Is it cheaper at Costco? Compare the unit price

A big pack isn't always a better deal. Enter the price and size from both shelf tags, and see the price per ounce, pound or count, how much you save, and what happens if some of it goes to waste.

How to compare unit prices

• Use the same kind of unit on both sides. Weight against weight, volume against volume. The calculator converts ounces, pounds, grams and kilograms for you, and fluid ounces, quarts, gallons, liters and milliliters.
• Count what you actually use. For toilet paper and paper towels, roll sizes differ, so compare by sheets (or square feet), not by rolls. For snacks, compare by ounces rather than "bags".
• Be honest about waste. If a third of the bag of spinach ends up in the trash, the Costco price per ounce you eat is higher than the tag says. That's what the "you'll actually use" box is for.
• Watch for sales at your store. A grocery sale can beat Costco for a week. Compare against what you'd normally pay.

Does it make the membership worth it?

The percentage this calculator shows is exactly the "how much cheaper" number the membership calculator asks for. Check a few things you buy often, and use a typical percentage there to see whether your savings cover the $65 fee. Executive members also get 2% back on most purchases, which makes Costco about 2% cheaper again; see if Executive is worth it.

Shelf tag endings can hint at a clearance price; see what the price tag codes mean. And if the price drops after you buy, Costco will refund the difference within 30 days: price adjustments.

Common questions

Is Costco always cheaper?

No. Bulk packs often have a lower unit price, but not always, and a sale at a regular grocery store can beat them. That's why it's worth comparing the unit price on the items you buy most.

What is a unit price?

The price divided by the amount: dollars per ounce, per pound, per sheet or per item. It lets you compare packs of different sizes fairly.

How do I compare toilet paper at Costco?

Use the sheet count on the package, not the number of rolls, and pick "sheets" on both sides. If the sheets are different sizes, square feet is fairer, and most packages list it.

This calculator uses only the prices and sizes you enter. We don't list Costco prices, which vary by warehouse and change often. See how we check our numbers.