The Gold Star is the best value if you're new or won't be a weekly Costco shopper.
On the other hand, if you're a senior cult member like me, who uses Costco for a good part of your groceries and often gets Costco gas, then the Executive membership combined with the Costco credit card is the better deal. The annual membership cash back, plus the credit card cash back, pays for the executive membership plus gives you a minimal to decent extra chunk of cash on top.
I'm, down to mostly bi-weekly trips, but it still gives me decent cash back, especially with using the credit card at other gas stations, where you get 4% cash back for the first $7K (5% cash back at Costco gas).
A few things to avoid at Costco (just IMO): The tool/hardware aisle is mostly overpriced. I still walk it, but only very occasionally find good deals anymore. I have taken to checking my phone before putting anything from that aisle in my cart. Avoid the third party sellers that line the exit aisle (usually water purification, blinds, HVAC, etc.). They may sound like a good deal with all the Costco cash back incentives, but they are usually way overpriced. Costco tires used to be the best deals and service around, but I now go to the Discount Tire across the street.
