Satisfying Your Ribs Craving on a Budget: The Real Cost of Pork Ribs at Costco

As barbecue season approaches pork ribs become a coveted menu item. Their succulent, fall-off-the-bone texture and finger-licking flavor make ribs one of the most craveable meats. But stocking up on ribs at the grocery store can put a dent in your wallet. This is where Costco can come in handy – the wholesale retailer offers bulk rib options at budget-friendly prices.

But how much exactly are pork ribs at Costco? What types of ribs do they carry and how do the prices compare to regular supermarkets? Let’s explore the nitty-gritty details on getting your ribs fix from Costco without breaking the bank.

Ballpark Range: Expect to Pay $2.99 – $3.99 Per Pound

On average, you can expect to pay between $2.99 and $3.99 per pound for raw pork ribs at Costco. This price range accounts for different rib types and bone-in vs. boneless varieties.

Specifically, St. Louis cut spare ribs tend to be at the lower end, costing about $299/lb Larger spare rib slabs are in the middle around $3.49/lb. And boneless country-style ribs tend to be the most expensive at $3.99/lb.

These per-pound costs translate to total package prices of $15-$30 depending on weight. So you can get a big batch of ribs to feed the whole family or a crowd for a reasonable price.

How Much Meat You Get Varies by Cut

One important factor affecting true value is the total usable meat you get per pound. Rib cuts with more bone vs. meat will net you less edible portions per pound.

For example, a typical 3.5 lb. rack of St. Louis spare ribs yields around 2 lbs. of meat after trimming. So you’re paying for more bone weight compared to boneless country-style ribs where you get 100% meat.

Costco vs. Grocery Store: The Savings Add Up

Dollar for dollar buying ribs at Costco generally saves you at least $1/lb compared to traditional supermarkets. Most grocery stores charge $3.99/lb or more for basic spare ribs. And specialty cuts like back ribs can run over $5/lb.

Even higher-end grocers like Whole Foods don’t usually price ribs under $3.49/lb. So Costco provides big savings on bulk rib purchases, especially for barbecue events and summer entertaining.

Get Even More Value with Costco’s Rotisserie Ribs

In addition to excellent raw rib prices, Costco’s pre-made rotisserie rib meals offer insane value. A full seasoned slab costs just $7.99-8.99. With around 1.5-2 lbs. of meat, that shakes out to just $4-6 per pound – half the price of raw ribs!

The rotisserie ribs are already oven-roasted and basted in sauce too. So you save big on time and effort in addition to cost. It’s one of the best rib values around.

Extra Tips to Maximize Your Ribs Savings

To make the most of Costco’s affordable ribs prices, keep these bonus tips in mind:

• Check for manager’s specials on ribs nearing expiration dates.

• Look for occasional $2/lb or lower promo prices in summer.

• Buy bone-in ribs over boneless to get more meat per pound spent.

• Freeze extra raw ribs to stock up when prices drop.

• Make your own sauce and sides at home instead of buying prepared versions.

Satisfy Your Ribs Craving Without Breaking the Bank

When that unavoidable ribs craving hits, head to Costco first before the grocery store. You can expectancy very reasonable per-pound prices ranging from $2.99-$3.99 for quality pork rib cuts. Factor in the additional savings over traditional supermarkets, and Costco is clearly the budget-friendly choice for all your backyard barbecue needs.