13 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Costco is home to some of the best deals you can find. The big-budget chain celebrated its 40th anniversary of passing along savings to its customers in 2023 and looks to continue that trend in the future.

That being said, what are some of the items that Costco really sells for so cheap? A recent survey by Business Insider revealed the best deals on Costco products. The following are the best bang for your buck products next time you shop.

1. Rotisserie Chicken

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Are you looking for a tasty hot meal that your whole family will love? Look no further than Costco’s signature rotisserie chicken, a meal it has been selling for a staggeringly low price of $4.99 for years now.

Seriously, how great of a deal is that? With competitors like Boston Market and KFC selling whole birds for as much as $12.99, it’s no wonder why this item is one of Costco’s top sellers. Be sure to pick one up next time you’re shopping.

2. Luxury Bath Towels

Having a high-quality bath towel can make an ordinary shower feel like a luxury spa. The oversized soft cotton fabric towels will make you never want to buy cheap towels ever again.

Luckily, if you are a Costco member, you won’t have to. The store is routinely cheaper than Amazon and other retail locations. At Costco, you can purchase a two-pack of Charisma Bumpy Rib bath towels for as low as $29.99, while similar products retail for well over $40.  

3. Coffee Pods

Costco’s signature Kirkland brand of coffee pods provides one of the cheapest cups of coffee you can get your hands on. In a recent survey, a 120 package of pods cost $31.99. If you break that down, that is just $.27 per cup! Why would you not take advantage of these savings?

If you compare these prices to other brands, you will see how much you can save with a Costco membership. The average price per pod at Walmart will cost as much as $.45, with name brands being up over a dollar.

4. Reading Glasses

One of the many benefits of being a Costco shopper is its variety of services. Not only can you shop for daily household products, you can also visit the in-house optometrists, for eye exams, reading glasses, and contact lenses.

Costco offers all the name brands that other retailers do but gets its frames at a much cheaper price. The warehouse club then pass on the savings to its members. Budget frames can be found for less than $20, and this includes custom fitting. 

5. Paper Towels

Once again, Costco uses its house brand of Kirkland to undercut its competitors. For a 12-pack of Kirkland paper towels, a member will pay $22.99 per package. Compare that to Target’s Up & Up brand, which costs only a dollar more at $23.99, but Kirkland has 160 sheets per roll, while Target only has 150.

If you do the math, a Kirkland pack provides 120 more sheets. That’s like getting an extra roll of paper towels with each purchase. Over time, those savings can really add up.

6. Golf Balls

Golfing is an expensive hobby. Between equipment, course fees, attire, and practice time, most golfers would love a good deal on some quality golf balls. That is why many choose to shop at Costco between their tee times.

These balls may not be name-brand, but they are just as good in quality. The Kirkland three-piece, V2.0 urethane-covered balls cost only $34.99 for a 24-pack. Compare that to some name brands such as Titleist and Callaway, which can cost the same amount for a pack of 12, if not more.

7. Hot Dog Meal

With prices at fast food restaurants continuing to rise, there’s one place left where you can get a cheap meal for a few bucks: Costco. The food court at your local store has been serving up its famous hot dog meal for $1.50 since the early 1980s.

If you think this is a bitesize hot dog, you’d be wrong. This hearty dog, which comes with a fountain drink, will satisfy any appetite. And, for the price, you will only find a cheaper meal if you are capable of traveling back in time.

8. Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine

You might be starting to find a recurring theme in this study. Kirkland brand products are considerably cheaper than other products in the same category. This trend continues with Costco’s allergy medicine.

Kirkland Signature Aller-Flex costs $28.49 for 180 tablets, which translates to about $0.16 per pill. The active ingredients are equivalent to the popular Allegra, which costs $37.99 for a pack of 60 at Target, or $35.99 for a 100 pack on Amazon. Simple math proves how great of a deal the Kirkland brand is.

9. Pet Food

You can save a lot of money by purchasing your furry friend’s food in bulk. For example, a 38-pound bag of Blue Buffalo Protection Formula Dry Dog Food at Costco costs $64. In contrast, a smaller, 30-pound bag at Target costs $70. That’s a comparison of $1.68/per pound versus $2.33/per pound.

For the money you will be saving, you can splurge on extra pet toys and treats. Your pets will love you more!

10. Multivitamins

Load up on your family’s multivitamins on your next Costco trip. A pack of 425 Centrum Adult multivitamins costs $24.99, but the same product can be found at retail stores for as much as $40.

Costco also has a wide inventory of vitamins and supplements for their Kirkland line. Whatever type of vitamin or remedy you are looking for, you are sure to find it in the pharmacy section of your local Costco.

11. Gift Cards

Sure, you can purchase gift cards at most retail and grocery stores, but only membership stores like Costco offer them at a discounted rate. Next time you are shopping, take a peek at the gift card section, you might be shocked to see the prices.

For example, Costco might offer a deal for two $50 gift cards for only $75. This is literally free money for the consumer. If you already spend a lot of money at these places, buying gift cards ahead of time can help you save some serious cash on dining out or shopping.

12. Alcohol

If you are planning a party, Costco will be your best friend when providing adult beverages. Most locations have a wide array of beer, wine, and spirits, all costing much less than local grocery stores and markets.

Costco has reported that it marks up its wine around 14%, well below the industry standard. Other stores can mark up their product as much as 50%. Luckily, Costco also features its own brand of wine and liquor under the Kirkland name, which most consumers rank as well as comparable name brands.

13. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple in most home chefs’ kitchens. It can be used for salad dressings, marinades, and, most importantly, to ensure the pan doesn’t stick. It’s safe to say it’s a much-needed product if you are an avid cook.

Once again, the Kirkland brand of olive oil is a huge hit for those shopping at Costco. The average price per ounce for the Costco brand comes out to $.32. For comparison, the same size bottle from Target will cost $.42