5 Fall Items From Costco That Cost Way More at Target
Written by
Jamela Adam
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Fall is the season of pumpkin spice everything, cozy baked goods and festive home decor. But stocking up on these seasonal favorites can get pretty pricey if you’re not careful where you shop. Target might have the aesthetics nailed down, but when it comes to saving money and staying within your budget, Costco may be the winner.
Here are five fall items you’ll save big on at Costco compared to Target.
Pumpkin Pie
Costco’s signature 12-inch pumpkin pie costs just $5.99 and weighs a whopping 58 oz. That works out to about ten cents per ounce, which is practically unheard of for a pie of this size and quality.
At Target, you’ll find much smaller pumpkin pies (around 20 ounces) for about $5.39. That means you’d have to buy nearly three Target pies to equal the size of Costco’s. So if you’re feeding a crowd for Thanksgiving, definitely go with Costco’s pie if you want to save money.
Oversized Real Pumpkins
Costco has previously sold giant real pumpkins that cost just $6.99 each. So if you want real pumpkins to carve for Halloween or use as statement pieces on your front steps, consider getting them at Costco. Of course, you could also get them from a pumpkin patch, but Costco could be a great alternative if you want to save time and money.
Target typically sells decorative pumpkins at $10 to $25 each, depending on the size and style. Unless you can’t find a Costco near you, it won’t make financial sense paying more for a fake pumpkin when you can get the real thing for under $7 at Costco.
Fall Mums
Costco sells fall garden mums in six-packs (including pots) for around $50, and they’re usually healthier and larger than what you’ll find at most retailers. The plants come in vibrant fall shades like yellow, orange, red, and purple.
Target sells mums and similar seasonal arrangements for anywhere from $22 to $48, depending on the size and whether you’re buying a decorative planter. That’s quite a big markup for something you’ll only display for a season.
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Costco’s bakery is always a highlight, and their fall pumpkin streusel muffins are one of the best deals you’ll find. A pack of eight muffins costs just $6.99, which comes out to around $0.87 per muffin. They’re big, moist and perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
At Target, you’ll pay more for much less. Their pumpkin streusel muffins cost $4.99 for a pack of four. That’s over $1 per muffin. So not only are you getting fewer baked goods for your money, but the per-item cost is far higher.
Chicken Pot Pie
Costco’s chicken pot pie weighs in at about six pounds and costs around $22 (about $3.99 per pound). It’s packed with chicken, vegetables and a flaky crust.
At Target, the chicken pot pie costs $16.59 per 30 oz, which is around $8 per pound. To feed a family, you’d have to buy multiple Target pies and spend more money for less food. Costco’s version is big enough to feed a group or leave you with leftovers.
Costco Wins
Costco’s fall lineup proves that bigger really is better when it comes to seasonal shopping. Though Target may win in the decor aesthetic department, Costco wins hands-down on value.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of Sept. 13, 2025 and subject to change.
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