How Far $50 Goes at Dollar General Compared To Costco
You're bound to find bargains at both Dollar General and Costco, but that's where the similarities typically end. At Costco, you'll want to focus on bulk items, such as perishables, household essentials and snacks. Meanwhile, Dollar General could be best for smaller quantities of cleaning supplies, toiletries and some pantry items.
We compared what you can currently get for a budget of under $50 before tax at Dollar General versus Costco.
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1. Honey Nut Cheerios
Dollar General Price: $5
Costco Price: $10.99
Costco's higher price tag for Honey Nut Cheerios reflects the 27.5-ounce, 2-count offering versus Dollar General's $5 for 15.4 ounces. So if you're in the market for some Cheerios and looking for less cost per ounce, then stick to Costco.
2. Palmolive Ultra Strength Dish Liquid
Dollar General Price: $2.75
Costco Price: $8.19
If you're washing your dishes after a meal, then you'll need dish soap and well, Costco dishes it at $8.19 for 102 fluid ounces. If you don't need it in bulk, Dollar General offers it for just $2.95, but you'll be paying more per oz.
3. Pepcid Complete Dual Action
Dollar General Price: $7.50
Costco Price: $10.99
Let your gut lead the way. For just under $3.49 more, you get 22 more chewable tablets at Costco than you do at Dollar General.
4. Carmex Medicated Lip Balm Tube
Dollar General Price: $3.65
Costco Price: $10.99
You'll get 12 Carmex lip balms for just under $10 at Costco, and three for over $3 at Dollar General. Costco easily wins for price per unit, but consider how many lip balms you need at hand in the near future.
5. Heinz Tomato Ketchup
Dollar General Price: $4
Costco Price: $12.99
At Costco, you can get 44 ounces, 3-count of Heinz Ketchup for $12.99 compared to $4 for one 38-ounce bottle at Dollar General. While you get a better deal at Costco, keep in mind how much you use and the expiration dates.
6. Tostitos Chunky Salsa, Medium
Dollar General Price: $3.80
Costco Price: $9.99
Looking for more salsa at your next party? Costco can help you out. Dollar General sells 15.5-ounce Tostitos Chunky Salsa for $3.80, while Costco sells 40.575-ounce, 2-count for $9.99.
7. Alka-Seltzer Original Flavor
Dollar General Price: $5.75
Costco Price: $12.49
Costco sells a whopping 58 pouches for just $9.49, while Dollar General sells 12 pouches for $5.75. You get the better deal at Costco, but you might want to make a final decision depending on the ache-relief needs in your household.
8. GUM Soft-Picks
Dollar General Price: $3.35
Costco Price: $13.99
Costco sells these convenient picks for $10.99 for 190, while Dollar General sells them for $3.65 for 50. Costco once again wins for price per unit, and with an abundance of picks, you won't have to worry about building dental plaque for months on end.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of April 6, 2026. Pricing 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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