18 Costco Buys That Literally Pay for Membership (12 Loaves of Bread? 6 Packs of Drumsticks?)

At $60 a year, A Costco membership can pay for itself when you buy a handful of products just a few times.

However, you may be wondering exactly what it takes to make your membership worth it.

Here’s a breakdown of how often you’d need to buy these popular Costco products to make your membership pay for itself.

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

Price: $5.99

You can buy a pack of this fresh bread every month and pay for your membership!

Enjoy the taste of country French bread without making it yourself at almost $5 less than Target’s own brand.

Price: $0.99 per lb

Even if you had drumsticks only every other month, these value-packs would soon pay for themselves.

Serve them for dinner, and stock your freezer for a handy meal any time. They’re also great for parties and get-togethers, saving you about $1 per pound compared to other stores.

That means these savings would pay for your Costco membership with over six purchases of each 10-pound value pack.

Price: $11.99

Keep your dishes clean and your wallet full with this steal.

Other brands like Up & Up cost $6 more, meaning you could put that savings toward a new membership card in 10 purchases.

And for busy households, this purchase can be a must-have for keeping all your kitchenware shiny and like new.

Price: $15.99

Mark every occasion with this delicious cake, and make your membership worth it! Use this for birthdays, holidays, and more to savor a freshly made cake without all the work.

At just $15.99, it’s $7 less than Walmart’s cakes. That means you’d pay for your membership by purchasing just nine cakes throughout the year. That’s not even a birthday a month!

Price: $19.49

Keep your home mess-free with this affordable bulk buy that can save you $4 more than other brands.

Buying these paper towels 15 times a year will pay for your Costco membership. That’s a lot of spills to clean, so you might want to share a few rolls with others.

Price: $18.99

These make a great appetizer or easy dinner that anyone can enjoy!

Feed the family while paying for your Gold card with this buy that saves you around $10 compared to competitors’ prices.

You can buy this breaded panko shrimp every other month to make your annual fee worth it.

Price: $19.49

Don’t let your household run out of toilet paper; keep your home stocked with this must-have.

This 30-pack can last you for months, and you’d just need to buy this fewer than five times a year to match the price of your membership at $13.50 less per package compared to Charmin.

Price: $15.99

You can bring Costco’s famous hot dogs home at a deal of $2.50 less than name-brand hot dogs.

Use these for your barbecues or grill-outs for a tasty hot dog. And if you buy a package twice a month, you’re getting your money’s worth for your membership.

Price: $10.99

If you purchase these grass-fed butter nine times a year (less than once a month), you’ll pay for your membership in no time.

This creamy, salted butter is perfect for various dishes and recipes. You get four sticks per package for $6.50 less than Kerrygold, making it easy to pay for your Costco card with the savings.

Price: $15.99

This house blend was made in partnership with Starbucks for a tasty cup of coffee over $20 less than typical Starbucks coffee bags.

And when you buy just three bags, your Costco membership is paid for with those savings! Enjoy a cup of joe any time, right from the comfort of your home.

Price: $23.99

You're getting an unbeatable deal when you buy this canned cat food just twice a year. This variety pack gives your cat two delicious flavors of grain-free food in gravy.

You can feed your cat their favorite food year-round while getting your money’s worth by spending $32 less than other brands.

Price: $10.79

Costco’s non-dairy oat beverage is a fan favorite for good reason. You get six containers for $35 less than other oat milk brands in this affordable package.

That means you’ll only need to purchase this bulk buy twice a year to match the cost of your Gold membership.

Price: $18.99

Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, these dog pads come in handy!

And just four purchases of these pads means you’re basically getting your money back on your Costco membership. Buy a few packs for $17 less than Up & Up’s prices to stock up and save!

Price: $19.99

Keep your clothes clean while making your Gold card worth the buy at almost $40 less than Tide detergent. You’ll need to buy it only twice a year to pay for your membership (and then some).

This heavy-duty laundry detergent is perfect for larger households needing constant cleaning. Wash bedding, clothes, and more with this powerful detergent.

Price: $34.99

Anyone with babies will know that diapers are definitely a repeat purchase, and buying this pack six times a year means you’re getting your Costco membership’s worth.

This bulk buy can ensure that your nursery is all stocked up for the baby while saving you $10 compared to Huggies. And Costco has many sizes for all stages of your baby’s growth.

Price: $12.99

If you wear out socks quickly, then this may be the pack for you.

These athletic socks are great for any activity; six purchases can pay for your membership. Buy them as holiday gifts to get your money’s worth at $9 less than Hanes’ prices!

Price: $69.99

With Costco’s Gold membership, you just have to buy this sheet set once, and the card will have more than paid for itself!

This sheet set comes in many sizes to fit any bed and a ton of versatile colors. And with a 680-thread count, you’ll sleep comfortably while saving around $100 compared to other brands.

Price: $17.99

Just three purchases of this household must-have can save you serious money.

This pack of double-A batteries is useful for any family and can save you nearly $25 compared to Duracell AAs.

Many bargain shoppers will visit Costco multiple times per month, making the savings well worth it.

Costco members can also take advantage of special deals and discounts on their favorite products to save more on everyday essentials.