5 Reasons People Are Really Into Costco

Image source: Getty Images

We write about Costco a lot around here, but it's for good reason. People really love the place, and they really like it when we tell them all the good stuff they can find there. I'm not at all saying that Costco isn't cool, but I'm hardly the superfan that some people seem to be.

After all, there are social media pages dedicated to Costco finds, and some people who will shop nowhere else. These people are really into Costco. Here are a few reasons why that might be.

1. Costco is a daily treasure hunt

What you find at Costco is often surprising and regularly such a significant deal that it merits sharing. There are Facebook groups dedicated to new items at particular Costco locations, including my own in Springfield, Missouri. I happen to know the fella who runs it, and he's a very dedicated Costco shopper.

So many people love to treat Costco like a treasure hunt that Costco itself now has a link on its website called "Treasure Hunt" that can take you to some of the very best that Costco Online has to offer. For example, right now, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Special Edition printer is on sale for $278.99, which is $100 off its regular price, through Sept. 1.

2. Bargains on tires and gasoline

Pretty much everyone knows that Costco gas is usually the cheapest around -- that's why they line up around the building to get some of that liquid gold. But the store also has great deals on really nice tires, including free installation and free warranty services.

You might not be able to buy the cheapest tires in the world at Costco, but the tires you get will be a huge value for what they are.

3. Great prices on things that have literally made me go, "Ooh..."

I was just surfing the Costco website and I saw something that literally made me say, out loud, to literally no one, "Ooh, I've been wanting one of those..." It was an outdoor blanket with a hood for $29.99 -- don't shame me, it gets cold here in the winter.

I'd like to say this was an isolated incident, but since I started working for The Ascent and covering Costco, it has been happening a lot. There was also the "Sorry I Bet on Baseball" baseball signed by Pete Rose that I thought might make a very expensive and potentially hilarious gift for my brother for Christmas, about 20 different kinds of sheds, and the Bissell CrossWave wet/dry vacuum, which is currently offered to members for just $249.99.

4. Basically the entire pharmacy

If you're a pharmacy frequenter like myself, you already know what kinds of amazing deals you can get on bulk over-the-counter meds and prescription drugs at the Costco pharmacy. It also offers pet meds and immunizations.

Check the online drug price finder for specific drug prices, or just approach the local pharmacist with your prescription list for the best prices in your area, even if you don't have insurance. I've literally saved thousands of dollars in my time as a Costco member just in the pharmacy alone, and often I don't even step foot inside the building to do so.

5. The Costco food court

I would be remiss to not include the infamous Costco hot dog on my list of reasons people are really into Costco. It's a bargain, its price hasn't gone up in eons, and after a long afternoon of shopping at Costco, you really deserve a little treat.

But that's not the only thing you can get at the Costco food court. It also sells 18-inch pizzas for $10, freshly made gelato, and a smattering of sandwiches (that are less of a value, but still amazing, I'm sure).

Costco is the ultimate budget-friendly adventure

You know the main reason that people are really into Costco? It's the ultimate budget -friendly adventure. I can go to the local supermarket every week, and I know exactly where the eggs are. I know that if I walk two aisles and turn left, I'll find the refrigerated bagels. I know the store always sells the same 20 kinds of chips, and it gets a little old.

Markets aren't supposed to be exciting. But what if shopping for food and other ordinary items could be an adventure? Well, Costco exists, and we are all better for it.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .