The art of frugal shopping has gotten tricky during these times of tariffs and inflation. And while Costco may be known for bulk deals and low prices, not every item is a bargain, even in bulk. In fact, some products cost more at Costco than they do on Amazon, particularly when you factor in fast shipping and Prime perks.
If you’re looking to cut costs and shop smarter in 2026, comparing prices across all retailers is essential. Here are four expensive Costco items you may want to skip in-store and buy online from Amazon instead to maximize your savings.
Diapers
- Costco: Kirkland Signature diapers are $19.99 for 112-count ($0.18 per diaper)
- Amazon: Luvs diapers are $16.67 for 116-count ($0.14 per diaper)
If you’ve ever shopped at Costco, you know there are good deals to be had where diapers are concerned. However, you may want to look elsewhere for deeper discounts. At the very least, check the per-unit price of the diapers — some brands are cheaper on Amazon compared to Costco’s generic brand.
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School and Office Supplies
- Costco: Post-it Notes 24-pack is $19.99
- Amazon: Post-it Notes 24-pack is $16.99
Check out Amazon for good deals on supplies for the kids for school or your own home office. Many times, you can save money by skipping Costco for these items. If you are looking to get organized for the next semester, quarter or just a New Year’s resolution, cleaning up your budget is a good start.
Holiday Décor (for Next Holiday Season)
- Costco: A 7.5-foot Christmas tree with color-changing lights is $579.99
- Amazon: A 7.5-foot Christmas tree with color-changing lights is $159.99
This can be a bit tricky and nuanced, but as you can see, the savings can be significant. Holiday decor isn’t typically available year-round in stores, so you may need to pick up decorations when you see them. However, customers have reported finding much better deals online than at Costco, and can buy them all year round.
Spices
- Costco: Kirkland Signature ground cinnamon is $21.99 for 21.4 ounces ($1.03 per ounce)
- Amazon: McCormick ground cinnamon is $12.05 for 18 ounces ($0.67 per ounce)
Nothing says it’s the cozy season like winter spices, and you may be able to find a good deal on a huge tub or container of your favorite at Costco. While it may seem like great value, most of us don’t need that huge amount, especially in a relatively short time. Keep in mind that ground spices have a limited shelf life of about six months, after which they lose their potency.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
Caitlyn Moorhead and Chris Adam contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Expensive Costco Items You Should Buy on Amazon Instead for Big Savings
