From tempting free samples to exotic finds, Costco is a one-stop shop for families and adventurous shoppers alike.
But with deals galore, is the $60 membership worth it? While not every item screams "bargain," some categories consistently shine bright.
Ready to unlock the true value of your membership? Dive into our top picks for Costco deals that are worth every penny.
Editor's note: prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Allergy medicine
Costco’s prices on over-the-counter allergy medications are simply unmatched: under $12 for a year’s supply of cetirizine (generic for Zyrtec) and less than $9 for a year’s supply of loratadine (generic for Claritin).
The prices per tablet of these medications are much higher in pharmacies and grocery stores.
Redditor zkfoster notes that “allergy meds…alone would justify the cost of my membership.”
Cage-free eggs
OK, so you have to buy 24 eggs at Costco rather than your usual dozen, but eggs last three to five weeks in the fridge. Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand comes in at about $0.23 per egg, whereas other grocers come in closer to $0.41-$0.53 per egg.
Redditor NookinFutz has observed that Costco has improved the packaging for their eggs: “I was thrilled to see that the 5-dozen eggs in my Costco are now in cardboard boxes with cardboard inserts, taped shut and sealed. Two separate purchases and not one egg is broken. ROCK ON, Costco!”
Maple syrup
Redditor BBQshoe explains, "I have a small bacon-making operation going on, so for me, it's probably maple syrup and black pepper."
Good-quality maple syrup can be hard to find, and when you do, it's expensive. Some grocers even sell "table syrup," which is brown rice syrup masquerading as the good stuff. Luckily, you can get a liter of organic maple syrup at Costco for $15.20.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Hot dog meal
You’re lucky if you can get a gas station candy bar for under $1.50, let alone a 1/4 lb. hot dog and a drink with free refills. Redditor FriendsAndFood says, “There isn’t any other place I would buy hot dogs when Costco sells theirs for $1.50.”
Costco’s staunch stance that the price of the hot dog meal should stay the same as it was in the 1980s has kept our wallets and our bellies full and grateful. If you’re not taking advantage of this part of your Costco membership, you’re missing out.
Plastic wrap
A 3,000-ft box of Kirkland’s stretch-tite plastic food wrap will last you years.
Redditor neener691 says, “My uncle, who's now passed always wrote the date on everything. We are currently using his box of Kirkland Signature plastic wrap, purchased on 7/23/2007. RIP Uncle.” (For context, they posted this at the beginning of 2024.)
This plastic wrap costs less than $0.01 per square foot, so it’s about as cheap as you can get it.
Trending Stories
Chocolate chips
If you have room in your pantry for four pounds of chocolate chips, you can get them significantly less by getting the Kirkland Signature brand rather than a national or grocery store generic brand.
Redditor ApatheticFinsFan agrees that “chocolate chips and vanilla extract are just insanely cheap compared to normal grocery stores.”
Gasoline
Depending on how often you fill up, the savings in gasoline alone could make a Costco membership worth paying for.
Redditor sgwagers states that Costco “always has the cheapest price.” Gas at this warehouse giant is usually between $0.05 to $0.20 cheaper than you’ll find elsewhere, making it worth the trip to Costco to save on gas.
Diapers
Kirkland diapers aren’t cheaper than regular generic brands, but this isn’t a fair comparison when it comes to quality. Costco diapers are made by Kimberly-Clark — the same manufacturer that makes Huggies.
Redditor TortugaAmigo explains, “Kirkland diapers are Huggies just with different graphics, and they barely try to hide it.” When you compare Kirkland to Huggies on price, Costco consistently comes out on top.
Cheese
Dairy products represent a big possibility for saving money at Costco. Redditor yupitsanalt was surprised by this, but explained that “when I tracked cost, it was much cheaper to buy cheese at Costco.”
Block cheddar cheese is just over $3 per pound — much cheaper than you usually find it in the grocery store. If you’re concerned about using a two-pound block before it goes back, you can cube or shred it and freeze it. Your savings account will thank you.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Clothing
This depends on the brand and the season, but Costco offers some real steals on clothing. For example, Kirkland brand men’s jeans are under $10!
Redditor HoboMinion takes advantage of these. They explain, “I work construction so I’m hard on my clothes. The most I’ve paid for a pair is $20 and the least is $12. I watch them online because they usually are cheaper and have specials like buy five qualifying clothing items and get $25 off.”
A three-pack of ladies’ sports bras is $19.99 and jackets are only $16.99. Swimsuits and Halloween costumes are usually a good deal if you can pick them up before they sell out.
Footwear
It’s pretty tough to find quality, inexpensive sneakers, but Costco has several major brands at bargain prices. It carries Puma, Adidas, and Skechers athletic shoes for men and women — all at under $40.
Redditor Tromperie9 has realized first-hand how popular Costco shoes are: “I have run into at least three people wearing the same Puma shoes we bought at Costco.”
Costco also has several snow boot styles under $40.
Rotisserie chicken
In a rush to make dinner? Redditor nursingninjaLB recommends Costco’s “roasted chickens. Those things are amazing, and the next comparable item is easily almost twice as much at the grocery store.”
If your family is small, you can get two or three meals off of a $4.99 bird. This loss leader is a big reason for many families to shop at Costco.
Batteries
You’re not sacrificing quality when you buy Kirkland batteries at Costco because they’re manufactured by Duracell.
Redditor Nardelan notes that “they have a longer shelf life than the older batteries (12 years versus 10 years),” so you don’t have to worry about that 48-pack of AAs losing their zip anytime soon.
Vitamins
Costco can help you save on your daily vitamins. Its multivitamins for kids and adults are cheaper than their grocery store counterparts, and they have a wide selection of individual vitamins for specific conditions.
Redditor ModularFolds attests to their quality too: “We've used them for years in my family and whenever I get blood labs done, things always look quite spiffing … I'm a ‘two thumbs up’ for Kirkland vitamins.”
English muffins
If you’re a fan of making breakfast sandwiches, pick up your English muffins at Costco. They’re priced at around $0.44 each compared to $0.58-$0.66 at other grocers.
Redditor cxrlxs agrees: “I just realized how cheap the Thomas English Muffins are compared to places like Ralph’s — almost half off.”
Bread products freeze well, so you can pop any packages you can’t use right away in the freezer and keep more money in your pocket.
Bottom line
While bulk doesn't always guarantee savings at Costco, certain categories consistently offer excellent value.
Focus on these gems to maximize your shopping trip, leaving more time to sample those delicious treats and compare prices on other items.
And don't forget to bring your best cash back credit card to save even more on your next Costco run.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.