Shopping at Costco and other warehouse stores often seems like it would be best for large families and businesses. A package of a dozen giant muffins calls for many mouths, or at least lots of freezer space. But there are Costco purchases that make sense for single people and couples, even after taking the annual membership fee (now starting at $65) into consideration. Plus, with inflation hitting most grocery chains hard, Costco has managed to stay competitive price wise, thanks to strong supply chains. Here are some examples of the savings (prices may vary by location and in-store vs. online). We also have 12 Tips for Shopping at Costco If You Live in a Small Home.
Related: 34 Things Not to Buy at Costco, Sam’s, or BJ’s
Food With a Long Shelf Life
Uncooked rice, dried beans, dry pasta, oatmeal, and canned goods come in bulk quantities, but all have a long shelf life and are pantry staples that will help reduce weekly grocery costs.
Related: 28 Recipes to Use Up the Bulk Food You Overbought at Costco
Clothing and Footwear
Costco has a reliable supply of clothing staples and sometimes even carries brand names. But their Kirkland clothing and footwear are must-haves. These Kirkland Signature Ladies’ Shearling Boots look like a more expensive brand, which is known to sometimes not even use real shearling. This pair offers real shearling and sheepskin lining.
Plants
Spruce up the yard or porch with Costco plants, which are often large and well-established. Shoppers have been able to snag a pack of 8 plants for under $100.
Related: 12 Reasons Why Shoppers Are Addicted to Costco
Alcohol
Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand vodka, gin, whiskey, and other hard liquors cost $15 to $20 less than name brands. Likewise, don’t dismiss brands you don’t recognize. Insiders say wines and spirits at Costco are pricey remaindered goods from other producers. A bottle that would cost $50 under another label at a liquor or grocery store might average $12 to $16 at Costco. Costco’s low profit margins also keep alcohol prices low, regardless of the brand. (If this is the primary draw for you, check state laws, as some allow alcohol purchases at Costco without a membership.)
Related: The Best Costco-Brand Liquors to Buy — and Which to Leave on the Shelf
Gift Cards
Costco sells gift cards for less than their face value — for example, two $50 Ruby Tuesday e-gift cards for $80. Gift cards for restaurants, movie tickets, video games, and more are available. Keep in mind you can use these to get a discount for yourself, not just for gifts.
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Electronics
Costco is significantly cheaper than conventional retail stores for some TVs, Blu-ray players, and other electronics. When it’s time to buy, compare prices and consider putting down the money for a membership, which can pay for itself with one big-ticket purchase.
Small Appliances
Even with a limited selection, Costco has some impressive deals on small appliances and home goods. A Sur La Table 13-Quart Air Fryer with Rotisserie for $100 is cheaper at Costco than if you bought a similar item from the actual Sur La Table store.
Exercise Equipment
Shoppers can find big savings on big-ticket workout equipment at Costco. Buying a ProForm Carbon R10 Rower from Walmart would cost $997 with a 30-day iFit membership. A similar piece of equipment is offered at Costco for $700.
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Beauty and Personal Care Products
Lotions, hair care products, soaps, toothpaste, and more can all be found at bargain prices in large quantities at Costco — and don’t take up much space, even in large containers. You can buy a pack of five 8.2-ounce tubes of Crest Complete Plus Scope extra whitening toothpaste for $16 from Costco, or 39 cents an ounce. About the best you’re going to do at Walgreens for Crest Complete Plus Scope toothpaste is a two-pack of 5.4-ounce tubes on sale for $7, or 65 cents an ounce.
Health Products
Health products, including over-the-counter medicines, can be good buys at Costco — but be sure to check the expiration date to calculate whether a supersize quantity will get used in time. The regular price for three 16-ounce bottles of Renu Advanced Formula multipurpose contact lens solution, plus a 2-ounce travel size, is $25 from Costco, or 50 cents an ounce. A two-pack of 12-ounce bottles of the same solution costs $15 at Walmart, or 62 cents an ounce.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning wipes, toilet bowl cleaner, dish detergent, laundry detergent, dusting spray, and mop refills can be found in bulk for less at Costco. Given that these items don’t expire, you can save a bundle if you have the storage space. A Simple Green spray setup is nearly $20 at Walmart is nearly $20, but at Costco it goes for $11.
Rental Cars
The Costco travel department helps members find rental cars for less than other travel services by scanning the market for money-saving coupons, discounts, and deals. It’s not only a budget boost but a time saver, and some rental car companies waive their additional-driver fees for Costco members.
Related: 12 Ways Costco Can Save You Money on Your Car
Glasses and Contact Lenses
If you’ve grown tired of the upsell to pick up new frames or contact lenses whenever you go to your optometrist, it’s time to check out Costco Optical. Not only is an independent Doctor of Optometry located at or near most Costco locations, but the chain received high marks on price, after-sale customer service, frame quality, and more. If you find a pair you like elsewhere, you can bring them to Costco to have lenses installed.
Related: 10 Things to Know Before Using Costco Optical
Flowers
For romantic singletons or couples, the floral department at Costco may not seem like the to-go spot for picking up a bouquet, but the savings may make up for the warehouse ambience. For $50, a bouquet of 50 roses (pick from red, yellow, hot pink, orange, multicolored, and more) can be delivered next-day or whenever you prefer along with gift messaging. Other arrangements are available, too. For a bundle of roses the same size, most other florists charge at least $60.
Car Tires
Related: Tire Installation Cost Comparison: What’s the Best Place to Get New Tires?
Hearing Aids
Costco members get the benefit of using the retailer’s Hearing Aid Center, which performs hearing tests and sells a variety of styles at different price points. Costco even offers a remote follow up service if you need your hearing aids adjusted, using your smartphone or tablet.
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