4 Costco Buys That Save Money and 4 That Waste It

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Costco is known for savings, but not every bulk buy delivers real value. Some items lower household costs over time, while others only look like deals until spoilage, storage limits or unit pricing are factored in.

Below are several Costco items that tend to be worth it, along with a few popular bulk buys that may not make sense for every household.

Worth It

A Business Insider comparison found that a cart filled with Costco’s Kirkland Signature items was about 37 percent cheaper than national brands after adjusting for package size, highlighting how much savings can depend on choosing the right categories. Here are several that are worth picking up on your next visit:

1. Rotisserie Chicken

• Price: $4.99 to $6

Costco’s rotisserie chicken remains one of the warehouse club’s most dependable bargains. It is typically cheaper than ready-to-eat chickens at grocery stores, and often competes with or surpasses the per-pound price of raw whole chickens. Because it is fully cooked and large enough for multiple meals, it works well for soups, salads, sandwiches and simple dinners. For shoppers who value convenience without overspending, this is a bulk buy that consistently delivers value.

2. Kirkland Signature Allergy Tablets

• Price: $5.66

For households that regularly rely on allergy medication, Costco’s store brand offers long-term savings. Large bottles sharply reduce the per-pill cost compared with smaller packs of brand-name options, which makes the savings especially meaningful for frequent users.

The value adds up over time without requiring any change in routine. According to Business Insider, Costco’s store-brand allergy medicine can be up to about 89% cheaper per unit than national brands.

3. Bounty Advanced Paper Towels, 2-Ply, 103 Sheets, 12-Count

• Price: $32.99

Buying paper towels in bulk can make sense for households that use them regularly. Costco’s Bounty pack typically offers a lower cost per sheet than smaller packages sold at grocery stores or big-box retailers. For families that go through paper towels weekly, this bulk option reduces repeat purchases without sacrificing quality.

4. Costco Gas

• Price: $2.00 to $4.90 per gallon (nationwide — regular unleaded)

Costco gas is a practical savings swap for drivers who fill up consistently. Prices are often lower than nearby stations, and even modest per-gallon savings can compound over a year. Costco gas frequently runs 5 to 25 cents cheaper per gallon than comparable local stations, which can translate into noticeable savings for commuters and families with predictable driving habits.

Not Worth It

Not every bulk buy offers the same payoff, especially when freshness and household habits come into play. These four items below fall into the category for various reasons:

1. Fresh Avocados in Bulk

• Price: $9.07 (6-count)

Buying avocados in bulk can be a gamble. Shoppers often report finding bruised or unevenly ripened fruit once the bag is opened, even when the avocados felt firm at purchase. Because ripeness can vary widely within the same bag, a few bad avocados can quickly turn into wasted money or the hassle of a return.

2. Ruffles Potato Chips, Cheddar & Sour Cream (27 oz)

• Price: roughly $6 to $8

The oversized chips bag does not always deliver real savings. The per-ounce price is often similar to sale prices on smaller grocery store bags. Once opened, flavored chips can go stale quickly, and the strong seasoning may lose its intensity over time. For many households, the larger size increases the risk of waste.

3. Kirkland Signature Favorites Candy Variety (90 oz)

• Price: $27.23

Bulk candy is usually best suited for short-term needs like holidays or parties. Outside of those occasions, the high upfront cost can be hard to justify. Once opened, repeated exposure to air can reduce freshness, which lowers the overall value if the candy is eaten slowly.

4. Pre-Cut Fruit

• Price: $13.61

Pre-cut fruit offers convenience, but it rarely offers strong value. The per-pound cost is typically much higher than buying whole fruit, even though quality is similar. Once cut, fruit spoils faster, shortening shelf life and increasing the risk of waste. For shoppers with basic prep time at home, whole fruit usually delivers better value for the same budget.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of Feb. 28, 2026 and subject to change. All imagery sourced from Costco.com.

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