Costco Savings: Worth Your $60 Membership Fee?
Costco is known for its low prices and loyal customers who are willing to spend at least $60 per year on a membership fee.
Top 5 Items Worth Buying at Costco
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1. Bacon
Costco offers very low prices on bacon if you buy it in bulk. Ramhold recommends the four-pound package of Kirkland Signature Premium Sliced Bacon, which can be found for $15.29, she says. That works out to $3.82 per pound, whereas prices at other stores tend to be closer to $6, says Ramhold.
With bacon, you can always store it in a freezer to stretch out its use over four months.
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2. Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream isn’t the absolute cheapest ice cream you can buy, but it is “premium-level delicious” and can be found for roughly $8 per gallon, depending on where you shop, says Ramhold.
That’s a good price compared to other premium brands of ice cream of the same size, such as Blue Bell, which can be found for $8.32 at Walmart stores in select locations.
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3. Honey
There is a variety of honey products at Costco, but Ramhold’s personal favorite is the five-pound bottle of Kirkland Signature Wildflower Honey, which can be found for $17.99 online, although in-store prices tend to be cheaper, she says.
That works out to about 23 cents per ounce, which is “far better” than name-brand retailers that sell honey for as high as 50 cents per ounce, says Ramhold.
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4. Gas
Since you’ll likely have driven to Costco, you might as well get a full tank of gas while you’re there. Costco’s gas prices tend to be cheaper than what you’ll find at nearby gas stations.
As of Thursday, a gallon of regular gas at a New York Costco costs $3.09, compared with about $3.40 at nearby gas stations, per Gas Buddy data. For 20 gallons, that works out to just more than $6 in savings, which can add up over time.
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5. Pizza
Costco’s best-known deal is the absurdly cheap $1.50 hot dog and 20-ounce drink combo. And, its 18-inch large pizza can be found for $9.95 in store food courts. At that size, “you can easily feed a family of four,” says Ramhold. Considering that individual fast-food meals are typically more than $10, that’s about as cheap as you can find.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the items mentioned above are some of the best items worth buying at Costco, bearing in mind that prices can vary between stores and online. With an annual membership, shoppers can enjoy affordable prices on essential items, including bacon, ice cream, honey, gas, and pizza. It is worth noting that quantities may vary depending on individual needs, and it is always recommended to buy only what is necessary. Additionally, it is important to consider expiration dates and storage requirements for perishable items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Costco membership worth the $60 annual fee?
A: While opinions may vary, many customers find that the savings outweigh the cost of membership, especially for frequent shoppers.
Q: Are prices at Costco always cheaper?
A: No, prices can vary between stores and online, but many items like the ones listed above are notable exceptions.
Q: Can I return items if I’m not satisfied?
A: Yes, Costco has a return policy for most items, but it’s best to check with store staff for specific policies and limitations.
