Amazon vs. Costco: We Compared 7 Bulk Home Goods and Found a Few Surprising Winners
It’s once again time to go shopping and pay exorbitant prices for everyday items. If only there were a way to buy more and spend less. When it comes to buying bulk household essentials, two names usually top the list: Amazon and Costco.
Both promise convenience, big pack sizes and long‑term savings, but which one actually gives you the best deal on everyday home goods? To settle the debate, MoneyLion compared seven popular bulk items Americans buy again and again, looking at price per unit, quality and overall value to surprisingly varied results. Here’s how Amazon vs. Costco stacks up when it comes to bulk home goods.
Check Out: 4 Pricey Costco Items That Are Worth the Cost
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30 Rolls of Toilet Paper
Winner: Costco, thanks to its consistent delivery of better value for bulk necessities
This is the ultimate bulk buy, and one of the biggest reasons people swear by Costco. However, though Costco does slightly edge out Amazon with its price per unit, it’s not by as much as you may think. Costco’s bath tissue will run you a roll for 83 cents, whereas Amazon’s toilet paper comes in around 84 cents.
Keep in mind that Costco’s Kirkland Signature toilet paper is known for its generous roll size and solid quality, often costing less per sheet when purchased in bulk. However, the Amazon store brand does have benefits like the Subscribe & Save savings options and convenient two-day delivery.
12 Rolls of Paper Towels
Amazon’s Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels: $22.86
Winner: Amazon, thanks to a surprisingly lower price per unit
Not all paper products are created equally, especially if you are trying to buy a boatload for cheap. If your goal is to save money buying household essentials in bulk, Costco is tough to beat, but Amazon does clean up on this round. Costco has you paying about $2 per roll, whereas Amazon will only cost you $1.91 per roll.
200 Fluid Ounces of Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent
Amazon’s Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent, Clean Burst Fresh: $15.98
Winner: Amazon, based on a variety of brands and its price point overall
Considering most people do laundry nearly every day, buying detergent in bulk just makes sense while saving you dollars. Costco offers big jugs from brands like Tide or Kirkland at a low cost per load, but Amazon frequently wins on variety and eco‑friendly brands, plus automatic reordering and price per ounce for the same product (in this case, the Arm & Hammer detergent).
100 Trash Bags
Winner: Costco comes in almost $16 cheaper total for the same durability
Trash bags are one of those home goods where quality matters just as much as price. Costco bags are thick, reliable and often cheaper per bag. Amazon has plenty of options, but quality and pricing vary widely between sellers.
115 Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
Amazon’s Kirkland Signature Easy to Use, Streak Free Premium Dishwasher Pacs: $27.47
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Platinum Performance UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Pacs: $13.99
Winner: Costco, as it should be the spot you shop for Kirkland Signature products.
This may come as no surprise to loyal shoppers and fans of Costco, but Kirkland is a staple brand to add to your cart when shopping there. Though it is possible to get Kirkland Signature products delivered by Amazon, if you have access to a Costco, you’ll definitely save money.
48-Pack of Batteries
Amazon’s Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries: $15.29
Winner: Amazon slightly has the edge here based on price
Batteries are notorious for being overpriced, unless of course you buy them in bulk. Kirkland batteries are consistently low-priced and well-reviewed, but Amazon Basics batteries are affordable to the point of often being cheaper. However, keep in mind that prices may vary.
20-Count of Razor Refills
Amazon’s Gillette Mach3 Sensitive Mens Shaving Razor Blade Refills: $46.94
Winner: It’s a tie. Costco is regularly more affordable, but Amazon has a lot of lightning deals often, where you can get a good discount.
Bulk buys on personal care products can quietly save you hundreds per year. Razors are a good find at either Costco with its excellent value on multi‑packs, especially for family households. However, Amazon comes through with incredibly strong deals if you watch for sales.'
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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