You've probably felt it. That specific, slightly overwhelming buzz when you pull into a Costco parking lot on a Saturday morning. It’s a mix of strategic maneuvering for a parking spot and the subconscious thrill of knowing you’re about to buy a jar of cashews the size of a human head. But as you’re flashed by the fluorescent lights and the smell of rotisserie chicken, have you ever wondered just how many of these massive warehouses actually exist?
Honestly, the scale is kind of staggering.
As of January 2026, there are 923 Costco warehouses operating across the globe.
That number isn't just a static figure on a balance sheet; it represents a massive, sprawling network that has somehow turned "buying in bulk" into a global cultural phenomenon. From the suburbs of Ohio to the bustling streets of Seoul, the warehouse giant is everywhere. But the breakdown of those numbers tells a much more interesting story than just a simple count.
📖 Related: 12000 INR to USD: Why the Conversion Rate Hits Different in 2026
Where in the world are all these Costcos?
If you live in the United States, it feels like there’s one around every corner—or at least within a 20-minute drive. And you’re not wrong. The U.S. remains the undisputed heart of the empire. Currently, there are 639 locations in the United States and Puerto Rico.
That’s more than 69% of their total global footprint.
California is basically the Costco capital of the world. With 143 stores, it holds about 22% of all U.S. locations. To put that in perspective, there’s roughly one Costco for every 276,000 Californians. Meanwhile, states like Texas and Washington follow behind with 44 and 35 locations respectively.
But Costco isn't just an American thing anymore. The international growth has been aggressive, to say the least. Here is how the global map looks right now:
- Canada: 114 locations (Our northern neighbors love a good deal as much as we do).
- Mexico: 42 locations (Including a massive new 200,000-square-foot warehouse in Monterrey slated for 2026).
- Japan: 37 locations.
- United Kingdom: 29 locations.
- Korea: 20 locations.
- Australia: 15 locations.
- Taiwan: 14 locations.
- China: 7 locations (A small number, but growing fast).
- Spain: 5 locations.
They even have single outposts in places like Iceland and New Zealand. Imagine being the only Costco in an entire country. The lines for those $1.50 hot dogs must be legendary.
The 2026 Expansion: Why the map is still growing
Costco isn't hitting the brakes. Not even a little.
👉 See also: USA Logo Trends: Why Most Iconic American Brands Are Changing Their Look
CEO Ron Vachris recently laid out the roadmap for the rest of 2026, and it’s ambitious. The company is aiming to open 28 net new warehouses by the end of the fiscal year in August. Originally, they wanted 35, but some construction delays in Spain—kinda common with European zoning—pushed a few dates back.
Still, 28 new stores is a lot of concrete.
One of the most anticipated openings is the New Braunfels, Texas location, which is set to open its doors in April 2026. It’s a 158,000-square-foot beast that’s expected to anchor the Mayfair community.
Why do they keep building? Because the "Costco effect" is real.
In 2025, new warehouses averaged about $192 million in sales during their very first year. Compare that to just a few years ago when a new store might "only" bring in $150 million. People aren't just shopping at Costco; they are flocking to it. The company is seeing 8% year-over-year sales growth, which is wild for a retailer that already does $270 billion in annual net sales.
Not just your standard warehouse
Something most people get wrong is thinking every Costco is the same. It’s not just about the 30-pack of toilet paper.
In 2026, the company is leaning hard into Alternative Layouts. This includes:
- Business Centers: There are over 20 of these now. They don’t sell clothes or toys. They sell 50-pound bags of onions and commercial-grade kitchen equipment for restaurant owners.
- Showrooms: Following a successful pilot in Anchorage, more furniture and appliance showrooms are popping up. You go there to look at the big stuff, then order it online.
- Standalone Gas Stations: This is a big one. In Mission Viejo, California, Costco is opening its first gas station that isn't actually attached to a warehouse. It’ll have 40 pumps.
The strict new rules for 2026
If you’ve been "borrowing" your roommate’s card for the last three years, your luck is probably running out.
Part of the 2026 strategy involves a massive crackdown on membership sharing. They’re rolling out scanners at the entrance and self-checkout lanes where you have to scan your card and, in some cases, show a photo ID that matches the face on the screen.
It sounds harsh. But when you realize that membership fees brought in $5.3 billion last year, you understand why they’re protective.
👉 See also: City of Bayonne Building Department: What You Need to Know Before You Build
That membership revenue is basically what allows them to keep the prices of the actual goods so low. Without those fees, your $4.99 rotisserie chicken would probably cost $8.00.
Faster checkouts are coming
To soften the blow of the ID checks, they’re finally bringing more tech to the front end.
They are widely deploying "app-based scan and pay" and employee-operated pre-scanning devices. In test markets, this sped up checkout times by 20% to 40%. No more standing behind someone trying to figure out how to scan a treadmill at the self-checkout.
What this means for your wallet
Look, the sheer number of Costcos matters because of buying power.
With nearly 1,000 locations, when Costco talks to a supplier, the supplier listens. This is why they’re able to expand the Kirkland Signature line so aggressively. In 2026, we’re seeing 30+ new Kirkland items, from organic foods to household essentials.
Because they produce so much of their own stuff (like those caramelized blueberry cheesecake croissants that went viral), they can dodge some of the price hikes caused by international tariffs.
Actionable insights for the Costco regular
If you're one of the 145 million cardholders worldwide, here is how to navigate the "new" Costco landscape in 2026:
- Check the App Before You Go: With the new digital focus, the Costco app is finally becoming useful. Check for local warehouse "treasure hunt" items and gas prices before you leave the house.
- Watch the Calendar for Grand Openings: If you live in a "growth" area like Texas, Florida, or the Sun Belt, keep an eye on the official Costco warehouse openings page. Grand openings often have "roadshow" items you won't find anywhere else.
- Update Your ID: If your membership card is from 2012 and the photo looks like a blurry thumb, get a new one. The 2026 security scanners are going to be much less forgiving than the tired teenager at the door.
- Explore the Business Centers: If you have a regular membership, you can still shop at a Business Center. If one is opening near you in 2026, go there for snacks and drinks—the selection is deeper and the crowds are usually thinner.
The expansion isn't slowing down. Whether you love the samples or hate the crowds, the "how many Costcos" question will likely have a much bigger answer by this time next year. For now, 923 is the magic number.