Should You Get a Costco Membership? Use This Calculator to Find Out

Costco is the undisputed king of offering bulk savings. Since 1983, this Pacific Northwest success story has negotiated directly with manufacturers worldwide, passing those savings to members. Think deep discounts on everything from groceries to household goods to wine to electronics to precious metals.

But for many Portlanders, especially those living along or on a tight budget, determining if a membership pays off requires careful calculation. Costco recently bumped membership fees to $65 for its basic Gold Star level and $130 for it premium Executive offering. That's real money — but for millions of families worldwide, it's still a bargain.

The Real Numbers Game

You need to save $5.42 monthly by shopping at Costco to break even on the $65 membership. Executive members need $10.84 in monthly savings to justify the higher fee. Here are some critical factors to consider:

• Gas station goldmine: Costco gas often runs 5-25 cents cheaper per gallon

• The bulk reality check: Will you actually use 36 rolls of toilet paper before they take over your garage? 

• Distance matters: Factor in drive time and gas costs

• The infamous "quick trip": That 20 minute run that somehow costs $200

How The Stumptown Savings Costco Membership Calculator Works

Stumptown Savings is committed to helping Portlanders shop smarter. That’s all about saving time and money. Even with their low prices, a Costco membership isn’t right for everyone. So I’ve made a calculator to help you determine if you should get one, and at which level. Enter your monthly grocery/household spending, and the calculator does the heavy lifting.

This calculator uses the data you enter on household size, monthly spending, and which services you’ll use to determine break-even points based on Costco's 15-25% savings compared to traditional Portland retailers. It factors in membership costs ($65 annually for Gold Star, $130 annual for Executive) to recommend whether a membership pays for itself — and which level maximizes your savings.

Get Your Personal Answer

Shop Smarter, Save More with Stumptown Savings

Whether Costco membership makes sense depends on your unique shopping habits, family size, and budget. This calculator takes the guesswork out of this decision by analyzing your specific situation — not generic assumptions.

Ready to make smarter shopping decisions? Subscribe to Stumptown Savings for the best Portland-area grocery deals each week.