Costco, the warehouse-style retail giant, is known for offering bulk, high-quality food and everyday products at affordable prices to help members make the most of their monthly budgets. With over 100 million members worldwide, many visit Costco stores monthly to take advantage of discounted prices on essential items.
If you’re looking to reduce your monthly expenses, Costco offers 9 affordable products that can help many members save money. Product prices may vary over time and by location.
First and foremost, maintaining good health is crucial, and vitamins are essential for the body. Additionally, headaches and allergies are common issues people face in their daily lives. Costco offers a variety of over-the-counter medications and supplements that are commonly used.
Costco provides a wide selection of over-the-counter medications, including Kirkland brand allergy pills, priced significantly lower than competitors. For example, a 180-count Kirkland Signature Aller-Flex is priced at $28.49, roughly 16 cents per pill, compared to Allegra at 42 cents per pill on Amazon.
In April, many people experience seasonal allergies. A pack of five Kirkland nasal sprays is only $21.99 at Costco, while three packs at a U.S. chain drugstore like CVS cost $45.99.
Studies show that over 26% of Americans are affected by seasonal allergies, and purchasing over-the-counter medications at Costco can lead to cost savings.
For pain relief, you can also buy painkillers at Costco for a better deal. Costco sells a 325-count bottle of Tylenol for $24.99, around 8 cents per pill. On Amazon, the same medication in a 225-count pack costs $16.96, also around 8 cents per pill. The prices for this medication are similar between the two retailers.
However, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before taking painkillers or allergy medications to ensure safe usage, as long-term use of these medications may have adverse effects on organs.
A 425-count bottle of Centrum adult multivitamins at Costco is priced at $24.99, around 6 cents per pill.
Comparatively, the same product and packaging at Amazon cost $40.99, around 10 cents per pill.
Costco also offers discounted prices on many everyday food items.
Cereal is a popular breakfast choice for kids and Americans alike. Purchasing cereal at Costco can be more cost-effective. For instance, a two-pack of 20.35-ounce classic cereal at Costco is priced at $9.99, costing 25 cents per ounce.
At Target, the largest single pack of cereal, an 18-ounce family pack, is $5.29, costing 29 cents per ounce.
Rotisserie chicken from Costco is well-known for providing a quick and easy hot dinner option in times of need.
Members can purchase a fully cooked, hot rotisserie chicken at Costco for only $4.99. In Boston, a whole chicken costs $12 at the market.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken has remained unchanged in price for years and is highly favored by members. In 2023, Costco sold an astonishing 137 million chickens, with over 375,000 chickens sold daily.
It takes an entire season for a mature maple tree to produce one gallon of maple syrup, making it one of the most expensive grocery items. However, maple syrup has a rich, sweet maple flavor that is highly enticing.
Many brands sell maple syrup at high prices, but a higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality. A 33.8-ounce Kirkland Signature 100% natural organic pure maple syrup is priced at $14.99, without any artificial additives, costing 44 cents per ounce. On the other hand, Walmart’s 32-ounce NOW brand organic maple syrup is $28.46, costing 89 cents per ounce.
Compared to sugar, maple syrup is a healthier choice as it has a lower impact on blood sugar and contains over twenty types of antioxidants, making it ideal for fighting inflammation.
Costco also offers a wide range of daily household items, two of which are essential for nearly every household.
Garbage bags are a household necessity, and Costco offers affordable options. A pack of 200 Kirkland Signature Flex-Tech 13-gallon scented kitchen trash bags is only $21.49. A similar box of garbage bags on Amazon is priced at $27.54.
Buying paper towels at Costco can save you a lot of money. Thanks to the Kirkland Signature brand, they offer a 12-pack of rolls for $22.99, costing 2 cents per square foot.
Target’s Up & Up brand also offers its own paper towel series. A 12-pack of “double rolls” is cheaper at $15.99, but each roll only contains 110 sheets compared to Kirkland’s 160 sheets per roll. The cost is 3 cents per square foot.
Costco provides top-tier gasoline at discounted prices. In some cases, Costco gasoline costs 30 cents less per gallon than the national average, resulting in savings with each fuel fill-up.
However, patience is required when refueling at Costco gas stations, as long waiting times are common.
【Reference: The Motley Fool and gobankingrates】