Costco vs. Target: Which Is Actually Cheaper for 5 Monthly Household Essentials?
Costco and Target are often where shoppers head when the paper towels run out and the trash bags are running low. But the real question is whether they are getting the best value for their money.
In a price check of five household staples, we compared Costco and Target prices for toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, laundry detergent, paper towels and trash bags.
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Here’s where each retailer offered the better value and when buying in bulk still pays off.
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Toilet Paper: Same Supply, Lower Price at Target
Target wins this one.
Both Target’s up&up soft and strong toilet paper and Costco’s Kirkland Signature bath tissue included 30 rolls with 380 sheets per roll or 11,400 sheets total.
Target’s pack was $20.99. Costco’s was about $23.82. So, Target offered the same supply for about $3 less.
Paper Towels: Costco Gives More, but Target Costs Less
Paper towels are a household staple that gets used daily, making a few dollars at each restock more important than it looks in a single cart.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature "create-a-size" paper towel pack included 1,920 sheets for about $23.60. Target’s up&up "make-a-size" paper towel pack included 1,800 sheets for $19.99.
Costco’s package had 120 more sheets, but Target cost about $4 less. Shoppers get nearly the same paper-towel supply for less each time it restocks at Target.
Trash Bags: Costco’s Bulk Edge Shows Up
Trash bags have a way of seeming endless, until the box is empty at exactly the wrong time.
Target has a 13-gallon up&up box of trash bags that includes 160 bags for about $23.49. Costco’s Kirkland Signature flex-tech trash box costs about the same ($22.69) but includes 200 bags.
For the same price, Costco gives shoppers 40 extra bags. That means more time before another trash-bag run and a better value on an essential nobody wants to discover is gone.
Disinfecting Wipes: A Small Upgrade Buys More
Costco’s bulk model makes the most sense when shoppers don’t have to spend much more to get substantially more product.
For example, Target’s Lysol disinfecting wipes multipack costs about $12.99 for 240 wipes, while Costco’s variety disinfecting wipes pack costs about $16.33 for 380. Spending roughly $3 more at Costco buys 140 additional wipes. That’s nearly 60% more product for about 23% more money.
It also makes the Costco pack a stronger value for shoppers who use disinfecting wipes regularly. In this case, the extra money at checkout stretches much further.
Laundry Detergent: Target Costs Less Per Load
Laundry detergent shows why the biggest container isn’t always the best bulk buy. The number of loads matters more than the bottle size.
Target’s up&up fresh linen detergent costs about $13.79 for 101 loads or roughly 13 cents per load. Costco’s Kirkland Signature ultra clean detergent costs about $20.87 for 146 loads or roughly 14 cents per load.
Target wins twice here. Shoppers spend less upfront and slightly less each time they run the washing machine. Costco offers 45 more loads, but its larger container doesn’t produce a lower unit price.
Bottom Line
Target came out ahead on toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent, while Costco offered the better value on trash bags and disinfecting wipes.
Both stores can save shoppers money. The better choice depends on what matters more at the time. Target makes more sense when keeping the bill down is the priority. Costco can be worth the bigger purchase when stocking up means fewer trips back for everyday household essentials.
If the goal is spending less today, Target has the edge. If the goal is making fewer store runs, Costco does.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
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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