Costco has decided to raise their membership price. Here is how it breaks down:

• U.S. individual (Gold Star) memberships and business memberships in the U.S. and Canada will cost $55 a year, up $5.  It's the first fee increase since 2006.
• Executive members, who earn cash back on what they spend in the stores, will pay $110, up by $10, the first fee increase for them since 1997. Also, The Seattle Times reports that "the maximum 2% reward tied to the executive membership will rise from $500 to $750."
• The higher rates go into effect Nov. 1 for new memberships, so if you're planning to join, do it now.
• For current members, the higher rates take effect whenever they renew after Jan. 1.

Source: MSN.com

I have been a Costco member since 2005 and will stick with Costco because they offer a lot of products you can't find anywhere else. Recently, I found a tailgating chair, retail $50, for only $18. For the past 5+ years, I have found some amazing deals @ Costco. So I am sticking with Costco- though I am not happy with the price increase!