We asked if a Costco membership is worth paying for and shoppers were pretty divided

Even if you don't go to Costco, you probably know that it costs money to shop there.

But is it worth paying for a membership? Well, we asked Canadians to find out.

There are two types of Costco Canada memberships: the Gold Star membership ($65 a year plus applicable taxes) and the Executive membership ($130 a year plus applicable taxes).

With the Executive membership, you get an annual 2% reward up to a maximum of $1,250.

So, Narcity recently posted on Facebook and asked Canadians, "Do you think a Costco membership is worth paying for?"

We also asked them to explain why it's worth paying for a membership or not.

It was pretty divided between yes and no, and Canadians had very specific reasons to pay or not pay for a Costco membership.

Overall, 56% of people said yes, and 44% of people said no.

Here are some of the reasons a Costco membership is worth paying for, according to shoppers:

It's definitely worth it for the lower prices on many products. Plus, they have the lowest gas prices and you can fill up anywhere you travel.
George Mitchell

We have a CIBC Mastercard Costco membership. We use it for everything, not just Costco purchases [...] At the end of the year, I get hundreds of dollars in a rebate cheque. You can buy one item at Costco with it and get all the balance in cash.
Elaine Crabb-Sheppard

I get the cashback on my Executive CIBC membership, and I haven't had to pay for my membership in years.
Cath Eliot

For the gas, coffee and hot dogs.
Lori Golden

Absolutely. I have the Executive membership and get back way more than the annual fee each year. I also get a rebate from Mastercard.
Sylvia Munro-Smith

For a little over the equivalent of $5 a month (paid in advance, but that's what it breaks down to), you can definitely save even if you are a small household.
Jennifer Hord

Without a shadow of a doubt, it's worth it. Had our membership for many, many years.
Gord Strachan

If you travel or rent cars, definitely. Cheapest car rentals when booked through Costco and perks like returning a car to a different location with no upcharge [...] This one works for our family.
Rosalie Brand Schlaufman

Their return policy and customer service can't be beat.
Deanna Hindman

If you get the credit card, it pays [for] itself with all the money back you get. So yes, for me with a big family.
Anthony Yako

Yes absolutely. If only for the propane. Fill the tank up once there and you've basically got your membership back in savings.
Myke Day

Obviously! Best place to shop. Cash back from Costco more than covers the membership cost.
Igor Skoskiewicz

You get access to the lowest fuel price and cashback which I think is best.
Boss Baskar

Very good quality on everything they sell.
Rob Ga

Yes. I get that back and more. Membership didn’t cost me for many years.
Antoon Eyer

I get my membership cost back every year. I shop about twice a month or more.
Lorna Mackay

For tires and rental cars, I can't find any other place that offers better prices, literally. And the cafeteria, of course. Worth it for me just to eat there.
Dave Round

I paid for mine within four months just in fuel savings.
Dwight Melanson

Definitely, love so many things there, fresh fruit, rotisserie chicken, frozen individually wrapped chicken breast, plus their specials.
Andy N Ellen Smith

Yes, especially if you have a family.
Patrick Mathews

I have had one for decades. Wouldn't trade it for the world!
Roger Pilon

I get my money back every year and there are some good deals.
Ingo Thümen

Yes, it's a win-win. We get up [to] $700 back annually.
Wayne LeBrun

If you shop at Costco, you probably know that most people would think it's worth paying for a membership.

But you might not have expected so many people to have said no.

Here are some of the reasons why a Costco membership isn't worth the money, according to Canadians:

No... cause if I do, I spend too much money that I don't have there.
Jessie Melanson

I used to have one but I didn't think it was worth it. I also know how to shop and get discounts and sales and buy gas when it's cheap.
Gerry Ahee

No, not for me, I enjoy my local stores.
Audrey Dollimount

I find it a bit expensive.
Bev Roberts

I'd rather support small family, local shops.
Andy Lenz

Nope, because my relatives have them. I just offer them rides for the chance to buy groceries.
Li Liang

No, not close enough, don't drive.
Celina Machan

A membership to buy stuff affordably that has never been affordable there. Let me think about that. NO!
Sean DeMarco

No, for me. I am single and most of the portions are too large.
Marilyn Yurman

No, I don't pay to shop.
Denise Barrette Solie

Not for me, but I still keep it.
Manon Bastien

I hate Costco. The hassle of going there and dealing with the parking lot and the fact that they are always trying to upsell you on your membership is not worth my time. Also, I don't find that it saves me much money now that I no longer have babies.
Adrienne Westley Charlton

Absolutely not. We have it and my husband won't give it up. I hate that I have to pay to buy groceries and things.
Tina Helpard

Not worth fighting the crowds.
Rob Sterne

Not worth it for my family. It’s too busy and we're too busy to go.
Melissa Wa

Throughout this year, Narcity has asked Canadians for their opinions on grocery stores.

Costco is a retailer that's consistently ranked as one of the best grocery stores in Canada and one of the cheapest grocery stores, according to Canadians.

Also, so many people said it is one of their favourite grocery stores to shop at in Canada!

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.