14 Overpriced Costco Items You Should Skip

Warehouse clubs are known for discounts, deals, and budget-friendly bulk buys. But that doesn't mean every seemingly affordable offer is actually a bargain.

From overbuying perishables you'll never use to overpaying for name brands, the wrong choices could cost you. That's why we scoured Costco's aisles, looking for expensive finds posing as low-priced picks. So if you're searching for an easy way to get more out of your Costco membership, here are 14 items to skip.

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

Price: $8.99

While shoppers with a bigger grocery budget can afford the sourdough loaf, it is one of the priciest bakery buys.

Is it worth the splurge? The reviews on this fresh find are mixed. Redditor eamceuen didn't seem impressed: "Hubby and I were seriously underwhelmed. The crust is too tough for us. We like the flavor/texture of the cranberry-walnut bread better."

If you're shopping for bread on a budget, think about how quickly you'll finish the loaf before adding it to your cart. Fresh bakery items can be a waste of money if they go stale before you get through them. Compare the cost with smaller loaves at your grocery store, too. Paying less upfront for a size you'll actually finish could be a better deal than buying in bulk.

Price: $529.99

As the name implies, this is one luxe item. Even though the three-in-one espresso, coffee, and cold brew machine does it all, for $529.99, it's an unnecessary expense.

Instead of overspending on a pro-level pick, consider Cuisinart's Brew Central Plus 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. Costco sells this lower-priced product for $64.99.

That's a difference of $465, a hefty amount to spend on specialty coffee features. If you mostly drink regular drip coffee, a simpler machine could cover your daily needs without taking such a big bite out of your budget. Before splurging, consider how often you'd use the espresso and cold brew functions. Paying for features you rarely touch makes it harder to get your money's worth, even if the machine can do more.

Price: $199.99

In the world of luxury razors, $199.99 isn't expensive. That said, almost $200 for a grooming item may seem excessive.

Keep your budget under control and skip this selection. Best Buy sells a Philips Norelco Rechargeable Electric Shaver for $35.

Choosing the less expensive option would leave you with $164.99 in savings before taxes. That's money you could put toward other household essentials instead of spending it all on one grooming tool. Compare the features you actually need, including whether you prefer an electric shaver for everyday use or occasional touch-ups. A premium model may appeal to shoppers who want extra features, but a more affordable alternative could make more sense if your main goal is a reliable shave without the luxury price tag.

Price: $114.99

Over $100 for something you put garbage in? Even though this sleek silver can has two compartments, it isn't worth the high price. Keep your budget on track and swap this item for a basic bargain buy. Snag a slightly smaller model from Target's store-brand Brightroom for $55.

That lower-priced alternative could save you $59.99, leaving more room in your budget for things you'll use every day. Before buying a premium trash can, consider whether you really need separate compartments or other design features. A simpler model can handle everyday kitchen waste without the extra expense. Just compare the dimensions and capacity to make sure the less expensive option fits your space and household needs.

Price: $99.99

This wireless cooking thermometer pairs with the free CHEF iQ app to provide live temperature readings when you step out of the kitchen. It also sends push notifications and cooking alerts via Wi-Fi.

Even though the high-tech gadget does more than a conventional meat thermometer, do you really need to pay $99.99 just to get updates about your roast sent to your smartphone?

If you cook meat occasionally, a basic digital thermometer may be enough to check whether dinner has reached a safe internal temperature. You can skip the app, connectivity, and extra features without giving up the ability to monitor your food. Before paying nearly $100, think about how often you'll use the wireless functions. Spending less on a simpler tool could free up cash for groceries instead.

Price: $59.99

Almost $60 for an iron? While this little laundry helper does have a stainless steel soleplate, 400 active steam holes, and an auto-shutoff, it's also overpriced.

If your budget doesn't have extra wiggle room, Amazon sells similar products from well-known brands like Black + Decker at significantly lower prices.

An iron doesn't have to cost a fortune to help you smooth wrinkles from work clothes, school uniforms, and everyday outfits. Compare steam settings, water-tank capacity, and safety features before choosing a cheaper model. You may find that a basic iron meets your needs without paying extra for features you rarely use. Shopping around before buying can help you keep more money in your pocket, especially if your old iron still works and doesn't need an immediate replacement.

Price: $18.49

The popular brand-name hand soap has a seasonal selection of scents that shoppers adore. But if price is your main concern, this product isn't your best option.

Costco sells the four-count of 16-ounce bottles for as low as $18.49 in-store. You can also get a two-pack of Softsoap Advanced Clean liquid hand soap (80 ounces each) for $12.99 at the warehouse club. In a price-per-ounce showdown, the bulk buy wins at $0.08 versus $0.28.

That makes Softsoap a more budget-friendly pick for busy households that go through hand soap quickly. You'll get more than twice the total volume for less money, so the savings can add up with repeated purchases. Of course, if you love Mrs. Meyer's fragrances, you may decide the premium is worth it. But if you're focused on cutting everyday expenses, compare the cost per ounce instead of judging a product by its scent or brand name alone.

Price: $26.99

Save money and skip this brand-name buy. Compare $26.99 for 16 of the 2.12-ounce assorted protein bars to as low as $17.99 in-store for 20 (also 2.12 ounces) from Kirkland Signature.

