Retirement Retired Life

5 Texas Cities Where You Can Actually Live on a $1,500 Social Security Check

You can live affordably in Texas, especially if you choose to retire in one of these cities.

By Sandy Baker

Edited by Jessica Gibson

Updated March 23, 2026

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As you plan for retirement, everything from inflation to higher home prices and mortgage rates may make you want to find a more affordable location.

And even if you make extra cash, save heavily throughout your working years, and make wise investment decisions, many still appreciate or need a lower cost of living during retirement.

Texas is known for many things, including its pleasant year-round weather and modern amenities. Luckily, depending on where you choose to retire in Texas, you may be able to do so with a budget of just $1,500 per month.

Editor's note: Average rental prices are from Apartments.com, and cost-of-living figures are from PayScale.com and BestPlaces.net.

Lubbock

Average rent: $855

Lubbock is an excellent place to retire comfortably, with a low cost of living (about 7% below the national average) and low housing costs.

From this west Texas town near the New Mexico border, it's easy to get to the international airport for travel. You'll find lots of parks, restaurants, and community events throughout the year.

A one-bedroom apartment could cost around $855 per month to rent, with two bedrooms going for an average of $1,020. Grocery costs and housing costs tend to be well below the national average, as is transportation.

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Midland

Average rent: $1,280

Living in Midland is also quite affordable, with lower transportation, housing, and grocery costs than most of the nation. You can expect rent for a one-bedroom apartment to be around $1,280per month.

Midland has much to offer, including visiting the Midland County Horseshoe Arena and the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. A modern lifestyle with some historic buildings mixed in makes this an excellent choice overall for retirement for those who are active.

McAllen

Average rent: $822

Are you wondering whether you can retire early? When you choose a location like McAllen, where a one-bedroom apartment goes for about $822 on average, early retirement seems closer than ever.

McAllen is quite affordable, with even two-bedroom apartments costing about $989 per month in rent. You'll also find that groceries are well below the cost of most Texas cities.

The quality of life in this southeastern Texas town is excellent as well, with the downtown area offering a number of small shops and restaurants, especially along the 17th Street Entertainment District.

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Odessa

Average rent: $1,147

Another affordable place to live in Texas is Odessa, where a one-bedroom apartment is likely to cost about $1,147 per month.

The overall cost of living is 8% lower than the national average.

Just southwest of Midland, Odessa has much to offer for those who want to be active, including community swimming pools and the rec center. You can also check out several local restaurants and shops, especially along I-191. A quiet, suburban feel makes Odessa a desirable location for retirement.

Killeen

Average rent: $838

Killeen is a good option for those who want to remain in a bigger city with good access to local amenities and family. Austin is only a one-hour drive away for anything that you may want that Killeen doesn't offer.

A one-bedroom apartment here is likely to cost about $838. The cost of groceries and transportation is also competitive. Health care costs are 15% lower than the national average.

The lower cost of living in Killeen allows people to retire within an active, even younger community with lots of community events. You can take a few courses at the community college, check out the planetarium, hike the numerous parks, and do some fishing and boating at the city's lakes.

Bottom line

When it comes to how seniors make wise money decisions, it is not always about pinching pennies but choosing a community that offers a more affordable lifestyle.

A city that offers lots of activities that you enjoy and has the amenities you need may help keep the day-to-day costs down.

Avoid the popular tourist areas or the bigger cities to create a more affordable retirement plan without sacrificing a good quality of life.

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