Is a Costco membership worth it for gas alone? We did the math
Turns out the savings vary A LOT by city! 👀⛽️
Does a Costco Canada membership pay for itself in gas savings? We crunched the numbers.
With gas prices feeling like a game of roulette across Canada, more and more people are looking for ways to cut costs at the pump. One option that gets a lot of buzz is filling up at Costco gas stations.
Known for its bulk deals and bargain finds, Costco Canada also offers lower gas prices — but only if you're a member.
But what if you don't want 40 rolls of paper towels or a five-litre jug of mayo taking over your kitchen? Is the membership fee worth it if all you want is the cheaper gas?
Currently, a basic ("Gold Star") Costco membership costs $65 plus tax — and it's required if you want to access their gas stations.
According to GasBuddy — which relies on crowdsourced gas price data from users — Costco gas prices across major Canadian cities are noticeably lower than the city averages as of Wednesday, July 9.
We dove into the numbers to find out if the savings justified the membership price.
While gas prices fluctuate a lot throughout the year, we used the current difference between local Costco prices and city averages as a ballpark for how much you might save annually if those gaps stayed relatively steady. Our calculations are based on someone who fills a 50-litre tank about once a week, but your mileage may vary.
Here's how the savings stack up across four major cities.
Toronto
- Average Toronto gas price today: 132.3 c/L
- Average Costco price today: 122.9 c/L
- Savings: 9.4 c/L
Assuming you fill a 50-litre tank once a week, you're buying 2,600 litres of gas per year. At 9.4 cents off per litre, you'd save about $244.40 annually. After subtracting the membership fee — $73.45 with Ontario's 13% HST — you're still walking away with an extra $170.95 per year in Toronto. Cha-ching!
Ottawa
- Average Ottawa gas price today: 130.0 c/L
- Average Costco price today: 124.2 c/L
- Savings: 5.8 c/L
In Ottawa, Costco gas prices are a little less competitive than elsewhere in the country — but you're still saving about $150.80 per year on 2,600 litres. Once you take off the $73.45 membership fee in Ontario, you're left with around $77.35 in annual savings.
However, if you fill your tank less often, like once every two weeks rather than once a week, this is one spot where you may not break even.
Calgary
- Average Calgary gas price today: 132.7 c/L
- Average Costco price today: 117.9 c/L
- Savings: 14.8 c/L
Multiply that by 2,600 litres, and you're looking at $384.80 in yearly savings in Calgary. And, after taking off the $68.25 membership fee (including Alberta's 5% GST), you're still saving $316.55. That's easily one of the best Costco gas deals in the country right now.
Vancouver
- Average Vancouver gas price today: 163.7 c/L
- Average Costco price today: 151.9 c/L
- Savings: 11.8 c/L
In Vancouver, your discount adds up to $306.80 per year if you're buying 2,600 litres. Subtract the $72.80 membership cost (with B.C.'s 12% sales tax), and you're still keeping an extra $234 annually. Assuming you frequently drive near one of the few Costco gas stations in Metro Vancouver — like Port Coquitlam or Langley — it's a solid deal if you're close enough to take advantage.
So, is a Costco membership worth it for gas alone?
Ultimately, it depends on where you live and how much you drive — but the answer is likely yes.
In cities like Calgary and Vancouver, it's almost a no-brainer — the savings can easily cover your membership and then some. In Toronto, you're likely to come out ahead too, though by a slimmer margin.
But in Ottawa, the savings are less significant, so it might not be worth it if you fill up less often or have to go far out of your way to reach a Costco gas station.
If gas savings alone don't quite tip the scale, think about what else you might buy at Costco — snacks, toilet paper, laundry detergent, five litres of mayo — and the membership could still be a good deal.
But if all you want is cheap gas? Well, now you've got the numbers to decide for yourself.
AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of Narcity's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
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