7 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco

Costco is filled with deals, but that doesn’t mean every item is always a bargain. As with any store, it pays to compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal — but there are some exceptions to this rule.

Some items are always cheaper at Costco, so you can keep them on your shopping list without a second thought. This will save you time and money, because you’ll already know you’re getting the best deal without having to shop around.

GOBankingRates spoke with two Costco shoppers to find out which items they’ve found are always cheaper at Costco. Here’s a look at seven types of products they advised never buying anywhere else.

When it comes to Costco groceries, Bill Boersma, a Costco shopper and owner of life insurance consulting practice OC Consulting Group, said Kirkland brand food items offer an exceptional value.

For example, a 64-count box of Kirkland Signature Soft and Chewy Granola Bars is just $12.59 at Costco — i.e., $0.20 each. On the other hand, a 36-count box of Quaker Chewy Granola Bars is $8.27 at Walmart, breaking down to $0.23 each.

“Rotisserie chicken is a loss leader at only $4.99,” Boersma said. “Grocery stores charge at least $8 for the same thing.”

He said you can build a seriously affordable dinner around this popular Costco item.

“Pick up a chicken, salad and dinner rolls for a family meal at a fraction of the usual cost,” he said.

“Gasoline is typically 10 to 15 cents per gallon less at Costco,” Boersma said. “Filling up once a week could save you over $200 per year, quickly offsetting the membership fee.”

You’ll pay $60 per year for a Gold Star Membership or $120 annually for an Executive Membership, but he said the discounts you’ll receive on gas will add up significantly over time.

“Prescription drugs are significantly cheaper at Costco,” Boersma said. “My clients have found discounts of up to 80% on generic drugs and substantial savings on brand-name medications.”

The Costco pharmacy can be a good option for anyone, especially if your insurance coverage isn’t ideal.

“If you’re uninsured or have a high deductible plan,” Boersma said, “the Costco pharmacy can save you hundreds per year.”

“Costco’s over-the-counter drugs are quite affordable, particularly for those running big families or managing chronic illnesses,” said Darian Shimy, Costco shopper and founder and CEO of FutureFund. “Using its bulk buying power, the massive warehouse often offers these products at 20%-30% less than conventional supermarkets or pharmacies.”

For example, a two-bottle pack of Kirkland Signature Ibuprofen — 200 milligrams, 1,000 total tablets — costs $12.99 at Costco. In comparison, a same-size, same-strength bottle of Walgreens Ibuprofen costs $38.99.

“The savings are even more noticeable for vitamins or allergy meds,” Shimy said. “Since their pharmacy is usually open to non-members, so you do not always need a Costco membership to access these savings.”

Therefore, he said, buying these items at Costco can be a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.

“Costco’s restaurant gift cards present a creative approach to cut dining-out expenses,” Shimy said. “This lets families afford meals out without going broke or offers a reasonably priced means of getting presents for friends.”

For example, you can get $100 in TGI Friday’s gift cards for $79.99.

If you need office supplies, Shimy said Costco’s bulk pricing really shines.

“Often ranging from 30% to 40% when compared to conventional office supply stores or online merchants, the savings on these items can be significant,” he said. 

This can result in savings for home office needs, but he said larger entities can really rack up the savings.

“For small businesses, nonprofits or schools running significant quantities of these supplies, these savings can total hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars yearly,” he said. “The secret is to correctly project usage to prevent overbuying and to have the storage capacity for these bulk purchases.”

This will ensure you don’t accidentally buy more than you need, which would of course negate your savings.

Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Aug. 12, 2024.