You'll Save Money On Groceries If You Spend $200 Dollars At Costco Instead Of Target

The annual inflation rate has gradually declined in the early half of 2025, down from 3% in January to 2.4% as of March. However, while overall inflation is down, not every sector experienced the same lowering inflation. For example, while gas prices have seen a decrease as of March, food prices have continued to experience increases. This being the case, now could be a better time than ever to start applying money-saving grocery shopping strategies to your weekly shopping trips.

Perhaps the best place to start is by being selective about which grocery stores you choose to shop at, especially since some can be generally more expensive than others. For example, Costco, known for its bulk discount deals, in-house brands, abundance of products, and $1.50 hotdogs, is significantly cheaper when compared to a retailer like Target. According to a 2025 comparison study from GoBankingRates comparing the prices of 14 items, consumers would spend a whopping $123 more on the same $200 worth of products at Target than they would at Costco. 

Much like how you can save money on $100 worth of groceries at Costco compared to Walmart, where you shop can make a significant difference to your bottom line. For starters, while one gallon of milk cost $2.27 at Costco, at Target, it was $3.49. Plus, one pound of spinach was around $4.30 at Costco compared to roughly $5 at Target. However, this is where the real savings begin. While we all know that egg prices are skyrocketing, as of January 2025 you could purchase 5 dozen at Costco for $16, but would have had to spend $20 for that same amount at Target. 

Similarly, four pounds of Kirkland butter was $14 at Costco while the same amount at Target cost $2 more at $16 total. Three pounds of Salmon cost roughly $48 at Target, while costing a whopping $17 less at Costco, priced instead at $31.

From produce – 3 pounds of broccoli would cost roughly $4 more at Target than Costco — to pantry goods like cereal – two boxes of Frosted Flakes would cost $6 more than Costco's larger box — it's clear that bulk buying at Costco could be the solution to your food budgeting problems.

When comparing the prices of all 14 items at Costco to the same items at Target, the difference in cart totals is astonishing. At Costco, a consumer can expect to spend $200.12 for all 14 items. Meanwhile, those same items at Target will cost a consumer $323.27. With that said, there is no question that by shopping at Costco, you can save a great deal more money by buying products in bulk compared to applying the same strategy at Target. And with this knowledge, if you don't already have a Costco membership, now could be a good time to purchase one.