Quick Answer: Costco gas costs an average of 53 cents per gallon less than regular stations. As of October 2025, national average gas prices are $3.06 per gallon, while Costco members typically pay $2.50-$2.85 depending on location. Regional prices vary significantly—California averages $4.65/gallon while Oklahoma runs $2.56/gallon. Check our real-time price tracker for exact costs at your nearest station.

What You’ll Pay at Costco Gas Stations in 2025 and 2026

Costco operates gas stations at over 600 locations across the United States, serving their 914 warehouses worldwide. The company’s bulk purchasing power lets them offer consistently lower prices than traditional gas stations. Members save substantially on every fill-up.

The exact price per gallon varies by location based on several factors. Transportation costs, local competition, wholesale prices, and regional taxes all influence what you pay at the pump. Despite these variations, Costco maintains their competitive pricing advantage nationwide.

Current Costco Gas Prices by Region

National Overview (October 2025):
Gas prices dropped 4.6% compared to last year. The national average sits at $3.06 per gallon, down from $3.20 in October 2024. Costco members enjoy prices well below these averages at most locations.

Regional Price Examples:

• West Coast: California locations average $4.65/gallon (highest in nation), but Costco members save 60-65 cents per gallon
• Southwest: Arizona stations run $2.85-$3.15/gallon with competitive regional pricing
• Midwest: Oklahoma offers the nation’s lowest prices at $2.56/gallon average
• Southeast: Georgia locations typically price $2.75-$2.95/gallon
• Northeast: Prices run higher due to regional taxes and transportation costs
• Texas: Houston area stations offer excellent value at $2.60-$2.85/gallon

Find exact prices at your nearest station using our Costco Gas Station Locator. Prices update multiple times daily for accuracy.

How Much You Actually Save: Real Numbers

Costco gas stations maintain an average 53 cents per gallon discount compared to nearby competitors. This advantage represents significant annual savings for regular drivers.

Savings Calculator Example:
Let’s say you drive a typical sedan with a 15-gallon tank and fill up weekly.

• Weekly savings: 15 gallons × $0.53 = $7.95
• Monthly savings: $7.95 × 4.3 weeks = $34.19
• Annual savings: $34.19 × 12 months = $410.28

This annual savings of $410 easily covers the $65 Gold Star membership cost with $345 left over. For frequent drivers, the membership pays for itself within two months.

Executive Membership: Extra Savings at the Pump

Executive membership ($130/year) offers powerful additional benefits. As of 2025, Executive members now represent about half of all Costco members yet account for 74.2% of net sales. This shows how valuable the upgraded membership becomes.

Executive Member Gas Benefits:

• 2% annual reward on qualified Costco purchases, including gas
• On $4/gallon gas, this equals 8 cents per gallon cashback
• Combined with base savings, you save 61 cents per gallon total
• Additional warehouse shopping rewards accelerate membership payback
• Early warehouse access hours (9am entry vs 10am for Gold Star)

Executive Membership Math:
Using our previous example (15 gallons weekly):

• Annual gas spending: $3,120 (15 gal/week × 52 weeks × $4/gal)
• 2% cashback reward: $62.40
• Plus base savings: $410.28
• Total annual benefit: $472.68

The $65 membership upgrade cost ($130 Executive – $65 Gold Star) pays for itself immediately. You net $407 in extra savings annually from gas alone.

Costco Diesel Prices: What to Expect

Not all Costco locations offer diesel fuel, but those that do provide significant savings for diesel vehicle owners. Diesel availability varies by region and location size.

Diesel Pricing Overview:

• Diesel typically costs $0.20-$0.40 more per gallon than regular gas
• Costco diesel averages 45-55 cents below competitor diesel prices
• All Costco diesel meets TOP TIER™ standards for quality
• Popular with truck owners, RV drivers, and commercial fleet operators

Finding Diesel Stations:
Use our specialized Costco Diesel Station Locator to find locations offering diesel fuel. The tool shows current diesel prices and confirms availability before you drive there.

Some Costco locations have recently discontinued diesel service in certain markets. Always verify diesel availability at your preferred station, especially if traveling to a new area. Check which locations currently offer diesel to avoid disappointment.

