If you’ve been holding off on buying a Costco membership here in Wichita, this guide breaks it down so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. A lot of people wonder if memberships ever go on sale and whether the yearly fee actually pays off. If you shop smart, a Costco membership can be a surprisingly good deal. I personally love the $1.50 Hot Dog Combo and the Discounts on Gift Cards.
Wichita has one Costco location that many locals rely on for groceries, gas, and bulk household items. For my family, the cheaper gas alone almost pays for our membership each year. If I can help it, I try to fill up there every time.
My Uncle Ken should honestly be a Costco spokesperson. He and my Aunt Sara used to travel and would purposely stop in cities just to visit a Costco. It became a running joke in our family whenever someone complimented something in their house. Someone would ask, “Guess where it’s from?” and the answer was almost always… Costco.
Costco Pricing Secrets
Costco actually has a little “secret code” in its price endings, and once you know it, it can help you spot the best deals in the store.
At Costco, the last two digits of the price often signal how the item is priced or whether it’s on clearance.
Here are the common Costco price endings and what they usually mean:
.99 — Regular Price
Most items at Costco end in .99, typically indicating the standard price set by the manufacturer or supplier.
.97 — Manager Markdown / Clearance
If you see .97, that usually means the item has been marked down by the store manager. These are often clearance items or products that Costco wants to move quickly.
.00 or .88 — Deep Clearance
Prices ending in .00 or .88 usually indicate major markdowns or clearance deals. These items may be discontinued, or the store may only have a few left.
.49, .79, .89 — Special Manufacturer Deal
These endings often mean Costco received a special deal from the manufacturer and passed the savings on to customers. These can be very good values.
.29 or .39 — Limited-Time Deals
These sometimes show up on promotional items where Costco negotiated a temporary discount.
Asterisk (*) on the Price Tag
If you ever see a small asterisk in the upper corner of the price sign, it means the item will not be restocked. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Why Costco Uses These Codes? Costco is known for keeping prices extremely low by operating on very small margins. Instead of constantly advertising big sales, they use these pricing signals to quietly mark down items.
For shoppers who know the system, it’s a fun way to spot a bargain while walking the aisles.
Many regular Costco shoppers say that when they see .97 and an asterisk, they grab the item right away because chances are it won’t be there the next time they visit.
Costco Membership Cost
Costco currently offers two main membership levels:
• Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
• Executive Membership: $130 per year
The Executive Membership includes a 2% annual reward on most purchases (up to $1,000 back per year). Many frequent shoppers earn back enough to cover most or all of the membership fee.
Do Costco Memberships Ever Go on Sale?
Costco doesn’t usually discount memberships directly, but there are still ways to get a deal if you keep an eye out.
• New Member Promotions
Sometimes new members can receive a $20–$45 Costco Shop Card after signing up.
• Online Promotions
Occasionally, Costco partners with sites like Groupon, where new members receive bonus gift cards.
• Partner Offers
Banks or other companies sometimes offer bundles that include a Costco membership and extra rewards.
These promotions pop up a few times a year and are usually available for new members. I will post on Social if I see one of these deals pop up, so make sure you are following us.
Ways Wichita Shoppers Can Save at Costco
For many Wichita families, the membership can pay for itself with just a few purchases.
• Gas savings
Costco gas is often significantly cheaper than nearby stations, which adds up quickly if you drive a lot around town.
• Rotisserie chicken
The famous $4.99 rotisserie chicken is a fan favorite and often cheaper than grocery store alternatives. Last week, I was at Whole Foods, and their rotisserie chicken was over $12.
• Costco Food Court
Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap meal or an easy dinner solution, Costco’s Famous $1.50 Hot Dog Combo is a must! Also, their pizza is wonderful and great for feeding a crowd or just grabbing a slice.
• Kirkland Signature products
Costco’s private label brand is known for high-quality items at lower prices. I loved the diapers, and the pediatrician at Westley Hospital recommended them.
• Bulk household items
Paper towels, toilet paper, snacks, and pantry staples are often much cheaper when purchased in bulk.
• Discounted gift cards
Costco frequently sells gift cards for restaurants, travel, and entertainment at a discount. Read our full article about Costco Gift Cards.
Is a Costco Membership Worth It? For many Wichita families, the answer is yes, especially if they shop there regularly.
A membership can be worth it if you:
• Have a family and go through groceries quickly
• Drive often and use the cheaper gas
• Buy pantry staples and household goods in bulk
• Use services like the pharmacy, optical center, or travel deals
If you shop at Costco only occasionally or live far from a Costco location, the savings may not add up as quickly.
Money-Saving Tip: Each Costco membership includes two cards for people living in the same household. That means spouses or roommates can share the benefits.
And if someone signs up and decides it’s not for them, Costco offers a risk-free guarantee. Memberships can be canceled at any time for a full refund.
For Wichita shoppers looking to save money on groceries, gas, and everyday essentials, a Costco membership can be a great value — especially if you catch one of the occasional sign-up promotions. And if my Uncle Ken had his way, everyone would probably have one.
