Every Minute You Spend in Costco Costs You More Money — Here’s Exactly How Much

We’ve all been there: You head to Costco expecting to pick up a case of milk, a carton of trail mix, and maybe a frozen item or two, only to leave with a cartful of goods and a lengthy receipt, with loads of confusion about how you even ended up at this point. 

Well, according to a viral Instagram clip posted by @morningbrew — a business news site — and @maxinomicsmb — a Youtube channel hosted by Phil Andrews that explores spending habits — on average, as soon as you step foot in Costco, you’re on track to spend $1.75 per minute. 

While this number might not appear alarming at first glance, Andrews points out in the clip that the average shopper spends about 37 minutes in Costco. So, just by wandering around the megastore, you’re on track to shell out $64.75.

The key to sticking to your grocery budget is surprisingly simple: Set a timer and get out of the store as quickly as possible. Andrews points out that Costco creates an environment that encourages shoppers to spend more time perusing through aisles. “It’s why food samples are in the back, taking at least 30 seconds to walk to,” he says. “And with no signs to tell you where anything is, it becomes a bit of a treasure hunt.”

Shoppers raced to the comments, writing, “This is why I Instacart Costco. The $14 tip is cheaper than the impulse buys I’ll get.” Another user mentioned, “Thirty-seven minutes is crazy! When my family goes, it takes at least 1.5 to 2 hours.”

You don’t have to worry about Costco ever lowering the price of hot dogs, says Andrews, because that’s nothing compared to what you’ll likely spend in the store in 10 minutes. But if you’re seriously looking to keep your budget in check, you may want to pay attention to how cozy and fun the megastore purposefully makes its environment. And the next time you visit, to save some money, set a quick timer, follow a pre-written list, and get out of there quickly.