The 22 Most Overpriced Items at Costco That You Should Buy Elsewhere

1. Name-Brand Cereal

While Costco’s towering boxes of name-brand cereal might seem like a bargain, the price per ounce often tells a different story. Local supermarkets frequently run promotions and accept coupons, bringing popular cereals like Cheerios or Frosted Flakes well below Costco’s bulk price. Consumer Reports even found that grocery store deals consistently beat warehouse pricing for these breakfast staples. For true savings, keep an eye on weekly ads and digital coupons at your neighborhood grocery store or online.

2. Fresh Produce

Costco’s large bags of produce might tempt you with the promise of savings, but buying in bulk can backfire if you can’t use it all before it spoils. Fresh fruits and vegetables often go to waste in households that don’t consume them quickly. Local farmers’ markets and grocery stores typically offer better prices per pound and allow you to buy only what you need. According to CBS News analysis, produce is one area where it pays to shop smaller.

3. Books

Costco’s limited book selection often comes with price tags that don’t compete with online giants like Amazon. Frequent bookstore promotions, e-books, or even used books can save you significantly more. According to Business Insider, it’s smarter to shop elsewhere for your next read, where discounts are deeper and options are broader.

4. Gift Cards for Chain Restaurants

Costco offers discounted gift cards, but when it comes to chain restaurants, these deals often aren’t the best available. Restaurants themselves frequently run special promotions, and cashback apps or third-party sites can provide even deeper discounts. The Penny Hoarder points out that savvy shoppers often score greater savings elsewhere. Before grabbing a multi-pack at Costco, check for special offers or online deals that stretch your dining dollars further.

5. Soda and Soft Drinks

Costco’s bulk soda packs seem like a bargain, but they’re often outpriced by supermarket deals—especially during major holidays and sales events. Grocery stores routinely offer coupons and buy-one-get-one-free promotions, making it easy to stock up for less. According to Money Talks News, you’ll often find better soft drink deals at your local supermarket than in the warehouse aisles.

6. Name-Brand Clothing

While it’s convenient to grab name-brand clothing at Costco, the deals often aren’t as impressive as they look. Retailers and outlet stores typically feature deeper discounts and wider selections, especially during end-of-season sales. Whether you’re eyeing Levi’s jeans or Adidas gear, department stores or the brands’ direct outlets tend to offer better prices. As Kiplinger notes, you’ll find the best deals by shopping around, not just in the warehouse aisles.

7. Organic Milk

Costco’s organic milk often comes in large multi-packs, which can spoil before smaller households finish them. Smaller quantities at local supermarkets or discount chains are not only more practical but often cheaper per gallon, especially when promotions are in play. According to Eat This, Not That!, you’ll find better value and less waste by shopping for organic milk outside the warehouse.

8. Diapers

While many parents swear by Kirkland diapers, Costco’s selection of name-brand diapers isn’t always a bargain. Amazon’s Subscribe & Save and sales at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart routinely offer lower prices and even gift card incentives. The Simple Dollar highlights that by watching for promotions, you can save more—and even score extra perks—by shopping outside of Costco for your diaper needs.

9. Over-the-Counter Medications

Costco’s generic over-the-counter medications can be a bargain, but their name-brand options are often more expensive than those found at pharmacy chains, dollar stores, or online. A quick price comparison on common products like pain relievers or allergy medicine can reveal significant savings elsewhere. According to GoodRx, savvy shoppers should always compare prices before stocking up on OTC medications at the warehouse.

10. Office Supplies

Costco’s bulk packs of office essentials—like printer paper and pens—aren’t always the best deal. Office supply chains such as Staples and Office Depot, as well as online giants like Amazon, frequently undercut Costco’s prices, especially during back-to-school sales. According to CNBC, shopping around for promotions can yield lower prices per unit and more variety than sticking to the warehouse aisles.

11. Bottled Water

Though convenient, Costco’s bottled water isn’t always the lowest-priced option. Supermarket store brands and other warehouse clubs occasionally offer better per-bottle prices, especially when taking advantage of delivery specials or in-store promotions. According to Clark.com, it pays to compare prices and look out for deals before stocking up on bottled water at Costco.