Factors That Affect Your Per-Gallon Cost

Several variables influence what you pay at Costco gas stations:

Wholesale Market Prices:
Costco’s bulk purchasing power helps buffer against price spikes. Their massive volume lets them negotiate better wholesale rates than smaller chains can access.

Geographic Location:
Stations near refineries pay less for transportation. Coastal and remote locations face higher delivery costs. State and local taxes vary dramatically—California adds significant per-gallon taxes while states like Oklahoma keep fuel taxes low.

Local Competition:
Costco adjusts prices based on nearby station rates. They consistently undercut competitors while maintaining quality. This strategy drives their position as a fuel market leader.

Fuel Grade Selection:
Premium gas costs more than regular due to higher octane. Most vehicles run fine on regular unleaded. Check your owner’s manual before paying extra for premium.

Maximizing Your Gas Savings

Use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi adds another savings layer:

• 4% cash back on gas purchases (first $7,000 annually, then 1%)
• Works at Costco and all other gas stations nationwide
• Combined with Costco’s base discount = massive savings
• On $4/gallon gas, you save: 53¢ (Costco discount) + 16¢ (4% cashback) = 69¢ per gallon

Additional accepted payment options include PIN debit cards and Costco Cash Cards. These provide flexibility but don’t offer cashback rewards.

Time Your Fill-Ups Strategically

Avoid long lines by visiting during off-peak hours. Costco extended gas station hours in early 2025, now operating 6am-10pm Monday-Friday at most locations. This expansion led to record fuel sales in April 2025.

Best Times to Visit:

• Early mornings (6am-8am): Shortest wait times
• Late evenings (8pm-10pm): Minimal crowds
• Midweek days (Tuesday-Thursday): Less traffic than weekends
• Avoid Saturday 9am-12pm: Peak weekend rush

Check prices before you go: Our Costco Gas Price Tracker updates multiple times daily. See exact prices at your nearest station from home. This helps you plan fill-ups when prices dip.

Compare Quality and Price

Some drivers question whether cheaper gas means lower quality. Costco’s Kirkland Signature gasoline meets TOP TIER™ standards with enhanced detergent additives.

Quality Comparisons:

• Costco vs Shell: Same quality standards, better price
• Costco vs Chevron: Both TOP TIER™ certified
• Costco vs Sam’s Club: Similar warehouse club benefits
• Costco vs ARCO: Better quality at competitive prices

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Costco gas cost compared to other stations?

Costco gas costs an average of 53 cents per gallon less than nearby competitors. This represents 15-20% savings on typical gas prices. Savings vary by region but remain consistent nationwide.

Is Costco gas really cheaper?

Yes. Costco consistently offers the lowest gas prices in most markets. Their bulk purchasing power and membership model let them undercut traditional stations while maintaining TOP TIER™ quality standards.

How can I find current Costco gas prices near me?

Use our real-time price tracker to see updated prices at 600+ locations. Prices refresh multiple times daily. You can also check the Costco app or visit our homepage for instant price updates.

Do I need a Costco membership to buy gas?

Yes. Costco gas is members-only. Both Gold Star ($65/year) and Executive ($130/year) members can purchase fuel. The membership requirement helps Costco maintain low prices.

What payment methods does Costco gas accept?

Costco gas stations accept Visa credit and debit cards, PIN debit cards, and Costco Cash Cards. They don’t accept cash, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover at pumps.

How much can I save annually by using Costco gas?

A typical driver filling 15 gallons weekly saves approximately $410 annually at Costco gas stations. Executive members with the Costco Visa card can save over $470 per year through combined discounts and cashback rewards.

Does Costco sell premium gas?

Yes. Most Costco stations offer regular (87 octane) and premium (91-93 octane) gasoline. Premium gas quality meets the same TOP TIER™ standards as regular. Premium typically costs $0.60-$0.80 more per gallon.

Why is Costco gas so much cheaper?

Costco keeps gas cheap through bulk purchasing, efficient operations, and their membership model. Gas sales represent 12% of company revenue. They use fuel as a membership benefit rather than a major profit center, passing savings to members.

Ready to start saving? Browse all Costco gas station locations with real-time pricing. Check our complete guide library for more money-saving tips on Costco gas purchases.