Quick summary: Costco in-store and Costco.com offer different products and prices. For fresh food, rotisserie chicken, and gas, go to the store. For large appliances, furniture, and electronics, online is sometimes better. Details in this guide.
Costco Online and In-Store: Why Are They Different?
Costco.com operates as a separate channel. Products you cannot find in the store are available online. Products you cannot find online are in the store. Prices are not always the same either.
You can browse Costco.com without a membership, but to actually shop you need a Costco membership (Gold Star: $65/year, Executive: $130/year).
Things You Definitely Need to Go to the Store For
- Rotisserie chicken ($4.99): Store-only price, not available online. America's most famous price-anchoring decision.
- Fresh food, vegetables, fruit: You cannot control fresh product quality with online orders.
- Gas: Costco gas station is only at the physical store.
- Kirkland Signature products (most of them): Kirkland cheese, olive oil, coffee. Wider selection and cheaper in store.
- Bakery items: Croissants, pizza, bread. Fresh daily, not available online.
Products That Make Sense to Buy Online
- Large appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator): Online members get installation and haul-away included. The store does not carry as much stock.
- Furniture and living room sets: Large items that do not fit in the store.
- Seasonal and specialty items: Costco.com offers a much wider product range.
- Pharmacy and medication: Costco pharmacy accepts online orders.
| Category | Store or Online? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food | Store | Check quality yourself |
| Rotisserie chicken | Store | Not available online |
| Large electronics | Online or store (compare prices) | Online includes delivery and setup |
| Furniture | Online | Limited stock in store |
| Travel and tourism | Online (Costco Travel) | Very good prices |
| Medication | Online or store pharmacy | Order online, pick up in store |
Important Difference on Costco Online
Some products on Costco.com are part of the "Costco Next" program. Under this program, products come directly from the manufacturer and are sold with Costco's price guarantee. For some of these products, you can even shop without a Costco card (special cases).
Also, Costco.com prices may have a 3% surcharge (for non-member purchases). Keep the membership price and these fees in mind.
Delivery time difference: Costco online delivery can take 3-7 business days. It is not as fast as Amazon Prime. If you need something urgently, the store or Amazon is better. Costco does not have a fast delivery option.
Is Executive Membership Worth It?
Executive membership ($130/year) gives back 2% of your purchases as cashback (maximum $1,000/year). If you spend $3,250 at Costco per year, the extra $65 for Executive membership pays for itself. If you spend more, you are ahead.
My personal calculation: For my family of 4, I spend about $4,500 at Costco per year. Executive membership cashback comes to about $90. Gold Star is $65, Executive is $130. The difference is $65 but with $90 cashback I have a net $25 gain. For a bigger family, Executive makes sense.
Disclaimer: Prices and program terms may change. Check current information on Costco.com before shopping. Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
