If you’re one of those people who either won’t buy a Costco membership or are thinking of cancelling the membership, because paying to shop at a store seems unfathomable or “it’s not worth it” or “I don’t need that much stuff,” then you’ll want to keep reading.  

Costco stores are any where from 73,000 to 205,000 square feet. Yes, that’s a lot of store, and not everything in the store is bargained priced. But, Shopping Costco on a regular basis really can save you hundreds of dollars per year and make the $60.00 per year membership worthwhile. The following five items alone, if bought just once per month will pay for the membership fee*. 

Greek Yogurt (Chobani to be exact). Even in deep discount stores such as Walmart and Shoppers Food Warehouse, finding name brand Greek yogurts at under $1.00 per container is almost impossible. But, at Costco, you can get 20 – 5.3 ounce containers from $13.99 to $15.99. This is a lot of yogurt, but in most instances, the expiration date is 2-3 months out, so you don’t have to worry about spoilage. 

Coffee. For those who would keep coffee on tap if there was such a thing, Kirkland Signature 100% Columbian Coffee Supreme Bean Dark Roast – Fine Grind is a great buy. The 48 oz tin sales for $3.00 to $3.33, compared to over $6.00 per pound for similar named brand blends. This coffee is rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon with over 800 reviews. 

Honorable Mention: Costco’s Kirkland Signature House Blend Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee sells for $12.99 or $5.20 per pound. This java is described as a “Decent, balanced dark roast at a very attractive price” by https://www.coffeereview.com, this coffee is roasted by Starbucks. 

Hot Dogs (Hebrew National). Nothing says summertime (or a quick dinner) like hot dogs. At Costco, you can get 4 – 12 oz packs of Hebrew National beef franks for just $9.00. That’s 28 quality all beef hot dogs. During the summer months, these dogs are regularly sale priced at $7.99.

Frozen Foods. Costco’s produce and meat sections are filled with fresh ingredients for a wholesome dinner, but the freezer isles are filled with great buys for those on the go. Favorites are Marie Calendar frozen chicken pot pies (8 – 10oz pies for $9.99), Kirkland Italian style beef Meatballs (6 lbs for $16.99 – 26 – 5 meatball servings) , Kirkland Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend (5.5 lbs for $7.99).

Rotisserie Chicken. Last but not least, Costco’s pre-cooked rotisserie chickens sell for just $4.99. Pick up one of these guys per week, and your membership pays for itself in no time. 

Honorable Mentions. Almost anything Kirkland is a good deal. Stores in some states sell alcohol, and the Kirkland spirits and wines are a steal. Costco is also the place to buy multi-vitamins. Their One a Day varieties sell for half to ¾ the cost of buying in drug stores or other big box stores. Their Kirkland varieties offer even greater savings. 

*Note: Prices based on Maryland stores.