Jun 13, 2026

6 Costco Summer Finds That Are Way Cheaper Than Anywhere Else — Stock Up Now

Written by Laura Bogart
|
Edited by Kristen Mae
Discover the exterior of a Costco Wholesale store with its large red and blue signage against a partly cloudy sky

Whether you're entertaining grown-up guests at a cookout this summer or desperate to keep the kids occupied during the months they're home from school, you need the right items. Heck, even keeping your home cool and your family fed requires a trip to the store — but which store holds the goodies that will keep your summer fun, safe and affordable?

The answer is Costco. Not only does Costco offer summer finds that will make the season satisfying — you'll also find them at a better value than you would at many other stores.

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As always, prices may vary based on where you live. But if you shop wisely, Costco could be your summer go-to destination for deals.

The Best Costco Buys for the Money Right Now

Sunscreen is an essential part of summer fun. At Costco, you can get a two-pack of Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray for only $17.99.

However, one bottle of Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray costs $14.99 at CVS — meaning the two-pack from Costco offers a far better value per ounce and per bottle.

Light yet filling snacks can help you and the kids stay energized all summer long (not that they need more energy), which makes granola a perfect summer food. At Costco, you can find a bulk 35.3-ounce bag of Kirkland Signature Organic Ancient Grain Granola for $10.49.

If you wanted a similar organic granola from Target, you'd have to spend $7.49 on a much smaller 11.5-ounce bag of Nature's Path Love Crunch Organic Granola. On a per-ounce basis, Costco delivers significantly more value.

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To keep the kids from spending a small fortune at the ice cream truck — and to let the adults in your house embrace their inner children — you need ice cream bars. Costco offers an 18-count box of Kirkland Signature ice cream bars for $12.02, which comes to 67 cents per bar.

Want a fancy Magnum ice cream bar from Walmart? You'll spend $6.14 for a mere six-pack of bars, which comes to just over $1 per bar. That’s a notable price difference for a similar treat.

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Anything that keeps small children cool and entertained is worth its weight in gold. At Costco, you only have to pay $32.99 for this fun undersea-themed sprinkler and splash pad.

If you bought a similar sprinkler at Walmart, you could pay closer to $54.95, making Costco the more budget-friendly option for outdoor play equipment.

When you go to the beach, there are just certain places you don't want to get sand. A good beach chair is a must-have; two are even better. At Costco, you'll find a two-pack of brightly colored Tommy Bahama beach chairs for $99.99. Compare that with Walmart's price, where a two-pack of Tommy Bahama beach chairs costs $135.27.

The Best Walmart Buys for the Money Right Now

Whether you're lounging on the beach or drying off after a dip in your community pool, you need a reliable beach towel. And you'd want that beach towel to be colorful and fun. If you head to Costco, you can get a stylish Fouta beach towel for $16.99, depending on whether you're buying in-store or online. Meanwhile, at Wayfair, a Fouta beach towel costs $27.99.

Before you get started on your summer festivities, consider taking a trip to Costco to purchase some of these seasonal essentials. You'll often find a better value based on either larger sizes, bulk packaging or outright lower prices than you would at competing stores. That way, your budget can join in on the summer fun, too.

Summer spending adds up fast. Enter MoneyLion's Summer Break Giveaway for a chance to win $500 — and give your budget a break. (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See official rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by
Laura Bogart
Laura Bogart is a seasoned writer with a background in technology, media, healthcare, and finance. In her spare time, she also writes fiction.
Edited by
Kristen Mae
Kristen Mae is a former financial planner turned personal finance editor who prides herself on providing clear, actionable advice for readers navigating everyday money decisions.