I decided to check out our local Costco this morning, and goodness do I have some thoughts to share with you about that place. It's going to take me a few minutes to get all the information gathered up, so be watching for it shortly while I do a little price comparing! Here are the things that I picked up that I think were worth the price:
- 3 gallons milk $2.69/gallon (the cheapest I've seen here in Ohio is around $2.99, and it's even $3.09 at Aldi, so I was pleased with that price)
- 2 1/2 dozen eggs $3.99 (ends up being $1.33/dozen and the best price I've seen here as well)
- Rice Krispies Treats $7.99 after automatic coupon ($.14 each)
- 2 packs Finish Detergent Tabs $14.49 buy one get one free after automatic coupon (makes them $.065 per tab – I was so pleased with that price!)
- watermelon $3.99
- Organic Salad Blend $4.49
- Total = $43.02
I don't know if I'm the only one who's like this, but it was all I could do not to stop happy Costco shoppers and let them know which items they could get for a better price elsewhere. (I did catch one sweet lady who didn't know about the buy one get one coupon on those Finish Detergent tabs ~ I just couldn't let her leave the store without taking home her free box!) 😉  I think there are decent savings to be had there, but you have GOT to know your prices before easily spending too much.
(Shannon and I just got off the phone discussing how there's just a lure to buy too much at Sam's & Costco even for us penny pinchers ~ DON'T BE TEMPTED TO BUY TOO MUCH! Whew, thanks for letting me share that . . . I feel much better now.) 😉
Stop back shortly for lots more updates on how to know what to buy there, and if you just love shopping Costco, I'd love to hear what  are your favorite items to buy when you're there! And be sure to print off this free printable stock up grocery price list if you haven't gotten it already.
Where do you find the coupons that can be used at Costco? I was under the impression that they didn't take coupons. Also, can anyone comment on if they sell organic milk, eggs and produce? Thanks in advance.
I *think* they do carry organic eggs, but that may vary by store (I’d call your local store to check – it does seem like they vary quite a bit!) They offer a monthly coupon “booklet” but you don’t need the coupons with you to get the savings – you’ll get them when you check out. Hope that helps some!
I buy most of my meats at costco and break them down for meals for my small family of 3. The ground beef makes 5 1 ln meals and the pork lion gets a ton of boneless pork chops and plenty of meat for pulled pork too. I buy the kitchen garbage bags always. 200 bags for about $14 and that's without a coupon. Milk is also always purchased as well as eggs. Since I stick to cascade I get there too and for the price (I wait for a coupon since they generally have one every few months) you can't beat it.
My "always buy" items at Costco are eggs, Kirkland Bacon, almonds, pecans, raisins, ground beef, chocolate chips and Perdue frozen, boneless, skinless chicken breasts – they are thin and normally trimmed really well. The chocolate chips are normally a good price but in the fall they have a coupon for them and I stock up then! If I need a quick meal and want a rotisserie chicken, I buy theirs. It is bigger than the other stores and costs the same. However, the last one I bought wasn't particularly good.
In Alabama Publix put chocolate chips on sale buy one get one free and I would usually buy a LOT (as many as 40 bags to stock up for the year!) I’m not sure how I’ll stock up on those, so thanks for the tip on the coupon at Costco Christine. That will help some! 🙂
Laurie I’m so glad your going to Costco I just came home from Costco myself . I love Costco there Kirkland brand trash bags are great the return policy is really great as well ☺.
Thanks Tina! I think it will be interesting to price compare, and it is nice to have an easy option for produce and milk!
I LOVE Costco! Milk here in Huntsville was $2.29 last week. I also always buy meat at Costco for the quality. I don’t even look at the price comparisons on meat! I don’t want to dumb down Costco’s meat at all! It’s always awesome!
I have been a Costco member for about 2 years in SC where we live. I enjoy shopping there but I rarely go into the freezer section because it is like a money trap for myself and husband. I find all sorts of convenience foods we would love but don’t need! I always browse the clothing to find marked down clothes (usually for the kids).
I’ve wondered how the general price of living compares her in Ohio (I’m just north of Cincinnati) to your previous home in Alabama. I’d be interested to know if you’ve had to adjust your stock-up prices any, especially since Kroger stopped doubling. It’s crazy how prices can change!