluid ounce is 8 cents. Dollar Tree sells single pumps of regular Softsoap for $1.25 or at 17 cents per ounce. At Costco, you'll pay half what you'll pay buying at Dollar Tree.

Dawn Powerwash is the perfect all-purpose cleaner for dishes and household messes. Costco offers the starter kit, which includes the spray bottle and two refills at a special price of $10.09. Dollar Tree sells just the spray for $5.

While the Dollar Tree price may seem like the better deal, the cost per ounce of cleaner is 31 cents. The price per ounce in the Costco starter kit is 16 cents.

Kraft Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a quick lunch or as an easy dinner side. At Costco, you can purchase an 18-count case for $18.99.

Each box of mac and cheese costs $1.06. Dollar Tree also sells Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for $1.25 a box. You only save 19 cents per box, but if you're buying in bulk to fill your pantry, you'll save $3.42.

If you do a lot of cooking or spend time on food prep and freezing meals, you probably rely on aluminum foil for storage. A 500-foot roll of Kirkland aluminum foil at Costco lasts a long time.

You'll pay $35.99 a roll or 5 cents per square foot. Dollar Tree offers the smaller 25-square-foot rolls for $1.75. The cost per square foot is 7 cents.

Crest 3D White helps protect against cavities while removing surface stains. Costco sells five packs for $17.99, with a cost of $3.52 per 5.2-ounce box.

You can purchase a 2.4-ounce box at Dollar Tree for $5. The price per ounce at Costco is 68 cents. Purchasing at Dollar Tree, you'll pay $2.08 per ounce.

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Honey Nut Cheerios is part of a heart-healthy diet. It's low in cholesterol and ideal for a quick breakfast or snack. Costco's regular price is $11.99 for two 27.5-ounce boxes.

The cost per ounce is 21 cents. Dollar Tree offers small 3.5-ounce bags of Honey Nut Cheerios for $1.25. The Dollar Tree price is 14 cents more per ounce.

Trash bags are another household staple that can be expensive. Purchasing in bulk is one of the best ways to save money. Kirkland 13-gallon Flex-Tech trash bags are available at $20.99 per 200.

The individual cost is just 11 cents per bag. Dollar Tree has lavender-scented store brand bags at $5 for 35. The price per bag is 14 cents. The Kirkland bags offer stronger construction for 3 cents less.

Whether you're getting ready for the annual family picnic or prefer throwaway utensils over washing dishes, you can stock up at Costco with a 500-count pack of heavyweight plastic forks for $15.39.

The cost per fork is 3 cents. You can purchase a pack of 30 heavy-duty plastic forks at Dollar Tree for $1.25. However, the price per fork is 4 cents.

With a little research, it's easy to see why Costco is one of the best choices to save more on everyday essentials when you're on a budget. Costco offers many prices that beat popular Dollar Tree options.

In addition to everyday essentials, Costco also offers a wide range of products, including kitchen and bath towels, office supplies, and over-the-counter medications, allowing you to complete all your shopping needs in a single location.