10 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco

Costco, known for its bulk offerings and competitive pricing, offers a range of products that are typically cheaper and cost less money than other retailers. Here are 10 items that are generally more affordable at Costco.

Comparable in quality to leading brands, Kirkland batteries are significantly cheaper. 

For example, a 48-pack of Kirkland Signature Alkaline AA batteries at Costco costs $15.99, while a similar quantity from a brand like Duracell could cost $42.99 at other retailers such as Walmart.

Costco’s pharmacy offers some of the lowest prices on prescription medications, often beating prices at both brick-and-mortar and online pharmacies. 

For instance, a specific generic medication like Finasteride, might cost $12.99 for a 90-day supply at Costco, whereas the same medication could be $29.79 if purchased at Walgreens. The Costco website also features a search tool where members may look up their medication and see prescription discounts available with their warehouse membership.

Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken is not only delicious but also a bargain at $4.99 each, consistently cheaper than most grocery stores like Vons or Ralphs where a similar chicken can cost $8.99 or more.

Costco gas stations typically offer gasoline at prices several cents per gallon lower than competitors. In order to see the prices for gas at your nearest Costco location, you may view current gas prices by logging into the Costco app.

High-quality and organic, this syrup is more affordable at Costco. A 33.8-ounce bottle is $14.99, while comparable syrups at other stores like Amazon’s 365 by Whole Foods Market, Maple Syrup are $19.94 for 32 fluid ounces.

A five-pound container of Kirkland Signature wildflower honey costs about $14.99 for five pounds.

Costco members pay less than they might at a big-box store like Walmart which sells an 80-ounce jug of Pure ‘N Simple Honey for $18.87.

Costco’s optical department offers competitive pricing on eyeglasses and contact lenses. A pair of eyeglasses could start at around $59.99, while similar styles and quality at other optical shops can start at $100 or more.

Known for its balance of quality and cost, a 30-roll pack of two-ply Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue might cost around $23.49 at Costco, whereas similar quality brands could be around $25 or more at other stores. 

One such example is Charmin ultra strong toilet paper. A 30-count package is currently $32.98 at Walmart.

Costco offers great deals on facial tissue. The Kirkland Signature facial tissue 12-pack costs $19.99, while the same quantity of a name brand at a competing retailer costs more. At Walmart, for example, Kleenex anti-viral facial tissue costs $39.00 for a 12-pack.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is not only competitively priced but also highly rated for quality.

A two-liter Kirkland Signature bottle can be as low as $21.99, whereas similar quality olive oils can cost upwards of $40 for the same quantity elsewhere. One example is the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil sold at Sprouts which is currently priced at $39.99 for two liters.

Disclaimer: Prices are accurate as of May 13, 2024, and are subject to change.

Heather Taylor contributed to the reporting for this piece.

Editor’s note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates’ editorial team.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.