Is the Costco Food Court Still the Cheapest Meal in America?
Quick answer
- Yes, the Costco hot dog and soda combo at $1.50 is still the cheapest real meal at any big chain.
- A slice of pizza is $1.99 and a whole 18-inch pizza is $9.95.
- The Chicken Bake is $3.99 and has about 840 calories.
- Many warehouses now require a membership card to buy from the food court.
The Costco hot dog combo has cost $1.50 since 1985, and Costco has said it plans to keep it that way. Here is how the Costco Food Court compares with the cheapest meals at other chains.
Costco Food Court prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog & 20 oz Soda Combo | $1.50 | About 580 (hot dog) |
| Cheese Pizza slice | $1.99 | About 710 |
| Whole 18-inch Pizza | $9.95 | |
| Chicken Bake | $3.99 | About 840 |
| Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad | $6.99 | About 710 |
| Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie | $2.49 | About 750 |
| Soft Serve (10 oz) | $1.99 | About 550 to 570 |
How it compares with other cheap meals
| Meal | Price |
|---|---|
| Costco Hot Dog & Soda | $1.50 |
| McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal | $5.00 |
| Burger King $5 Your Way Meal | $5.00 |
| KFC $5 Fill Up | About $5 |
| Little Caesars Lunch Combo | About $5.99 |
| Wendy’s Biggie Bag | About $6 |
Nothing at a regular fast food chain comes close to $1.50 for a full hot dog and a refillable drink. Even the Costco pizza slice at $1.99 beats most value menu sandwiches on size. See more in our cheapest fast food meals guide.
The catch
- Many warehouses require a Costco membership to buy food court items.
- Food courts follow warehouse hours, so they close earlier than most fast food.
- Seating is limited and lines can be long on weekends.
- Calories are high. A pizza slice has about 710 calories.
Why Costco can keep prices so low
Costco treats the food court as a perk that keeps members happy, not a big profit center. It also buys in huge volumes and makes its own hot dogs, which keeps costs down. The company has repeatedly said the $1.50 hot dog combo is staying, even as other chains raised their value menu prices.
Best value picks at the Costco food court
- Most food for the money: the $9.95 whole 18-inch pizza, which works out to under $1 a slice.
- Cheapest full meal: the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo.
- Most filling single item: the $3.99 Chicken Bake.
- Lighter option: the Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad at $6.99, about 710 calories.
Tips for your next visit
- Order a whole pizza by phone or at the counter before you shop, then pick it up on the way out.
- Use the self-serve kiosks to skip the line.
- Go on weekday mornings or mid-afternoon for shorter waits.
- Bring your membership card, since many warehouses ask for it.
Hours follow the warehouse, usually about 10 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. Our Costco Food Court menu has the full list of items and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Costco hot dog still $1.50?
Yes. The Costco hot dog and 20 oz soda combo is still $1.50.
Do you need a membership to eat at the Costco food court?
Many warehouses now require a membership card for food court purchases. Rules can vary by location.
How much is a whole pizza at Costco?
A whole 18-inch Costco pizza costs $9.95.
What is the most popular Costco food court item?
The $1.50 hot dog combo is the most famous, followed by pizza and the Chicken Bake.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
