Costco vs. Grocery Stores

I went to lunch today with my mom and she 'needed' to go to Costco.

After a few minuet discussion I agreed to go with her.

I know, I know- I don't love Costco. Why would I go to Costco and save maybe 10% or 15% when I can save well over 50% at the grocery store?

Here is how my mom talked me into it- 

My mom- Well... their new coupon book coupons can be used today and I needed to get a few things.

Me- Mom you are not going to save money there with or without a coupon!

My mom- ............They have pumpkin pie that you can eat!  After today you are doing that 30 Day Shred and Weight Watchers... so we can go get a FREE sample.

OK so I am a sucker. However during her thinking time of what to say to get me to go with her I thought what a great time to compare and see if you really do save money at Costco. 

Here is what I found-

Costco Fruit by the Foot Variety Pack 42 ct. $9.99

  Use $2.50/1 Q from Costco coupon book (mailed to you if you are a member)-limit 2

 You pay $7.49 

That breaks down to $0.18 a piece.

Smith's Fruit by the Foot 10 ct. $1.00

  Use $0.50/2 Q from General Mills 8/8 or 9/12

 You pay $0.75

That breaks down to $0.08 a piece.

Costco Kirkland Signature Diapers 168 ct. size 5 $39.59

  Use $5.00/1 Q from Costco coupon book (mailed to you if you are a member)-limit 2

 You pay $34.59

That breaks down to $0.20 a diaper.

Rite Aid- 3 packs of Huggies Pure & Natural for Free!

 Go here to read how.

That breaks down to $0.00 a diaper!

Costco Cinnamon Toast Crunch $7.99 (? I did not write it down-I'm going off memory)

  Use $2.00/1 Q from Costco coupon book (mailed to you if you are a member)-limit 2

 You pay $5.99

That breaks down to $2.99 a box.

Smith's Cinnamon Toast Crunch $3.19

  Use $1.00/2 Q from General Mills 8/8 or 9/12

PLUS

  Buy 4 box of General Mills cereal and get $6.00 taken off at register.

 You pay $1.19 wyb 4

That breaks down to $1.19 per box.

Costco DayQuil 60 ct. $8.89

  Use $3.00/1 Q from Costco coupon book (mailed to you if you are a member)-limit 2

 You pay $5.89

That breaks down to $2.95 per box of 30 ct.

Walgreens DayQuil 30 ct. 2 for $10.00

  Use $1.50/1 Q from P&G 8/29

   Transaction Idea-

     Use 2 $1.50/1 Q from P&G 8/29

    You pay $7.00

     Get $5.00 in Register Rewards

   Final price $2.00 for 2

That breaks down to $1.00 per box of 30 ct.

I could have done more comparisons but I was not prepared. This is just want I saw looking though Costco's coupon book and what I had seen in the ads for this week. However as you can see the 4 things I did do you will save way more at the grocery store. Not to mention that to even get the Costco price and coupons you need to be a member- and that will cost you! 

Do you save money at Costco?? I would love to hear your opinion.