Is Costco cheaper than Amazon for household basics?

Usually, Costco is cheaper on a unit-price basis for household basics like paper goods, trash bags, detergent, and other bulk staples, especially if you compare store-brand items in the same unit size. But that is not always true for every item or every deal.

Amazon can sometimes be cheaper or close on certain name-brand items, particularly when there are promotions, when you use Subscribe & Save, or when you buy smaller quantities. Amazon’s main advantages are convenience, wider selection, and home delivery; Costco’s main advantage is often lower cost per unit in larger packs.

A few things to check when comparing prices:

• price per ounce / sheet / count
• pack size differences
• shipping costs
• whether the Amazon price is a one-time price or a subscription price
• whether you’re factoring in Costco’s membership cost if you need one for your shopping

So the short answer is: for household basics, Costco is often cheaper overall per unit, but Amazon can beat it on some items depending on discounts, pack size, and timing. Exact prices can change, so it’s worth checking the current listings before buying.