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Some people don't like the idea of having to pay to shop at a store, and as such, refuse to pay for a Costco membership. But many Costco members find that the savings they're able to reap via Costco's low prices more than make up for their membership costs.
In fact, there are certain items whose prices are pretty darn legendary at Costco. Here are some items where Costco's prices generally can't be beat.
1. Maple syrup
Because of the way maple syrup is sourced, it tends to be a pricey supermarket item. At Costco, however, you can buy a 33.8-ounce jug online for just $14.99, bringing your cost per ounce to $0.44. At a regular supermarket, you might pay roughly double per ounce.
And remember, $0.44 per ounce is the online price. Costco's in-store prices tend to be even cheaper than its online prices because with the latter, it builds in the cost of shipping and handling. So if you're a pancake aficionado, you may want to put maple syrup on your Costco shopping list.
2. Rotisserie chicken
These days, it's hard to put a main course on the table for under $5. But thanks to Costco, you can serve up an entire rotisserie chicken for just $4.99.
One nice thing about rotisserie chicken is that it's pretty versatile. You can whip up some rice or potatoes on the side, or take your leftover chicken, slice it, throw it on a bun, and make it lunch for the next day.
3. Gas
There's a reason it pays to fill up your car during your Costco shopping. Costco's gas prices are often the cheapest in town. And if you use your Costco credit card, you can score 4% cash back on your fill-ups.
That said, it's a good idea to use apps like GasBuddy to compare the cost of fuel at nearby stations. And if you need a fill-up and don't have plans to go to Costco, it may not make sense to drive miles out of your way to save a little money per gallon. What you save at the pump, you might waste by driving around and using fuel.
4. A hot dog and soda
Costco's legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo has not risen in price since its introduction in 1985. If Costco were to adjust the price of that menu item for inflation, it could cost $4.50 today. Instead, Costco had pledged to leave the price of its combo intact for the foreseeable future.
And while it may not be the healthiest meal, it's hard to beat the price. You'll be hard-pressed to find as filling a meal for $1.50 elsewhere, even if you hit up various local fast food joints in town.
5. Gift cards
Most of the time, the cost of a gift card will match its face value. A $100 gift card to your local spa, for example, will usually have a $100 price tag.
At Costco, though, you can commonly find gift cards at below face value. Case in point: Right now, you can purchase $75 worth of Subway gift cards for only $59.99. That's a fantastic deal if you're someone who buys lunch from Subway twice a week.
In the course of your shopping, you may come across items that are more expensive at Costco than a competing retailer. But for the most part, these five items are likely to be cheaper at Costco than anywhere else.
However, if you're buying big-ticket items, it's always a good idea to compare prices rather than assume that Costco's price point will always be the lowest. It's OK to spring for a $1.50 Costco lunch without exploring outside options. But if you're buying things like furniture, a laptop, or a vacation, always do your research to make sure you're getting the best deal for your personal finances.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
