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There can be an ocean span of a difference between actually getting the most out of a grocery shopping haul at your nearest Costco, and then falling prey to doing something absolutely unhinged like shopping on an empty stomach, which left you pedaling out of Costco on financial fumes

This quick yet informative Reddit thread from r/Costco aims to spotlight the best ways to shop smart at your nearest Costco. With the right game plan, you can actually use Costco to help you fight back without busting the bank. 

It’s All About Shopping Smart.

Reddit screenshot about which items are actually cheaper to buy at Costco.
Reddit

Just because you pull up at a Costco doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to then have an easy time winding your way through the labyrinth of aisles, all with their equally enticing items. You’ve got to have a game plan. It sounds like this Redditor could’ve used the extra guidance before they embarked upon their Costco adventure. 

Check Out Those Gas Prices Though.

Reddit

Apparently location can indeed play a big factor. 

Related: Here’s Why Costco’s Cheap Gas is Good for Your Engine

Sometimes The Membership Can Be Worth The Initial Hassle.

Reddit screenshot about how Costco membership can pay for itself over the course of a year.
Reddit

We love to hear about a Costco membership actually providing its full value over the course of a year. 

Costco And Its Boatloads.

Reddit screenshot about how shopping at Costco can bring a lot of craziness.
Reddit

Well, part of the strategy with the Costco trip is stocking up on enough goods that you don’t have to brave the consistent storms of customer madness more than is necessary. 

Grocery Stores Are Wildin’ Out These Days.

Reddit screenshot about how unfair grocery store prices are nowadays.
Reddit

When you bring grocery stores and their steadily inflating prices, Costco generally comes out on top. 

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People Go Nuts For Costco’s Pricing On Nuts.

Reddit screenshot about how Costco has best deals on nuts.
Reddit

If you like to snack, and you also like to save money, Costco could be your MVP pick

Now That Is Saying Something.

Reddit screenshot about how Costco has numerous great cheap items.
Reddit

You know you’re featuring the good prices when you have items lining your shelves that are undercutting the costs associated with brand name products that are on sale. 

Related: What Big Brand Names Are Behind Costco’s Popular Kirkland Signature Products?

So Costco Has The Cheap Vacuums Then.

Reddit screenshot about someone buying a cheap vacuum at Costco.
Reddit

Apparently this Redditor was thrilled over Costco’s vacuum situation, but not so much about the state of Costco’s produce. 

Gotta Buy In Bulk.

Reddit screenshot about how Costco is great if you buy in bulk.
Reddit

So, apparently a key element in successful Costco outings is to make sure that you’re buying in bulk. 

They Had Me At Kerrygold Butter.

Reddit screenshot about all the items that are cheaper at Costco.
Reddit

So they pretty much listed off everything. Okay, not everything, but at least enough to make a huge dent in what many of us might throw on our grocery lists during a given month. 

Meet the Writer

Matt has spent the last 8 or so odd years as both a writer and editor in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally rabid, pigeons. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a book and/or some friends, or just easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.