Costco Visits Rise 18.1% Since 2019 as Memberships Climb to 82.1M
COST•Costco saw shopping visits rise 18.1% between Q1 2019 and Q1 2026 as total memberships climbed 4.8% to 82.1 million and the Executive tier grew 9.5% to 40.4 million. It raised Gold dues from $60 to $65 and Executive from $120 to $130, while groceries cost 21.4% below the national average.
1. Foot Traffic and Membership Growth
Costco has seen checkout line lengths grow as Placer.ai data shows shopping trips rose 18.1% between Q1 2019 and Q1 2026. This surge reflects increased loyalty and a broader customer base targeting younger shoppers.
2. Membership Price Hikes and Tier Mix
In September 2024 Costco raised Gold membership fees from $60 to $65 and Executive dues from $120 to $130. Executive memberships grew 9.5% year-over-year to 40.4 million, contributing to total membership of 82.1 million—a 4.8% increase from the prior year.
3. Grocery Pricing and Consumer Appeal
Costco’s grocery offerings remain 21.4% less expensive than the national average, helping offset a 3.3% year-over-year rise in the all-item CPI and a 2.7% food price increase. This value proposition underpins membership growth amid budget-conscious consumer trends.
4. Q3 Earnings Preview
Costco is set to release its fiscal Q3 earnings after the market close on May 28. Recent analyst forecast revisions will gauge the impact of membership growth and traffic trends on revenue and profit metrics.
