A First-Timer’s Guide to Costco: Must-Buys and Tries on Your First Visit

If you’re considering getting a Costco membership for the first time, let us explain why that yearly fee is well worth the cost. This superstore has a ton of items that cost you less when you buy in bulk, and it saves you multiple trips back and forth from the store.

Plus, there are plenty of exclusive savings that are great for any household, whether that’s on name-brand products or value-sized deals. Your membership can easily pay for itself if you shop for the following bargains and more.

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

Price: $32.99

This bulk-size buy at Costco can save you serious cash. A cup of Starbucks coffee would usually cost at least $3, but with this deal, you can make one at home for just $0.50 each.

You get four varieties of classic Starbucks flavors and blonde, medium, and dark roasts in this variety pack. Put these K-Cups in your Keurig for a fresh brew that saves you a trip to the drive-thru.

Price: $25.49

At Costco, you can enjoy high-quality products for less under the Kirkland brand, like these Wagyu patties.

You get five pounds worth of ground beef patties, ready to pop on the grill, in these convenient purchases. Plus, each pound comes to around $5 each for a steal you can’t find elsewhere.

Price: $13.99

Enjoy rich, creamy butter in any dish or recipe with this four-pound pack of sweet cream butter.

Buying individual sticks at other stores, like Target, would cost you around $3.99 per pound. But at Costco, each pound only costs $3.50. Plus, this high-quality butter elevates any baked good, and this bulk size is perfect for making large batches.

Price: $34.99

You can buy all of your pet food at Costco for considerably lower prices than pet stores. This variety pack of wet cat food includes 45 easy-open trays in three flavors for under $35. That’s just $0.22 per ounce.

And you can always count on quality; this grain-free cat food is made with real ingredients for a meal your pet is sure to love.

Price: $18.89

You get over a thousand plush tissues in this value pack, each at only just $0.02.

Costco has the Kleenex brand to combat sniffles, sneezes, and more with an ultra-soft touch for your comfort. This bargain gives you 12 cube boxes you can set anywhere, and these tissues are hypoallergenic.

Price: $16.49

This variety pack of sodas has your favorite flavors in a smaller, more convenient size.

Each pack includes 10 cans of Sprite, Cherry Coke, and Fanta Orange for under $17. This is especially handy for parties, and each can cost about $0.50.

Price: $8.99

Add more veggies to your diet with Costco’s selection of frozen vegetable mixes.

These mixed veggies come cut and ready to heat in a variety of ways, including as a side dish or in homemade chicken pot pie. This five-pound bag has carrots, green beans, corn, and peas for under $10.

Price: $33.49

Get 30 rolls of your favorite brand of toilet paper in this Costco deal.

With each roll, you get 213 two-ply sheets for your comfort, and it’s all under $35, which beats other store prices. Each sheet is wider than typical toilet paper, so this is one purchase worth the trip to Costco.

Price: $8.99

Having enough water on hand is key for any household, so stock up and save at Costco.

This value pack has 80 bottles of purified water, which equals five gallons for under $10. In comparison, you can only get 32 bottles of water at Target for $7.19, so this is a much better deal.

Price: $11.99

Costco shoppers love this vanilla extract, and the price is just right for anyone looking to save.

This bulk-sized bottle is handy for baking or adding some sweet vanilla taste to any homemade dish or drink.

Plus, you’re getting 16 FL ounces for under $12, which should last you a long time and is much more affordable than buying a smaller size at your local grocery store.

Price: $16.99

Costco has name-brand-quality clothing for less, like this four-pack of boxer briefs.

This hot item has a super-soft cotton and comfort fit that rivals other boxer briefs from your favorite retailers. At four for $17, each pair costs just $4.25.

Price: $7.49

Make cooking even easier (and more affordable) with these value-sized bottles of Pam cooking spray.

Each 12-ounce bottle offers over a thousand sprays to keep your food from sticking to pans, grills, and more. Plus, one eight-ounce bottle from Walmart would costs $3.97, so this is much more cost-effective.

Price: $10.69

Having handy meals and staples in your pantry is a must for any household.

This pack of tri-color pasta can save you time and money during those busy nights. These easy-to-make pasta varieties give you over a pound in these six bags, which rounds out to $1.60 each.

Price: $19.99

Costco’s multi-packs make it easy to stock up your fridge, closet, garage, and more.

These no-show socks easily add to your sock drawer with some comfortable and affordable options. You get 20 black, white, or multicolored socks in a pack, making each pair just $1.00 for an unbeatable bargain.

Price: $129.99

While this may seem like a pricier find, this cookware set comes with 12 non-stick pots and pans that can upgrade your kitchen for around $12 per piece.

This item is also a customer favorite, which is another great thing about a Costco membership. Since so many shoppers have tried their products, you can follow up online on reviews.

The comments about the durability of this item mean you’re saving more in the long run.

Price: $8.99

Stocking up on your canned goods is a budget-savvy choice at Costco.

These organic black beans are versatile for any recipe, and they add a nice dose of protein and fiber. Since you get eight 15-ounce cans per pack, you’re only spending $0.75 an ounce.

Price: $19.99

Costco has a ton of items comparable to name brands, like these Flextech trash bags.

Each value-sized box has 200 13-gallon bags to fit all of your trash, recycling, mess, and more. And at this price, each sturdy bag is only $0.10, meaning you get your money’s worth out of this bargain.

A Costco membership is an amazing deal for households of any size. This superstore's wide selection of home goods, clothing, groceries, and more can truly reduce your grocery bill.

You can even stop by Costco's cafe to grab an inexpensive (but tasty) bite or utilize their pharmacy for even more savings.