Is a membership worth it at all?
A Gold Star membership costs $65 a year. It pays for itself once your savings at the warehouse are bigger than that. Here's how to tell.
How to estimate your savings
The calculator is only as good as the percentage you give it, so it's worth five minutes with a receipt:
- Pick five to ten things you buy every month, such as coffee, paper towels, eggs, laundry detergent or a rotisserie-style dinner.
- Write down what each one costs per unit (per ounce, per sheet, per egg) at your usual store and at the warehouse.
- Add up what the same amount would cost at each store and compare the totals. That difference, as a percent, is your number.
Compare by unit, not by package. A big pack is only a deal if you use all of it before it goes bad.
How the math works
Your yearly savings are your monthly spend, times 12, times the percentage you save. If that's more than $65, the membership pays for itself.
For example, if you save 10%, you need to spend about ${{GOLD_BE10_YEAR}} a year, or ${{GOLD_BE10_MONTH}} a month, for the savings to cover the fee. If you only save 5%, you need about ${{GOLD_BE5_YEAR}} a year.
Things the calculator doesn't count
- Trips you wouldn't otherwise make. If the warehouse is far away, the drive costs gas and time. Our gas savings calculator can help with that part.
- Buying more than you need. Bulk packs that end up in the trash erase the savings.
- Gas, pharmacy and travel. If you'd use these, they can add savings the grocery comparison misses.
Can I try it without risk?
Costco says it will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you're not satisfied. That makes a one-year trial low risk: if your savings don't add up, you can ask for the fee back at the membership counter.
Already a member?
If you spend more than about $271 a month there, the Executive upgrade can pay for itself too. Check the Executive calculator.
Fees last checked October 12, 2026. How we check our numbers.