What a $250 Costco Run Looks Like for Gen Z vs. Boomers
With groceries taking a bite out of everyone’s budget, Costco is no longer only a marketplace for boomers and large families. Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is also benefiting from Costco savings and you may have seen younger shoppers in the aisles of the warehouse store.
While younger Gen Z teens, ages 14 to 17, rely on their parents to do the shopping, young adults, ages 18 and older, may live alone or share expenses with roommates or a partner. They may shop at Costco to save money by buying in bulk and or lower-priced staples.
MoneyLion looks into lifestyle, budget pressures and shopping habits across the two generations. Here’s how a $250 Costco run compares for Gen Z vs. Boomers.
Convenience vs. Utility: How Lifestyle Drives Costco Spending
Generation Z’s lifestyle is all about convenience. Between work, school and social gatherings, they are always on the go. Their lifestyle shows up in the items they buy.
"Gen Z doesn’t shy away from the spontaneous purchases either," said retailer Michael Stein, founder and CEO of Tarps Plus, who has his eye on multi-generational shopping behaviors. “Their shopping habits focus on the 'little upgrades' and convenience [purchases] to make their life easier.”
In contrast, some boomers may be retired and enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle focused on relaxing activities, spending their time at the beach and exploring charming towns.
“Plus, boomers value utility over convenience,” Stein said.
How Budget Pressures Shape Gen Z Vs. Boomer Spending
The Gen Z population may include college graduates experiencing career instability and struggling in entry-level jobs that don’t pay well. From affording rent to paying off student loan debt and navigating a competitive job market, many young adults carry more financial stress than previous generations, such as boomers.
Those financial pressures can make Gen Z price-conscious, pushing them to look for value in bulk buys, such as paper towels and toilet paper, prepared foods and practical food staples that stretch a small paycheck.
Boomers who are still working may earn upper-middle-class incomes, have solid careers and have stable savings after investing in a 401(k) with an employer match for decades.
However, if they have stopped working, they may be living on a fixed income and may face additional healthcare expenses — increased doctor visits, medications, expensive surgeries and copays for imaging like CT scans and MRIs, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
“For boomers, shopping at Costco isn’t a one-stop shopping trip," said Stein. They consider trip costs and often ask if Costco’s bulk pricing will last the whole month.”
Rather than making trips to several stores, many boomers prefer to do all their shopping in one place, said Stein.
What a $250 Shopping Trip Looks Like Across Generations
Shopping styles between Generation Z and boomers differ significantly.
“The Gen Z cart is all about convenience and flexible meal shopping, especially when they have busy work schedules and shared living arrangements; they usually shop with purpose for useful lifestyle upgrades and their impulse buys are usually tech,” said Stein.
Here’s what a $250 Costco run looks like for both generations. Note: pricing may differ by location.
Gen Z Costco Run
Rotisserie chicken — $4.99
Prepared meal, such as chicken alfredo or street-taco kit — $18.99
Frozen breakfast sandwiches or burritos — $15.99
Protein shakes — $35.00
Cold brew or coffee — $14.99
Snack variety pack — $18.99
Greek yogurt — $7.99
Frozen fruit or smoothie mix — $12.99
Frozen pizza, dumplings or quick dinner item — $14.99
Sparkling water or energy drinks — $22.99
Toilet paper — $23.99
Laundry detergent — $17.99
Shampoo, body wash or personal-care item — $14.99
Small tech item, charger or home accessory — $24.99
Total: About $249.87
Boomers, on the other hand, value health, practicality and may cook more family meals at home. Most own their own homes and purchase gardening and household products for upkeep.
Boomer Costco Run
Bulk meat or ground beef — $35.00
Seafood or salmon — $30.00
Rotisserie chicken — $4.99
Bulk produce — $20.00
Eggs — $8.99
Bread or bakery item — $6.99
Paper towels — $22.99
Toilet paper — $23.99
Cleaning supplies or wipes — $15.99
Pet food or pet treats — $25.99
Vitamins or supplements — $19.99
Batteries — $17.99
Garden, storage or home-maintenance item — $16.99
Total: About $249.90
Editor’s note: Prices and availability may vary depending on location, and 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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