If you're trying to stretch your grocery budget further, Costco has probably come up in conversation.
Buying in bulk sounds appealing in theory — but is a membership actually worth it for a student?
Here's a complete breakdown of how Costco memberships work, how much they cost, and whether the numbers add up for you.
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Do You Need a Membership to Shop at Costco?
Yes — you need a valid membership card to shop inside a Costco warehouse. Members can bring up to two guests with them on each visit, and non-members can use Costco Shop Cards (gift cards) to make purchases in-store. Alternatively, non-members can order through third-party delivery services, though a 5% surcharge typically applies.
Costco Membership Types & Prices (2026)
There are two membership tiers. Prices were last updated in September 2024 — the first increase since 2017 — and remain unchanged for 2026:
Gold Star Membership — $65/year
Access to all Costco warehouse locations worldwide
Online shopping privileges on Costco.com
Two membership cards (primary + one household member)
Executive Membership — $130/year
All Gold Star benefits, plus:
2% annual reward on qualified Costco purchases (maximum $1,250/year)
$10 monthly credit on same-day delivery orders of $150 or more (up to $120/year in credits)
Early shopping hours — weekdays 9–10 a.m., Saturdays 9–9:30 a.m., Sundays 9–10 a.m.
Executive member discounts on select Costco services
Which Membership Is Worth It?
The Executive Membership makes financial sense if you spend at least $3,250 per year at Costco — at that level, the 2% rewards ($65) offset the extra $65 cost over Gold Star. For most students shopping solo, that's a high bar. The Gold Star at $65/year is more realistic, especially if you're splitting the membership with a housemate or family member.
Does Costco Offer a Day Pass?
No — Costco does not offer day passes or visitor passes. If you want to shop without a membership, your options are:
Go with a member — members can bring up to two guests per visit
Use a Costco Shop Card — purchase one from a member and spend it in-store
Order online via delivery — available to non-members through services like Instacart, though a 5% surcharge applies
Is Costco Worth It for Students?
The honest answer: it depends on your situation. If you're living with several housemates and can split bulk purchases between a household, the value stacks up quickly — particularly on non-perishables, cleaning products, and toiletries. If you're cooking for one, most items come in quantities you'd struggle to use before they expire.
One practical approach: share the $65 Gold Star membership with a housemate. You each effectively pay $32.50 a year for unlimited access, which is easy to justify even with occasional visits. You can also check our college grocery list guide for tips on shopping smart regardless of where you buy. And if you're looking to cut food costs further, don't miss how to save money every time you use food delivery apps.
For a broader look at where students can save, see our roundup of the best student discounts in the US.
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