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10 Best Things to Buy at Costco if You're on a Tight Budget

When you buy in bulk, you're bound to get a good deal.

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Updated July 2, 2025
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There's a reason that Costco has a host of loyal members who don't mind paying $60 a year to shop there: It's cheaper than the competition without compromising quality. And if you sign up for a Costco credit card, you can save even more at the register.

However, some Costco buys can help save more on everyday essentials than others. Here are 10 Costco purchases not to miss out on if you're on a tight budget.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Hot dog combo

Courtesy of Costco Hot dog combo

One major rule of thumb when food shopping is that buying prepared food is more expensive than buying whole foods. There's an exception to this rule, though, and that's Costco's famous hot dog combo. For $1.50, you can score a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog and a 20-ounce soda.

The reason this costs so little is Costco's design, as the combo is a loss leader for the retailer. Still, that's an amazingly low price, given both inflation and the cost of beef.

Kirkland bath tissue

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland bath tissue

There's one item you will see in almost everyone's cart at Costco, regardless of what kind of shopper they are, and that's Kirkland bath tissue. A giant 30-roll pack of the stuff will only set you back $24.99. 

On top of that, this toilet paper is durable and well-made. So you won't have any issues with quality (like you might with some no-name toilet paper brands).

Pain reliever

Courtesy of Costco Pain reliever

You wouldn't expect something as banal and necessary as a pain reliever to have over 4,000 positive reviews, but Costco's acetaminophen does. Maybe it's because plenty of the reviewers noted how effective it is for various aches.

Or, maybe it's because you can get 1,000 500-milligram tablets for a mere $9.99: about a penny per pill. That's serious savings as opposed to buying big brand-name pills from a competitor.

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Bob's Red Mill oats

Courtesy of Costco Bob's Red Mill oats

Buying oats in bulk is a savvy move to make if you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck. But you also want to make sure you're getting the product with the best nutritional profile, which is where Bob's Red Mill steel-cut oats comes in.

You get seven pounds of the stuff for $14.99. And since a quarter cup contains 140 calories, four grams of protein, and four grams of fiber, it's a monetary and dietary winner.

Royal basmati rice

Courtesy of Costco Royal basmati rice

Rice is a staple in countless kitchens around the world thanks to its versatility and low cost. So if you and your family eat a lot of it, Royal's 20-pound bag of basmati rice is a good option for your pantry. Grown in the Himalayan foothills, one bag costs $23.99. 

You may see a different brand of rice at your local Costco, but don't hesitate to pick that up either. Chances are that it's just as good.

S&W black beans

Courtesy of Costco S&W black beans

Rice and beans go hand-in-hand, and combined, they create a complete protein and a hearty meal. To that end, Costco sells some canned beans that are worth tossing in your cart. For $9.99, you can get an 8-pack of 15-ounce cans made by S&W. As a bonus, they're organic, too.

Yes, buying dry beans is cheaper, but those take a lot of prep time you may not have. Canned beans are a great compromise.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

methaphum/Adobe person holding a wallet

July is here, and with Independence Day on the horizon, it’s the peak of summer. That also means peak season for red-hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:

  • Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
  • Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes

As fireworks fill the skies, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That means July is your chance to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.

Kirkland frozen chicken breasts

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland frozen chicken breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, a fundamental part of any healthy diet. Unfortunately, they have also been hit hard by inflation, but that's where Costco's freezer section comes in.

There, you can score a 6.5-pound bag of boneless chicken breasts for $19.85. That's a lot less than prices you'll find at other grocery stores.

Kirkland albacore tuna

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland albacore tuna

Another great source of lean protein is tuna fish, and buying the canned stuff is a good way to stock up on a budget. As for a quality version of the product, there's Kirkland's albacore tuna; you can buy an eight-pack of 7-ounce cans for $17.99.

Each can has 190 calories and a whopping 42 grams of protein. Plus, cans can sit in your pantry for an extended amount of time, thanks to their long shelf life.

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Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

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Kirkland Colombian coffee

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Colombian coffee

Folks with savvy budgeting skills know how expensive a coffee habit can be, which is why they're committed to brewing their java at home. If they happen to be Costco members, they probably swear by Kirkland's 3-pound can of ground Colombian coffee, which costs $23.99.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

pawczar/Adobe woman buying fruits at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Kirkland organic extra virgin olive oil

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland organic extra virgin olive oil

Cooking oil is a must-have staple in any kitchen, whether it's for sautéing onions and garlic, making salad dressing, or greasing a baking sheet. 

If you want quality and you go through a lot of oil in your kitchen, you'll be able to save some money with Kirkland's organic offering; a two-liter bottle will run you $20.99 and last for months.

Bottom line

dennizn/Adobe costco receipt

Costco is known for saving its customers money, and when you're on a tight budget, that matters even more. You can stretch your limited budget further at Costco and unlock the true value of your membership if you know what to buy.

And while buying in bulk can be a bargain, make sure you'll go through that 20-pound bag of rice or two-liter bottle of olive oil in a fairly timely manner. Otherwise, your savings and your larder may be spoiled.

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