The Kirkland Signature box gives you four additional bars while costing $9 less. That's a simple way to stretch your snack budget if protein bars are part of your regular routine. 

Before paying extra for Quest, compare the nutrition labels, flavors, and protein content to see whether the more expensive option offers something you genuinely want. If the two products meet your needs equally well, the cheaper box is the more practical choice. Just make sure you'll enjoy the flavors before buying a larger pack, since uneaten snacks aren't a bargain.

Price: $27.69

Why pay extra for a brand-name supplement? Costco charges $27.69 for 130 of the 1,400 mg softgels. The warehouse club also sells a 400-count bulk pack of the 1,000 mg tabs under its Kirkland Signature private label for $16.99. Even though Nature's Bounty's fish oil is slightly more potent, you'll still pay less for the generic.

The Kirkland Signature bottle costs less upfront and contains more than three times as many softgels, making it worth comparing before you buy. However, don't judge fish oil supplements by the total milligrams alone. Check the EPA and DHA amounts on each label, since those omega-3 fatty acids are more useful for comparing products than the headline number. If you're choosing a supplement for a specific health reason, ask a health care professional which formulation is appropriate rather than buying solely on price.

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Price: $20.49

Most of Costco's bulk-buy cleaning products are decent deals. This is one instance where a generic might not save you money. Costco charges $20.49 to buy 12 of the 160-sheet two-ply rolls in person. In comparison, Target sells a 12-pack of 162-sheet rolls from Scott for $18.99 whether you shop in-store or online. 

Target's pack gives you 24 additional sheets for $1.50 less, making it worth a look before you stock up at Costco. The difference may seem small, but saving on routine household supplies can add up over time. Compare the sheet count and roll size rather than relying on the number of rolls alone. If Scott's paper towels meet your household's needs, there's little reason to pay more just because Costco sells them in bulk.

Price: $21.99

Don't break the bank just to keep your house clean. For almost $22, this five-pack of 85-count disinfecting wipes (425 total pieces) isn't the best bargain you could score.

Walmart sells a four-pack (300 total pieces) of its store-brand Great Value Disinfecting Wipes for $11.98.This generic has a lower per-piece price, saving you money.

The Great Value option costs about 4 cents per wipe, compared with roughly 5 cents for Clorox. That's a small difference per wipe, but the savings can add up when you're cleaning kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and other high-touch areas regularly. Check the label to confirm that the wipes are suitable for the surfaces you plan to clean and follow the directions for disinfecting. If the store brand does the job you need, you can keep more money in your household budget without paying extra for a familiar name.

Price: $16.99

Before you invest in one of Costco's bulk buys, compare the per-item price to what other brands charge. This eight-count of seven-ounce cans costs $16.99 (or $2.12 each). Target sells a slightly smaller five-ounce can from Good & Gather for $1.29.

When you calculate the price per ounce, Target's store-brand is lower ($0.26 versus $0.30).

Buying a smaller can may be the smarter move if you only need tuna for one or two meals. You'll spend less upfront and avoid paying for extra pantry stock you may not use right away. Compare the drained weight and ingredients, too, so you're evaluating similar products. Costco's multipack could still make sense for a household that eats tuna regularly, but shoppers who use it occasionally may get better value by buying fewer cans at a lower price per ounce.

Price: $12.99

There's no doubt that Costco's freshly baked apple pie is a decadently delicious dessert. And if you have a family gathering, party, or other large event coming up, this oversized item is an affordable alternative to specialty bakery buys. But $12.99 isn't a value for smaller households that can't finish this sweet treat before it goes bad.

Before bringing home a full pie, consider how many people will actually eat it. If you're shopping for one or two, a smaller dessert from a grocery store or bakery could be a better fit, even if the price per ounce is higher. You can also freeze suitable portions for later rather than letting leftovers go to waste. The best deal isn't always the biggest one, especially when buying more means throwing food away.

Price: $17.99

Convenience comes at a cost — and customers don't think this prepared meal is worth it. Reddit user stevemw cautioned other Costco shoppers, "Kind of disappointed. The chimichurri sauce was way too tangy and not herbaceous and garlicky enough."

Prepared meals can save time on busy nights, but that convenience isn't always worth nearly $18. Before buying, consider how many servings you'll get and whether everyone at your table will enjoy the flavors. If you already have basic ingredients at home, making a simple beef dinner yourself could be less expensive and give you more control over the seasoning. Reviews can help you decide whether a ready-made meal is worth trying, but remember that taste is subjective. Spending less on a meal you'll actually enjoy is the better deal.

Even though we found some overpriced items, don't cancel your Costco membership solely based on these buys. The warehouse club still offers plenty of ways to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, and more.

Not sure how to cut costs? Here's an easy tip to follow: Swap brand names for generics. Costco's Kirkland Signature private label line includes pantry products, frozen foods, prepared meals, beauty buys, and household goods that often beat competitors' prices.

Still, don't assume that buying in bulk automatically means you're getting the best deal. Compare unit prices at other retailers, consider whether you'll use everything you buy, and check for less expensive alternatives before filling your cart. A smaller package or store-brand substitute may save you more than a warehouse-sized purchase. Costco can be a great place to shop, but the smartest savings come from knowing when to buy and when to pass.