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Is a Costco membership worth it?

Calculate if bulk buying savings at Costco outweigh the annual membership fee based on your shopping habits.

By ShouldICalc Team

Updated January 2025 · See our methodology

Your Numbers

$600
$200 $1,500

How much you spend on groceries per month

2
1 8
40
0 150

Costco gas is typically 25+ cents cheaper per gallon

Executive members get 2% cashback

Your Results

Annual Savings

$0 – $0

per year

5-Year Savings

$0 – $0

Break Even

— months

💡 Calculating...

Enter your numbers above to see personalized results.

Trade-offs to Consider

Every decision has pros and cons. Here's what to weigh:

  • Money

    Save 15-20% on groceries, plus cheap gas. But temptation to overbuy can offset savings.

  • Time

    Fewer shopping trips with bulk buying, but stores are larger and lines can be long.

  • Quality

    Known for quality products, especially Kirkland brand. Great return policy.

  • Convenience

    Limited locations require a special trip. No home delivery in most areas.

Related Products

Products that can help you save money. (Affiliate links)

🛍️

Reusable Shopping Bags (Set of 6)

Perfect for Costco bulk hauls

View on Amazon
🧊

Chest Freezer 5.0 Cu Ft

Store bulk meat and frozen goods

View on Amazon
📦

Vacuum Sealer Machine

Keep bulk purchases fresh longer

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Executive membership worth the extra cost?
The Executive membership costs $65 more but gives you 2% cashback. If you spend more than $3,250/year at Costco ($270/month), the cashback covers the upgrade cost. Heavy shoppers can earn up to $1,250 back annually.
What if I don't have a Costco near me?
Costco offers same-day delivery through Instacart and 2-day shipping on many items at Costco.com (no membership required for some products, but members get lower prices). However, the best deals are typically in-store.
Can I try Costco before committing?
Costco offers a full refund on membership at any time. You could sign up, shop for a few months to test the savings, and cancel for a full refund if it's not working out.
What are the best things to buy at Costco?
The best savings are typically on gas, rotisserie chicken ($4.99), Kirkland products, fresh meat, cheese, nuts, olive oil, alcohol, batteries, and OTC medications. Avoid perishables if you can't use them before they spoil.

How We Calculate Costco Savings

Grocery Savings

Costco prices are typically 15-20% lower than regular grocery stores on comparable items. We estimate your savings based on how much of your grocery budget you’d shift to Costco.

Gas Savings

Costco gas stations consistently offer prices 20-40 cents below nearby competitors. We use a conservative 25 cents per gallon estimate.

Executive Cashback

The Executive membership ($130/year) offers 2% cashback on Costco purchases, capped at $1,250/year. This means if you spend more than $3,250/year at Costco, the Executive membership pays for itself.

Who Benefits Most from Costco

  • Large families - More mouths means you can use bulk items before they spoil
  • People with freezer space - Stock up on meat and frozen goods
  • Drivers - The gas savings alone can justify membership
  • Business owners - Buy supplies at wholesale prices

Who Might Not Save

  • Small households - Hard to consume bulk items before expiration
  • Impulse shoppers - Costco’s treasure hunt layout encourages extra spending
  • People far from a Costco - Gas used driving there offsets savings