What $200 in Groceries at Costco Will Cost You at Target
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Many people believe that shopping at wholesale clubs like Costco can save money on groceries and more. But is it really true?
To find out, GOBankingRates compared how much $200 in common groceries from Costco would cost at Target. Also, find out how to save money on groceries no matter where you shop.
Shopping at Costco vs Target
Of course, it’s important to keep a few factors in mind. Often, you need to buy groceries in bulk at Costco, which means you might spend more initially, but the items will last longer. Unfortunately, if you purchase food like school snacks in bulk packages, there is often one flavor no one in your family likes. That reduces the overall value of the product for your home.
There’s also the convenience of making a quick Target run rather than dealing with Costco’s limited hours. Some warehouses are only open until 7 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., compared to Target, which is often open until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.
Finally, there’s the price of your Costco membership to get the deals. A Gold Star membership currently goes for $65, while an Executive membership, which pays 2% cash back, is $130 per year.
That’s not to say there’s not a lot to love about Costco — there is! But is it really cheaper to buy groceries at Costco than Target?
Price Differences
Prices for the cost of multiple quantities from Target had to be calculated for accurate comparison. For instance, Kirkland Signature butter is only available in a bundle of four 1-pound packages from Costco. Likewise, you have to buy 18 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese to get the low per-box price of 83 cents.
It’s worth noting that the only item out of this bucket of 15 common grocery items that is cheaper at Target is Classico pasta sauce, on which you’ll save a whopping 73 cents on 96 ounces at Target, which equals three 2-pound jars at Costco.
If you have the storage space and the cash to lay out, you can reduce your grocery bills substantially in 2025 by planning ahead and buying groceries at Costco.
In fact, based on these 15 items, you’d cover the cost of a Gold membership on your first visit and come pretty close to paying for an Executive membership, especially when you factor in cash back.
| Food | Costco Price | Target Price |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk — 1 gallon | $2.27 | $3.49 |
| Eggs — 5 dozen | $16 | $19.95 |
| Earthbound Farms Caesar Salad Kit — 24 ounces | $9 | $15.39 |
| Kirkland Signature Butter — 4 pounds | $14 | $15.96 |
| Spinach — 1 pound | $4.29 | $4.99 |
| Salmon — 3 pounds | $31 | $47.94 |
| Kraft Mac and Cheese — 18 boxes | $15 | $23.22 |
| Barilla Pasta — four 2-pound boxes | $10.49 | $15.12 |
| Classico Pasta Sauce — three jars (96 ounces total) | $12.69 | $11.96 |
| Frosted Flakes — 61.76 ounces (two bags) | $8.69 | $14.20 |
| Pepperidge Farm Bread — three loaves | $5.69 | $11.97 |
| Broccoli — 3 pounds | $6 | $9.96 |
| Ground Beef — 4 pounds | $25 | $24 |
| Starbucks K-Cups — 72 K-Cups | $40 | $105.12 |
| Total Cost | $200.12 | $323.27 |
Editor’s note: Costco prices were sourced from the Costco store in Melville, New York; Target prices were sourced from Target.com and the Target store in Farmingdale, New York. Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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