7 Arizona Cities Where Couples Can Live on Nothing But Social Security

Are there cities where retirees can live on only their Social Security checks? In Arizona, that answer is a resounding yes. That's because The Grand Canyon State boasts both low property taxes and low homeowners insurance fees.

The average retired couple collects Social Security benefits in the amount of $3,089 per month as of 2025, and there are several Arizona towns and cities where that amount is more than enough to cover the cost of living while leaving you with enough left over to enjoy all the area has to offer. Check out which towns are the most affordable for a retired couple, so you can avoid wasting money in your golden years.

Unless otherwise noted, all data regarding rents and home prices were pulled from Best Places.

Average Rent: $850

Median Home Price: $141,600

Douglas is a small border community with a rich history shared with their Mexican neighbors, and has a population of roughly 15,000 residents. The city has been rated highly as a "micropolitan" area, which has superior amenities for a moderate cost of living.

The history of the area is heavily influenced by the Old West and their sister city Agua Prieta in Mexico. The cost of living (COL) is about $2,250 per month, and has great recreational activities for bird watching, golf, and historic tours.

Average Rent: $1,070

Median Home Price: $74,000

Flowing Wells is a neighborhood suburb of Tucson with about 16,000 residents. The COL is significantly lower than within the big city limits, requiring an estimated $2,733 per month. This is largely due to the low price of housing.

The area also features a very active neighborhood association, which partnered with other organizations to implement a 5-year revitalization strategy which has been extended every five years since 2001.

Average Rent: $1250

Median Home Price: $178,900

Desert lovers will enjoy being right up against Saguaro National Park, across a mountain from Tucson. The cost of living is estimated around $2,850 per month, so it's reasonable on a retiree budget with some left over to enjoy the desert scenery, breathtaking mountain views, and plentiful nearby parks. Drexel Heights is perfect for a retiring couple looking for tranquility in a natural setting.

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Average Rent: $981.43*

Median Home Price: $270,235*

Housing expenses in Eloy are 50% lower than the national average, and is the perfect retirement destination for couples looking for excitement and adventure in their golden years. The area has many aviation centers for learning to fly or even skydiving, numerous golf courses, and is located nearby the Casa Grande Ruins.

*Average rent provided by NASDAQ and median home price provided by Zillow.

Average Rent: $1,492*

Median Home Price: $292,003*

The cost of housing could make or break Sierra Vista as affordable solely on Social Security benefits, but it's great for archaeology enthusiasts looking to spend their golden years in an area rich with neolithic history.

Nearby are Murray Springs Clovis Site and Lehner Mammoth-Kill Site, which are both National Historic Landmarks. The close proximity to Fort Huachuca makes Sierra Vista a military town, which can appeal to retired veterans.

*Average rent provided by NASDAQ and median home price provided by Zillow.

Average Rent: $1,560

Median Home Price: $156,400

Located nearby the Utah border, Colorado City offers stunning views of the red rock formations for which Arizona is known. The cost of living is estimated to be around $2,490 per month, and the town has a heavy presence due to the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter-Day Saints. The nearby presence of the Colorado River provides plenty of outdoor activity opportunities for retirees looking to enjoy the natural wonders of the world.

Average Rent: $1,030

Median Home Price: $158,900

Holbrook is the heart of Navajo County, and as such has a rich Native American history. It was once known as "the town too tough for women and churches," and many of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders came from the area.

It's located near the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert, and has many historical attractions for history enthusiasts. The COL is roughly $2,550 per month, so it's highly affordable for retired couples on a fixed income.

More people are relying on Social Security benefits as a primary source of income through retirement, and that can make it difficult to find an affordable city in which to spend your golden years. Florida has been a retirement destination because of the warm weather and lack of property taxes, but hurricanes and property insurance are driving many retirees to seek the drier heat of the desert.

Arizona is a great retirement area for couples who want to spend a lot of time outdoors and away from big crowds. Living in the major cities can be affordable, but will require savings beyond Social Security. More rural areas with smaller populations are boasting very low cost of living rates, making them ideal for retirees who want a stress-free retirement with an active lifestyle.