6 Things Retirees Quietly Spend More On in Winter (That Most Don’t Expect)

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Many older Americans live on a tight income. According to the Federal Reserve, the average annual income for those ages 65 to 74 is $32,898 (before taxes).

If that sounds all too familiar, know that awareness is key to living comfortably and staying on top of your expenses. You might not realize it, but you could be spending more money during the winter months than you think.

Here are six things retirees often spend more money on in winter that they don’t necessarily expect.

1. Electricity (but Not Just the Heater)

The average monthly electricity bill is about $140, as per Angi. But costs can fluctuate wildly throughout the year, especially in winter.

It’s not just running the heater adding to your total costs, though that doesn’t help. If you have a tendency to take long hot showers when it’s cold, that can also add up. So can keeping all the lights on throughout the day or turning them on earlier to compensate for less natural lighting.

2. Home Maintenance

A common rule of thumb is to set aside 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repair costs. You might not use it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it.

In the winter, you might find yourself spending more on replacing or fixing little things you didn’t think about. Freezing (or below-freezing) temps can lead to seemingly small problems like leaks or issues in the heating system. Left unchecked, these can become costly repairs.

Even a drafty window or door can cause your HVAC to run overtime (and increase your heating bill).

3. Groceries

Food costs are nothing to scoff at. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the average older American living on a thrifty food plan spent the following amount on food at home in November 2025:

• Female ages 51 to 70: $228.80
• Male ages 51 to 70: $272.30
• Female 71-plus: $251.10
• Male 71-plus: $260.00.

Even if your grocery budget is strict, you might be spending more on comfort foods during the winter. This is especially likely if you also celebrate the winter holidays and tend to splurge on things like turkey, ham and desserts.

4. Fuel

For retirees who might be trying to keep heating costs down, there’s a higher chance they’re spending more time away from their home than in it. After all, if you’re not home, why run the heater?

But this can lead to more trips that require a car and, by proxy, gasoline. As of Jan. 13, the average national cost of regular fuel is $2.82 per gallon. That’s lower than it’s been in recent months, but it can still add up if you’re driving more often during the winter. And if you’re taking long-distance trips to visit relatives, that’s even more money spent that you might not have accounted for.

5. Medical Costs

Healthcare costs aren’t limited to the winter months, but the cold weather can mean more health issues. This includes respiratory viruses like the flu and whooping cough.

Retirees who have comprehensive health insurance might not have to worry too much about out-of-pocket costs here (beyond the usual premiums and copays). But over-the-counter medicine can add up and fast.

A two-pack of Equate daytime and nighttime cold and flu medicine costs about $10 at Walmart. But you might also need lozenges or other relief. And then there are bandages, gauze, ointments and the like. If you tend to stock up on medical supplies during the winter, that’s a lot of potential expenses all at once.

6. Winter Supplies

You probably expect to spend a little more on winter apparel and accessories. You might have even budgeted for a new pair of boots.

But what retirees may forget about is the lesser-known winter supplies — like deicers and sidewalk salts. Those who live in particularly snowy areas may also need to decide between doing the manual labor (which may or may not be feasible) or paying someone to shovel their drive.

As per Angi, snow removal can cost anywhere from $50 (especially in DIY projects) to $202.

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