Costco shoppers are always on the hunt for real, long-term savings, and few places reveal the best deals quite like Reddit. Across countless threads, members share the household essentials they buy on repeat — the products that offer unbeatable value thanks to bulk sizing, strong performance, and lower cost-per-use than anything you’d find at a traditional grocery store.
From cleaning supplies and paper goods to toiletries and pet care basics, these are the everyday items that seasoned shoppers swear help stretch their budgets the furthest. Here are the Costco household essentials that members say save them the most money.
Prices and availability are subject to change. In-store prices may be lower.
Toilet Paper
$24.99 (36 rolls)
Reddit users consistently rank Costco’s toilet paper — especially the Kirkland Signature brand — as one of the best-value essentials in the warehouse. Members say the bulk packs last forever, cost far less per roll than grocery-store options, and deliver reliable quality without sacrificing softness or strength.
Paper Towels
$23.99 (12 rolls)
Paper towels are another Costco staple that shoppers swear saves them serious money. Kirkland Signature rolls are praised for being thick, absorbent, and long-lasting, and Redditors note that the price-per-sheet beats nearly every competitor.
Trash Bags
$19.99 (200 bags)
Costco’s trash bags, particularly the 13-gallon kitchen size, are a Reddit favorite for their sturdy construction and unbeatable bulk pricing. Members say they’re strong enough for heavy loads and far cheaper than name-brand options.
Freezer and Storage Bags
$12.99 (192 bags)
Ziploc and Kirkland Signature freezer bags get rave reviews for durability and value. Reddit shoppers love stocking up once and not worrying about running out for months, noting that the cost savings add up fast for families who meal prep or store leftovers.
Laundry Detergent
$21.49
Costco’s large tubs and jugs of laundry detergent — from brands like Tide and Kirkland — top many lists of must-buy essentials. Redditors highlight that the cost per load is dramatically lower than supermarket prices, making it a no-brainer household buy.
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Dishwasher Pods & Dish Soap
$13.99
Dishwasher tablets and dish soap are frequently cited among the best cleaning deals at Costco. Members say the pods perform as well as premium brands but cost far less when purchased in bulk, and the big bottles of dish soap last ages.
Aluminum Foil and Parchment Paper
$22.99
Kitchen wrap essentials like aluminum foil, parchment paper, and plastic wrap are Costco favorites thanks to their huge sizes and long lifespan. Redditors note that you can go a year or more without needing to restock, making them a surprisingly big savings category.
Sponges
$14.49 (24 sponges)
From multipurpose sprays to bulk packs of sponges, Costco’s cleaning aisle is a treasure trove for household savings. Members say the prices beat big-box stores and that the quality of Kirkland Signature cleaning products is consistently dependable.
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Batteries
$18.99 (14 pack)
Costco’s bulk battery packs — especially AA and AAA — are commonly listed as a top money-saver. Redditors point out that the per-battery price is far lower than anywhere else, and the Kirkland Signature batteries perform just as well as major name brands.
Dog Food
$24.99
Costco earns high marks from pet owners for its affordable, high-quality pet food and supplies. Reddit threads often highlight the Kirkland Signature dog food line as one of the best values on the market, especially for large or multi-pet households.
Shampoo and Conditioner
$11.99
Personal-care basics — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and skincare items — often cost significantly less at Costco. Reddit users say name-brand sets and Kirkland Signature alternatives provide excellent value and tend to last months longer than standard bottles.
Paper Plates and Napkins
$21.99 (240 plates)
Disposable dinnerware is another category where Costco shines. Members love the bulk packs of paper plates and napkins, saying they’re perfect for parties, large families, or simply reducing midweek dish loads — all at a lower unit price than grocery stores.
Storage Bins and Home Organization Supplies
$26.99 (6 packs)
Costco’s large storage bins and organizational products receive high praise for durability and value. Redditors say they’re ideal for seasonal storage, moving, or decluttering, and often cost significantly less than similar bins at hardware or home-goods stores.
More Costco Finds On Cheapism
- How Much Is Your Typical Costco Run? Members Weigh in With Their Totals — Before you think a quick trip to Costco will be tame, members report walking out with hundreds of dollars worth of bulk items and impulse buys.
- 11 Costco Products That Are (Almost) Universally Loved — From the iconic $1.50 hot dog combo to specialty olive oil and maple syrup, this list highlights the standout items shoppers return to again and again for quality and value.
- Costco’s Price Tags Have Secrets — Here’s How to Read Them — The small print and odd endings on Costco’s shelf tags hide a whole code (asterisks, .97, .88 endings) that can clue you into deals, clearance, or discontinued stock.
