15 Things to Buy at Costco in October if You Live on Social Security

Living on a fixed income doesn't mean you have to miss out on great deals — especially if you shop smart at Costco. One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is by buying in bulk, which helps stretch your budget and reduce the number of shopping trips you need to make.

From pantry staples to household essentials, Costco's October deals make it easier for retirees on Social Security to stock up and feel the savings all month long.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: Varies by location

Costco offers gasoline at prices that compete with both major national chains and standalone local gas stations. Members benefit from discounted fuel prices, with Kiplinger reporting that the average potential savings from pumping your gas at Costco is between 5 and 25 cents per gallon.

To maximize your savings during your next visit to Costco, consider bringing gas cans to top off your lawnmower or car throughout the week.

Price: $18.99

Always losing your favorite reading glasses? Costco offers a stylish solution: a double pack of Design Optics by Foster Grant Eric Blue Light Reading Glasses. With two pairs, you can keep one at home and take the other on the go. They come with lens powers ranging from +1.25 to +3.00, tough plastic frames featuring metal accents, and scratch-resistant, UV-protected lenses for crystal-clear vision.

Plus, you'll save money on blue light readers since this pair includes that technology.

Price: $39.99

Each set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths. You'll get one grid-patterned set and one solid-color set, making it easy to mix and match with your bathroom decor. This set is crafted from 100% cotton, providing the softness and absorbency you need for everyday use.

Choose from four versatile colors: white, blue, green, and taupe.

Price: $26.99

This quilted puffer-style coat, priced at just $26.99, offers the sophisticated look and features of higher-end outerwear. Designed by 32 Degrees, it features a full-zip front covered by snap buttons for added warmth on chilly days. The coat also includes two velvet-lined slit pockets and a plush-lined hood, combining practicality with style. Customers consistently praise it for its comfort, durability, and fashionable design.

Price: Free with Medicare

If you have Medicare and are due for your annual flu shot, visit your local Costco Wholesale pharmacy and go to the immunizations window. Bring a completed and signed immunization consent form and your insurance card, as most plans cover pharmacy-administered immunizations at no cost.

While appointments are preferred, walk-ins may be accommodated depending on wait times.

Price: $17.99

Earlier this year, Procter & Gamble, the maker of Tide, announced a 25% price increase, partly due to new tariffs on imported goods. This can make it harder for customers on tight budgets to keep up with the cost of everyday essentials. Costco, however, has stayed committed to keeping essentials affordable for its members.

Shoppers looking to save on laundry essentials this October will find Costco's 200-load Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean liquid detergent at $17.99, nearly $17 less than Walmart's price.

Price: $19.99

If seasonal allergies have you going through tissue box after box, Costco's October deals on tissue are worth a look. This month, a 12-pack of Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft facial tissue is priced at $19.99 and comes with 1,008 total sheets.

Compared to Walmart's 12-pack of Kleenex Ultra Soft at $28.99 and just 864 sheets, Costco gives you more for less.

Price: $39.99

A good pillow can make all the difference in relieving pressure from your neck, shoulders, and head while you sleep. If you often wake up stiff or sore, the Bodipedic Adjustable Contour Memory Foam Bed Pillow offers a solution.

Its contoured memory foam design allows you to adjust the height and firmness with removable layers. The pillow includes two layers of gel-infused memory foam for cooling comfort, along with a plush support layer that can be rearranged or removed entirely to achieve your preferred level of support. Normally, this pillow sells for $50.84 at Bed Bath & Beyond, but you can get it for $10.85 less at Costco.

Price: $4.99

Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day helps maintain hydration and boosts energy levels. While many municipalities provide safe tap water, some areas fall short, forcing residents to rely on bottled water as an alternative. For those who live in such areas or simply prefer the convenience of pre-bottled water, Costco offers a practical solution with Pure Life Purified Water.

Each case contains 24 eight-ounce bottles, compact enough to carry in a purse or bag. Considering that the same pack at Staples sells for $15.29, buying at Costco provides noticeable savings.

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Price: $19.99

Kirkland Signature multivitamins are specially formulated with calcium and vitamin D to support bone and tooth health. These multivitamins provide many of the nutrients that can be missing from a typical diet, including vitamins A, E, and B-complex. They also contain key minerals, including 100 mg of magnesium, 72 mg of chloride, and 11 mg of zinc.

The 500-count bottle offers excellent value (4 cents per tablet) and is suitable for both men and women, eliminating the need to purchase separate bottles for yourself and your partner.

Price: $17.69

Milk usually lasts a few days in the refrigerator once opened, which can be challenging for smaller households or those who drink it infrequently. Kirkland Signature organic whole milk comes in 18 eight-ounce cartons, providing just the right serving for breakfast or for adding to recipes like cakes and pies, eliminating waste.

Priced at 98 cents per carton, it's a convenient and economical choice.

Price: $58.99

For those looking to manage their weight without compromising nutrition, Ensure Plus Nutrition shakes offer a convenient solution. Each 350-calorie shake contains 16 grams of protein and 27 vitamins and minerals to support immune, bone, muscle, heart, and brain health.

Costco sells a 30-pack exclusively at $1.97 per bottle, making it more cost-effective than many meal replacement powders or protein shakes. Customers appreciate both the flavor and the nutritional benefits.

Price: $20.42

Treat yourself to a restaurant-quality lasagna without the hefty price. Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna pairs perfectly with garlic toast, a side salad, and a glass of your favorite wine.

This package contains two trays of ready-made lasagna, featuring USDA Choice ground beef, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheese for authentic Italian flavor. It comes fully cooked and ready to heat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Price: $23.99

If your mornings start with a craving for a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee, Kirkland Signature Colombian Coffee Dark Roast is an excellent choice.

The blend is crafted from Colombian Supremo beans and is finely ground, resulting in a bold and robust flavor. When brewed, it fills your kitchen with a smoky, bittersweet aroma that will invigorate your senses.

This three-pound can provides 42 servings, costing just 57 cents each, making it an affordable way to enjoy premium coffee every day.

Price: $39.99

If your home decor feels a little stale and you want to add freshness without a complete makeover, a houseplant is a simple solution. Not only do houseplants bring life and color to a room, but many are also known to help improve indoor air quality.

This October, Costco has a great deal: a two-pack of Devil's Ivy plants from Costa Farms for $39.99, which is about $3 less than what you would spend at Lowe's.

To get more out of your Costco membership, don't overlook the extra perks beyond bulk groceries and household essentials. Costco's pharmacy offers deep discounts on prescriptions, which is something many retirees can benefit from. It's an easy way to cut monthly costs and make your membership work harder for you.

Combine that with smart bulk shopping, and you'll see how Costco can help your Social Security dollars stretch further each month.