It’s no secret that Costco’s bulk discounts draw crowds — much like their tasty sample stations sprinkled throughout the store.
Since 1976, the company has offered pared-down service in exchange for affordable prices on food, household essentials, beauty products, pet supplies and other everyday items.
Certainly, Costco is not the first place that comes to mind when you’re shopping for an engagement ring or backyard gazebo. But maybe it should be.
The warehouse club has come a long way. What was once a business-to-business supplier operating out of a converted airplane hangar is now a billion-dollar company that actually sells private planes — or, at least, access to them.
That’s right. Costco now offers private aviation memberships and a host of other big-ticket items you never would’ve guessed. Curious about what they are? Following are some of the most expensive things you can buy at Costco, either online or in-store.
While some of these purchases may seem like a pipe dream, others could be a surprisingly good deal.
1. Gazebos
Price: $899.99 to $2,899.99
Costco has more than a dozen different gazebo design styles. Depending on your budget, you can get a simple pitched-roof pavilion or a fully enclosed cape-inspired screen-house.
If even the $900 small pavilion is beyond your budget, check out “11 Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for $100 or Less.”
2. Grand pianos
Price: $1,499.99 to $5,499.99
The grand piano selection at Costco hits all the right notes. For starters, the pianos are much less expensive. Also, these are all-digital pianos that can connect to speakers, mobile devices or a home entertainment system. It sounds like they have everything you need for a concert.
3. Outdoor kitchens
Price: $1,499.99 to $2,999.99
Believe it or not, a professional-looking outdoor kitchen doesn’t require a total renovation. Ready-made barbecue islands are available at Costco in various shapes, styles and forms. These modular pieces offer high-end features, such as soft-closing cabinets, stainless steel countertops and foldable prep spaces.
4. Caviar
Price: $99.99 to $1,299.99
Many national grocers sell caviar, but not many of them offer one that’s $1,300 per tin. Even if you never splurge on the Plaza Osetra Kilo Caviar Pack, it feels good to know your Costco membership gives you that option.
5. Jet memberships
Price: $1,994.99 per year or $17,499.99 per year
Have you ever wanted to travel like the stars? Your Costco membership grants you access to private jet company Wheels Up. For the sky-high price of $17,499.99, you can buy a one-year Wheels Up Core Private Aviation Membership. After that, “you pay only for the flights you book,” Costco says.
A Wheels Up Connect Private Aviation One-Year Membership, which comes with fewer benefits, is available for $1,994.99.
6. Crystal chandeliers
Price: $59.99 to $2,499.99
Crystal chandeliers are one of the standards of luxury living. So, you have to wonder why the discount warehouse club sells such magnificent fixtures as the Charlotte Chandelier from Lighting by Pecaso. This particular piece weighs a whopping 175 pounds and measures 5 feet tall.
7. Greenhouses
Price: $229.99 to $10,999.99
Gardening is hardly known as a budget-breaking habit — unless, of course, you invest in a greenhouse the size of a bedroom.
The Americana greenhouse is a 12-foot-by-12-foot space, allowing ample room for tables, benches and shelves. This one is so large, you may need to check municipal codes and submit a permit. Yet at $2,499.99, it’s hardly the most expensive greenhouse Costco offers.
8. Wine cellars
Price: $159.99 to $4,999.99
Oenophiles tend to amass dozens, if not hundreds, of wines for their particular grapes, manufacturing methods or unique labels. These are exactly the people who need Costco’s temperature-controlled wine cellars and coolers. Don’t fret, there’s one for every type of collector.
9. Japanese beef
Price: Up to $2,499.99
For anyone who spends $1,000 or more on Wagyu, beef will always be what’s for dinner. The Japanese favorite is known to be an expensive cut of meat — and the proof is on the plate.
10. Diamond rings
Price: Up to $364,999.99
Costco is not in the business of real estate, but it does sell a couple of diamond rings that exceed America’s 2020 median home sale price of about $321,000. Unfortunately, at that price, these particular diamonds can’t be every girl’s best friend.
11. Luxury vacations
Price: Varies
Whether you prefer an all-inclusive cruise or a quaint retreat in Dublin, Ireland, Costco’s travel division is designed to make all your vacation dreams come true. For a price, Costco Travel offers flight accommodations, hotels, car rentals and package deals. Additional member-only perks might be included.
12. Home saunas
Price: $1,999.99 to $7,999.99
You can easily overlook the price of pampering, but it will be hard to miss an eight-person sauna at your house. Yes, Costco offers other sizes, but the smallest and least expensive is still a three-person sauna for nearly $2,000.
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