12. Greeting Cards

Costco’s bulk packs of greeting cards may seem convenient, but individual cards are usually much cheaper at dollar stores or online retailers like Amazon and Etsy. You’ll also find greater variety and customization options elsewhere. According to Reader’s Digest, for both cost and creativity, it’s best to skip the warehouse aisle when buying cards.

13. Batteries

Costco’s bulk battery packs might look like a good deal at first glance, but savvy shoppers know to compare prices. Online options, such as AmazonBasics, and store brands at Walmart or Target frequently provide lower per-unit costs. According to Wirecutter, you’ll often find better value and reliable performance outside of the warehouse, so shop around before stocking up on batteries.

14. Pre-Cut Fruit

Costco’s pre-cut fruit is undeniably convenient, but that convenience comes with a significant markup. Purchasing whole fruit and prepping it yourself is much more cost-effective, and supermarkets usually offer smaller, less expensive pre-cut portions perfect for quick snacks. U.S. News & World Report points out that opting for whole fruit or smaller servings outside of Costco can help you save money—and minimize waste—without sacrificing freshness.

15. Spices and Seasonings

Costco’s bulk spice jars may seem like a bargain, but most home cooks won’t use them up before they lose flavor. Smaller bottles from grocery stores are typically fresher and more cost-effective for everyday use. Specialty spice shops and ethnic markets can also offer better prices per ounce. As Taste of Home advises, buying only what you’ll use keeps both your meals and your wallet happy.

16. Electronics Accessories

Costco’s prices on electronics accessories—like HDMI cables, chargers, and headphones—rarely beat those found online. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Monoprice routinely offer lower prices and a much broader selection. CNET points out that shopping around can save you a surprising amount on these everyday tech essentials, making it wise to skip Costco’s aisles for your next accessory purchase.

17. Party Supplies

While Costco’s bulk party packs are handy, they’re not always the most budget-friendly choice. Dollar stores and big-box retailers usually have lower prices and let you purchase only what you need, helping cut down on waste and unnecessary expense. According to Cheapism, shopping elsewhere for party goods is a smart move for both your wallet and your storage space.

18. Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Costco’s multipacks of toothpaste and toothbrushes may seem like a deal, but pharmacies, supermarkets, and online subscription services frequently offer better prices—especially when you factor in sales and coupons. The Spruce points out that drugstores often run promotions making oral care essentials cheaper than the warehouse price. For maximum savings, keep an eye on weekly specials and digital offers at your local pharmacy or supermarket.

19. Frozen Meals

Costco’s frozen meal packs may look convenient, but they often cost more than similar options at local grocery stores—especially if you opt for store brands or shop during sales. Portion sizes at Costco can also be less adaptable for smaller households. According to MarketWatch, you can save money and reduce waste by choosing frozen meals elsewhere.

20. Kitchen Gadgets

While Costco occasionally features blenders, coffee makers, and other kitchen gadgets, specialty retailers and online stores generally have the upper hand. You’ll often find better deals, a wider selection, and regular discounts at places like Amazon, Williams Sonoma, or Bed Bath & Beyond. According to Food Network, it’s wise to shop around for kitchen tools to stretch your budget further.

21. Laundry Detergent

Costco’s jumbo bottles of laundry detergent might seem economical, but supermarkets and drugstores often beat those prices with coupons and frequent sales. Smaller containers also offer the flexibility to switch brands without waste. According to USA Today, keeping an eye out for local promotions can help you save more and avoid being stuck with surplus detergent.

22. Mattresses

While Costco sells mattresses, their selection is limited and prices often can’t compete with online mattress retailers that feature direct-to-consumer models, generous trial periods, and frequent discounts. Specialty bedding stores also hold regular sales, which can make even top-tier mattresses more affordable than warehouse options. According to Sleep Foundation, shopping around is key to finding both value and quality.

By choosing wisely and comparing prices before you buy, you can avoid overpaying on these common items. Next time you shop, keep this list in mind and consider exploring alternative retailers for bigger savings and less waste.