Sometimes it’s hard to know what the best things to buy at Costco are. How do you know if you’re getting the best values at Costco? You can save a lot of money by shopping at Costco, but you can also waste a lot of money there. I have a list for you of the best Costco deals and things not to buy at Costco.
Costco has been one of my favorite places to shop since it’s very beginning. In fact, I totally remember when it was Price Club. That was ages ago. It seemed so exclusive to get a membership to this Amazing warehouse store. I’ve been a loyal customer ever since.
I used to buy everything there .. we’ve had couches, appliances, kitchenware, furniture, books, movies, bedding, and pretty much everything else you can think of from Costco. I have figured out through the years that I have a weakness for spending tons of money when I’m shopping there and I had to actually put myself on Costco time-out for a period.
I even have a daughter that has worked for Costco for over 10 years now. She would keep me updated on all their new treats, foods, road shows, clothes, etc.
In time, I figured out how to shop there without buying everything under the sun. I’ve learned how to walk by all the housewares without even looking. And, I make sure to only go once per month to help keep the spending down.
Can you Get Good Deals at Costco?
It’s easy for people to assume that since they’re buying in bulk, they’re getting a good deal. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. There are many things at Costco that are priced much higher than at your regular grocery store. That’s why I tell people to be sure and use a price list. You’d be best to read about How to Make a Grocery Price List, here. That way, you’ll know the next time you’re at Costco whether to buy or not.
You really have to be a smart shopper to find the good values, don’t just assume.
We recently took a 2-month trip cross country and went into many different Costco stores. We found that we could get the same great deals everywhere we went, from the East Coast to the West Coast.
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Having a Large Insulated Shopping Tote is perfect for keeping all your meats cold and your frozen foods frozen.
How to Save Money Shopping at Costco
Reduce Your Trips
Reduce the number of times that you go to Costco. We reduced our trips down to once per month, which has saved us a ton of time and mostly, saved us from overspending on all those things we don’t NEED, but WANT.
Beware of Impulse Buys
Don’t get roped into all the appealing housewares that are available. I swear, they are marketing geniuses!
I don’t tend to get roped into impulse buys, but Costco gets me. I start thinking about how nice a new toaster would be, or fresh towels and bedding. I even get tempted to buy furniture …. oh, boy it feels like a rope dragging me over to those things. I have to tell myself to STAY STRONG!
Related Reading: 7 Smart Ways to Stop Impulse Spending
Watch Out for the Samples
We love the samples, it’s almost like getting a free lunch. Just don’t start grabbing those foods that weren’t on your list or aren’t a good value.
You know they use the samples to pull you to the back of the store. They know that the more things you pass by, the more you will put in your cart. It’s the same with the toilet paper. Everybody buys TP at Costco so it’s the furthest back … just to suck you in.
Check Unit Prices
Like I mentioned above, knowing your unit prices is the best way to make sure you only buy the things that are a good value. Just because it’s a large package doesn’t mean you’re paying less per unit.
Don’t Buy the Convenience Foods
Costco’s freezer and deli case are packed with amazing convenience foods. It’s important that you really consider how much you’re paying for these things and whether you should just be making them on your own. My rule is that these convenience foods are only worth buying if they will save you from eating out. They are kinda like Rescue Meals or Emergency Meals. If you’re using them as your everyday meals, you’re overspending way too much. Learn to make some Quick Meals from Your Pantry or other 15-Minute Meals Your Family Will Love.
Related Reading: 15-Minute Meals Your Family Will Love
Fuel or Gas
Gas at Costco tends to be at least $.10-$.15 per gallon cheaper. I’ve even seen it as much as $.75 per gallon cheaper. That kind of difference really makes it worth driving a little bit out of your way to buy there. Our Costco is just about 4 miles from where we live and work, so it’s always worth it to make a run there when we need gas. Pay attention to the gas prices around you and see if it’s worth it for you.
What We Buy at Costco to Save Money
After lots of shopping and tracking prices, I have figured out some great deals at Costco. I make sure to buy these things at Costco to save the most money. I know that some items are different prices around the country, but I’d guess that’s the case whether you’re at Costco or your standard grocery store.
The Best Things To Buy at Costco
Be sure to check your Costco’s prices against the prices at your favorite grocery store.
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Bananas
- Romaine Lettuce
- String Cheese
- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Pizza
- Frozen Seafood
- Milk
- Butter
- Peanut Butter
- Dog Food, I love that they carry grain-free dog food
- Paper Products
- Vitamins, this is the vitamin D3 that I get
- Ibuprofen
- Printer Ink (I use HP Instant Ink and it has been amazing, it comes straight to my door)
- Batteries
- Wine
Is a Costco Membership Worth It?
If you are using your Costco membership to buy the items that are a good value, then Yes, your membership is totally worth the money. You can make back your membership fee very quickly depending on how much you shop. If you end up getting an Executive Membership, you may even be able to earn enough cash back to pay for it. If you don’t, they will refund the cost of your Executive upgrade.
Things Not To Buy At Costco
- Cereal — I can always get a better price at the grocery store by choosing what’s on sale
- Meat — While Costco does have high-quality meat, it always costs more than I can find on sale elsewhere
- Canned Soups and Vegetables — Better to find on sale at the grocery store
- Soda — Nobody should be drinking this stuff if you want to save money
Don’t forget to go grab the Grocery Price Book Download. It’ll save you a ton of money, whether shopping at Costco or your favorite grocery store. It’s the easiest way to verify the lowest prices on the things you buy.
