Saving money isn’t just about spending less; it’s about spending smarter. While Dollar Tree may seem like the ultimate bargain destination, those price tags starting at $1.25 don’t always deliver the best value. In fact, when you factor in size, quality and longevity, Costco often comes out ahead with its bulk buying options.
To cut through the noise and shop strategically, GOBankingRates turned to Hope Ware, frugal living expert and founder of the personal finance site Under the Median. She shared four everyday items where Costco beats Dollar Tree on value, and why sometimes spending a little more upfront can save you big in the long run.
Breakfast Cereal: Bigger Box, Better Value
We’ve all fallen into the trap of cute packaging, but what’s one “adorable” item that’s not worth it? Tiny cereal boxes.
“The teeny, tiny containers of name-brand breakfast cereal are $1.25 each at Dollar Tree,” Ware said. “If you are going to buy pre-made breakfast cereals, Costco is a much better choice. Right now, you can score two 27.5-ounce boxes of Cheerios at Costco for $10.99. That’s $0.20 per ounce — 61% less than the Dollar Tree price.”
Start your day off on a high note — not an overpriced one. Unless it’s a special occasion, opt for the bulk box with a better value and skip the single-serve trap.
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Toilet Paper: Quality Beats Lower Price
Unless you’re in the 1% of people who truly don’t care about toilet paper (hard to believe), it matters what you use in the bathroom.
“We are toilet paper snobs,” Ware said. “Dollar Tree’s 4-pack of Strong & Soft bath tissue may be inexpensive, but it’s also pretty poor quality. You have to use so much more each time that it offsets the low cost. Kirkland, Costco’s house brand, is strong, soft and absorbent. Pretty much everything you need and want in toilet paper.”
Frozen Blueberries: Flavor That’s Worth the Price
Dollar Tree’s fruit prices are tempting, but if taste and quality matter to you, it’s best to skip.
“I bought frozen blueberries from Dollar Tree, but I was really disappointed,” Ware said. “Dollar Tree’s frozen blueberries are not only a much smaller package, but the quality doesn’t compare to Kirkland’s. The Dollar Tree berries were very small and lacked flavor. Kirkland’s are bigger, more flavorful, organic and worth the extra money!”
It may be best for your money to spend a little bit more to get a large bag from Costco.
Reusable Water Bottles: Built To Last
Every frugal shopper knows that durability matters as much as price, especially when it comes to a product you’re going to use all day, every day.
“Dollar Tree water bottles are just too cheaply made,” Ware said. “The plastic is thin, there’s virtually no insulating factor and the lid will break off quickly.”
Instead, she recommended the reusable ThermoFlask water bottles from Costco.
“The 40-ounce capacity is large enough to keep you hydrated, the double-walled insulation will keep liquid cold for many, many hours and the lid and spout are made to last,” Ware said. “I have, personally, paid over $30 for a single, high-quality water bottle. That’s why I was incredibly surprised to see the Costco price of $32.99 for two ThermoFlask water bottles!”
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Items With Much Greater Value at Costco Than Dollar Tree
