The Costco steak surprise: One shopper’s shocking discovery
By
Veronica E.
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There’s nothing quite like the thrill of scoring a great deal—especially when grocery prices seem to climb higher every time we shop.
For many, bulk buying is the go-to strategy for saving money.
But what if you discovered that the same item could cost significantly less elsewhere?
One Costco shopper recently found himself in this exact situation.
His surprising discovery is sparking a debate about price, quality, and the art of smart shopping.

Imagine making a routine Costco run, only to spot a pack of strip loin steak priced at a hefty $69 CAD (approximately $50 USD).
That might seem reasonable—until you remember buying what looks like the same cut at a local grocery store for just $26 CAD (approximately $19 USD) the day before.
That’s exactly what happened to one shopper in Canada, who took to social media to share his shock.
In a video that quickly gained attention, the shopper can be heard exclaiming, "Sixty-nine dollars for four of these? No wonder your mortgage isn’t paid! I bought the same thing yesterday for twenty-six dollars!"
The numbers tell an interesting story.
A similar three-pack of strip loin steaks is listed at $37.46 CAD per kg (approximately $27.60 USD per kg) at some grocery stores, slightly under Costco’s $38.89 CAD per kg (approximately $28.85 USD per kg)
Costco, known for its bulk deals, has drawn some criticism for its meat prices—especially as food costs have risen in recent years.
A pair of prime rib steaks at $40.14 per kg raised eyebrows among budget-conscious shoppers.
But does a higher price mean better quality?
Opinions are divided. Some shoppers swear by Costco’s meat, arguing that its cuts are larger, fresher, and better quality than what’s available at other grocery stores.
"You’ll never find those at [your local grocery store]—not even close," one commenter insisted.
Others, however, aren’t so sure. "Costco is a gimmick," one skeptic claimed. "They offer sizing that nobody else has, so it confuses people into thinking they’re getting a deal."
Some even prefer independent butchers, arguing that with the right cooking techniques, the difference in quality is hardly noticeable.
This steak price debate is a great reminder that being an informed shopper makes all the difference.
Whether you're a devoted Costco member or prefer shopping at other stores, knowing how to compare prices, assess quality, and find the best value can help you make the right choice for your budget and taste buds.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for meat:
Wherever you are in the world and wherever you choose to shop, it’s always important to stay alert and compare prices.
With a little extra attention, you can uncover unexpected deals and make the most of your shopping budget, no matter where you’re shopping!
Read next: Stop eating dangerous eggs! Find out when a cracked egg can be harmful
Have you ever spotted a surprising price difference between stores? Do you swear by one store’s meat selection over another? Let’s chat in the comments below—your fellow shoppers would love to hear your tips!
For many, bulk buying is the go-to strategy for saving money.
But what if you discovered that the same item could cost significantly less elsewhere?
One Costco shopper recently found himself in this exact situation.
His surprising discovery is sparking a debate about price, quality, and the art of smart shopping.

Costco’s bulk deals are known for savings, but are they always the best bargain? Image Source: YouTube / FOX 26 Houston.
The Price Cut Conundrum: A Costco vs. Metro Showdown
Imagine making a routine Costco run, only to spot a pack of strip loin steak priced at a hefty $69 CAD (approximately $50 USD).
That might seem reasonable—until you remember buying what looks like the same cut at a local grocery store for just $26 CAD (approximately $19 USD) the day before.
That’s exactly what happened to one shopper in Canada, who took to social media to share his shock.
In a video that quickly gained attention, the shopper can be heard exclaiming, "Sixty-nine dollars for four of these? No wonder your mortgage isn’t paid! I bought the same thing yesterday for twenty-six dollars!"
The numbers tell an interesting story.
A similar three-pack of strip loin steaks is listed at $37.46 CAD per kg (approximately $27.60 USD per kg) at some grocery stores, slightly under Costco’s $38.89 CAD per kg (approximately $28.85 USD per kg)
Also read: Costco insiders expose a hidden policy that's driving shoppers mad–See why!
The Beef Behind the Beef Prices
Costco, known for its bulk deals, has drawn some criticism for its meat prices—especially as food costs have risen in recent years.
A pair of prime rib steaks at $40.14 per kg raised eyebrows among budget-conscious shoppers.
But does a higher price mean better quality?
Also read: A price mistake or hidden deal? Costco shoppers can’t believe their luck!
The Quality Quandary: Is Costco’s Meat Really Superior?
Opinions are divided. Some shoppers swear by Costco’s meat, arguing that its cuts are larger, fresher, and better quality than what’s available at other grocery stores.
"You’ll never find those at [your local grocery store]—not even close," one commenter insisted.
Others, however, aren’t so sure. "Costco is a gimmick," one skeptic claimed. "They offer sizing that nobody else has, so it confuses people into thinking they’re getting a deal."
Some even prefer independent butchers, arguing that with the right cooking techniques, the difference in quality is hardly noticeable.
Also read: Shoppers outraged: The price of this beloved Costco Bakery item has skyrocketed!
The Smart Shopper’s Takeaway
This steak price debate is a great reminder that being an informed shopper makes all the difference.
Whether you're a devoted Costco member or prefer shopping at other stores, knowing how to compare prices, assess quality, and find the best value can help you make the right choice for your budget and taste buds.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for meat:
- Check the Price Per Pound (or Kilogram): Bulk deals aren’t always the cheapest option.
- Consider Quality: Higher prices might mean better cuts, but not always—look for grade, marbling, and freshness.
- Watch for Special Deals: Some stores offer limited-time discounts that can significantly cut costs.
- Go with What Works for You: If you’re happy with the taste and value, that’s what really matters.
Wherever you are in the world and wherever you choose to shop, it’s always important to stay alert and compare prices.
With a little extra attention, you can uncover unexpected deals and make the most of your shopping budget, no matter where you’re shopping!
Read next: Stop eating dangerous eggs! Find out when a cracked egg can be harmful
Key Takeaways
- A Canadian Costco shopper discovered a package of strip loin steak for $69 CAD (approximately $50 USD) but noted he had found a similar product at a local grocery store the previous day for $26 CAD (approximately $19 USD), raising concerns about pricing disparities between retailers.
- The video posted on social media showcasing this price comparison has drawn significant attention, with over 71,000 views.
- Some commenters suggest that the price difference might be justified by varying quality of the meat, while others disagree and question Costco's value proposition.
- Discussions around beef pricing at Costco come amid broader conversations about rising food prices and consumer perceptions of buying in bulk for savings and perceived quality differences.
Have you ever spotted a surprising price difference between stores? Do you swear by one store’s meat selection over another? Let’s chat in the comments below—your fellow shoppers would love to hear your tips!