Here's How Much the Average Costco Shopper Spends Each Trip

Lots of shoppers spend big when they go to Costco.

It probably doesn't come as a shock that shoppers tend to spend more at Costco than at other stores. Costco is, after all, the place you go when you want to stock up.

Previous data from Numerator estimated that the average Costco shopper spent about $100 per visit, as reported by Business Insider. That was close to double its estimates for the average at Target ($50) and Walmart ($54). But that was just an estimate based on receipts from a small number of customers. A Costco representative recently revealed the real average, and it turned out to be a whole lot higher.

How much the average Costco shopper spends each trip

The average Costco shopper spends "roughly $150 per order," said a Costco representative who spoke with Nexstar.

Recent data has also revealed more on Costco members' shopping habits. The average Costco executive member "spends more and shops more" than the average Gold Star member, according to CFO Richard Galanti on an earnings call in March. That makes sense, given that a Costco executive membership includes a 2% annual reward (of up to $1,000 per year) on eligible purchases.

The amount that people spend on Costco trips has also been increasing. Costco reported that its average spend-per-visit went up by 6.9% and 1.9%, respectively, in its first and second quarter earnings calls for 2023.

Do you actually save money shopping at Costco?

Since Costco is known for low prices, you might assume you're going to save money there. You definitely can, but it's also easy to overspend, for a few reasons.

For one, Costco warehouses have lots of quality, affordable products. While that's a good thing, it also means there's the temptation to take home anything that catches your eye, even when it's not on your shopping list. The free sample stations don't help matters, either.

The fact that Costco sells products in bulk also means shoppers often buy more than usual. Now, this can save you money in the long run -- assuming you use up everything you buy. You don't end up saving money if half the fruit you bought goes bad.

The bottom line is that it's important to keep track of how much you spend at Costco to see if it's saving you money. Budgeting apps are a convenient way to track your spending at Costco, and everywhere else.

How to make your Costco trips more affordable

If you want to save more money on your Costco trips, the most important thing you can do is go in with a plan. You're far more likely to make impulse purchases if you only have a general idea of what you want or what your budget is. Make a shopping list and decide how much you want to spend beforehand.

Also, do the math on your Costco spending to see if an executive membership makes sense. The breakeven point, since it offers a 2% annual reward and costs $120 compared to the $60 Gold Star membership, is $3,000 in annual Costco spending. If you spend at least $3,000, you'll earn $60 back and make up the additional membership cost. The more you spend, the more valuable it is -- up to $50,000 in eligible spending, since the reward limit is $1,000 per year.

Whether you sign up for an executive membership or not, make sure you use a rewards credit card for all your Costco purchases. This way, you earn cash back or points on your spending. Costco only accepts Visa credit cards, but there are plenty of Visa rewards cards to choose from.

It's not too hard to save at Costco, thanks to its competitive prices. If you stick to a shopping list and maximize your rewards, you'll get a good deal on every trip.