Is Costco worth it for two people?

For two people, a Costco membership is generally worth it if you can consistently save on high-discount categories like gas, pharmacy/OTC medications, paper products, household cleaners, garbage bags, toilet paper, and pantry or freezer staples. If your household mostly buys fresh, perishable food in small quantities, has very limited storage space, or lives more than 20 minutes from a warehouse, the membership may not pay off.

To decide, compare the annual membership fees against your realistic savings:

• Gold Star (Basic) Membership ($65/year): You need to save just under $5.50 a month to break even. This is incredibly easy to achieve if you fill up your gas tank at Costco once or twice a month, or buy bulk household essentials (like toilet paper, trash bags, and dish soap) a few times a year.
• Executive Membership ($130/year): This tier costs an extra $65 but gives you a 2% reward on most purchases. To earn back the extra $65 upgrade cost through rewards alone, you need to spend at least $3,250 a year ($271 a month) at Costco. This is highly achievable for two people who do the majority of their grocery shopping there or make occasional large purchases like tires, electronics, or travel.

The Verdict for Two People: Start with the basic $65 Gold Star membership. Stick to buying high-use nonperishables, toiletries, and gas, and avoid "bulk bargains" on fresh produce or bakery items that might spoil before you can finish them. If you find yourself spending more than $270 a month, you can easily upgrade to the Executive tier later.