15 Texas Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Retirees flock to states where there’s no state income tax, and Texas is right there at the top of the list. 

With a low cost of living in many areas across the state — and retiree-friendly features like warm weather and access to major hospitals — there’s a reason folks over the age of 65 flock to the Lonestar State.

 This is a place where you can maximize your retirement savings while finding a comfortable place to make your home.

Ready to start working on that Texas retirement plan? Here are 15 Texas cities where you can actually live off of just the balance of the average Social Security check, which comes to around $1,900 as of 2024.

You’ll find a cost of living that’s 6% lower than the national average in Lufkin, and the median rent is just $896 monthly. This is a city where water lovers can find their ideal Texas retirement on a lake. Located on Lake Sam Rayburn, this area is known for water activities and bass fishing.

In Canyon, the average rent is $1,200, and the cost of living is 14% lower than the national average. That means you’ll have flexibility in how you spend your leftover disposable income since less of it will go toward necessities.

This Amarillo area town offers outdoor activities, including desert trails and hiking, so you won’t need to stress about spending money on recreation. Additionally, the Faith Medical Clinic is nearby, which is a relief for retirees worried about access to healthcare.

You’ll get the benefits of being close to Houston — including access to a major healthcare system — without those high Houson-area prices when you’re living in Clute. Here, you’ll find a quieter existence, including a median monthly rent of only $822 and a cost of living that is 14% lower than the national average.

Athens is a small town of just over 12,000. Here, you’ll find affordable rent, which comes in at a median monthly cost of $975.

Located not far from Tyler, this area offers nature lovers the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society as well as parks and the Texas Theater. Plus, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average.

Marshall is one of those areas where your housing is going to cost less than your actual day-to-day living. While your cost of living is 5% lower than the national average, your median rent comes in at $942. That’s a good reason to move to this East Texas town that’s rich in history.

The cost of living in Port Arthur is 12% lower than the national average, and the monthly median rent is only $911. That makes this coastal Texas town an appealing place to put down roots if you’re looking for a budget-friendly retirement.

Not only that, but you’ll have access to the water, and both Beaumont and Houston are nearby for when you need to go into a bigger city for healthcare or shopping.

If your top priority is stretching your Social Security check as far as it will go, then a cost of living that’s 22% lower than the national average is going to be appealing. You’ll find a median monthly rent of just $848 in Weslaco, which is just minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border.

A median rent of $930 and a cost of living that’s 6% lower than the national average are two reasons to look at Kermit for living out your golden years.

This town became popular during the West Texas Oil Boom, but today it’s more geared towards golf and state park adventures — including birding, camping, and hiking.

If you want an active lifestyle with a low cost of living, head to Bay City, a small town in between Houston and Corpus Christi.

The median rent here is only $736 monthly, and the cost of living is 17% lower than the national average. You’ll find outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, as well as the Matagorda Regional Medical Center if you need medical attention.

Enjoy a cost of living that’s 8% lower than the national average and a median rent of $895 monthly in Henderson, a Northeast Texas town known for its annual Heritage Syrup Festival.

You’ll find lots of outdoor recreation in this area, much of it revolving around Martin Creek Lake State Park, where you can hike, kayak, and fish.

You’ll get a small town feel and a slower pace of life in Beaumont, a town that’s located near Houston. The cost of living here is 7% lower than the national average, and the median rent is $1,094.

This is where you go when you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of Houston, but you still want to be nearby to visit family or go to doctor’s appointments.

Arlington’s cost of living is only 3% lower than the national average, but the median rent is $1,085 monthly, which still puts it in the affordable category if you’re living on Social Security.

Its proximity to Dallas is also a major draw, especially if you want to be able to scoot into the city on occasion but don’t want to fight traffic, crowds, and a high cost of living on a daily basis.

Want to retire by the beach? Galveston is on the Gulf of Mexico, and it has a historic Victorian charm that you don’t often find in Texas. The cost of living here is 8% lower than the national average, and the median rent is $946.

This is the place to go for those who want beaches, fishing, historic architecture, and the action of a tourist town.

Escape to East Texas, where this once-sparsely populated area is now a popular destination for families and retirees alike. Longview is particularly well known for its healthcare system and specialists, but the median rent of $908 is equally appealing, as well as the cost of living that’s 5% below the national average.

Brush up on your swimming and kayaking skills — Lake O'Pines and Martin Creek Lake are popular weekend destinations in Longview.

A median monthly rent of $950 and a cost of living that’s a staggering 37% lower than the national average make the small Texas town of Burkburnett an appealing spot for retirees. This is where you’ll find parks, golf, and restaurants all in a quiet, community setting near the Oklahoma border.

As you’re planning for retirement, choosing where to live could be the biggest factor in ensuring you’ve set yourself up for a comfortable and stress-free retirement.

From states that do not have state income tax to states that let you maximize your Social Security benefits, finding the right location for you should be your first move in retirement.