Costco’s rotisserie chickens are a staple item for many shoppers. These convenient, fully cooked whole chickens provide a quick and easy protein option for meals or snacks. But how much do they cost? Here’s a breakdown of Costco’s rotisserie chicken pricing.
The Base Price
The standard price for a Costco rotisserie chicken is $4.99. This price applies to chickens purchased individually at the fresh food counter. So if you just want to grab a single cooked chicken on your shopping trip, you can expect to pay $4.99 plus any applicable sales tax.
Bulk Pricing
You can save a bit of money by purchasing Costco rotisserie chickens in bulk:
- 2-pack: $9.98 total ($4.99 each)
- 3-pack: $14.97 total ($4.99 each)
As you can see, the per-chicken price remains $4.99 even when purchasing multiple chickens at once. So buying in bulk can save you a second trip back to the store if you need several cooked chickens for meals and entertaining.
Regional Pricing Variations
While $4.99 is the standard price across most of the U.S., Costco rotisserie chicken prices can vary a bit by region:
| Region | Price |
|---|---|
| California | $4.99 |
| Hawaii | $5.99 |
| Alaska | $5.99 |
| Manhattan, NY | $7.99 |
As you can see, chickens are pricier in areas like Hawaii, Alaska, and the New York City borough of Manhattan. This likely reflects higher operational costs in those areas that lead to somewhat higher pricing.
Occasional Promotions
While rare, Costco does sometimes offer promotions on its rotisserie chickens. For example, during the 2020 holiday season, some Costco locations offered the chickens for just $2.99 each. So it pays to keep an eye out for periodic discounts or special pricing.
Price History
Costco has maintained its $4.99 base price point on rotisserie chickens for over a decade now. The last price increase occurred back in 2009, when the chickens went from $4.49 to $4.99 each. Since then, the price has remained steady despite inflation and rising operational costs.
In fact, Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal has reportedly said the chickens are priced as a “loss leader” item to draw customers in store. So even as costs rise, don’t expect Costco to increase the price substantially anytime soon.
Member-Only Pricing
It’s important to note the prices listed above are only available to Costco members. Non-members can purchase a Costco rotisserie chicken with a surcharge – typically an additional $3 on top of the listed price. So if you want the best pricing on Costco’s famous chickens, a membership is recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, Costco whole rotisserie chickens cost $4.99 each across most of the U.S. This bulk-leading warehouse retailer has kept the price steady at $4.99 for over a decade, making rotisserie chickens an inexpensive meal staple for members. Occasional promotions may offer even lower pricing down to $2.99 per chicken. But the standard price remains under $5, making Costco’s ready-to-eat poultry a budget-friendly dinner option.