15 Big Cities Where It’s Possible To Live on Nothing but Social Security

While big cities have a reputation for being pricey, there are many around the U.S. where you can live comfortably on just Social Security checks. In January 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,976 — and moving to an affordable city is an ideal way to maximize your retirement savings and really make those checks stretch.

In addition to affordability, large cities offer perks like walkability, access to great healthcare, and more. If you’re hoping to embrace city living in retirement, consider these 15 excellent options.

Average rent: $1,330

Median home sale price: $221,273

While Baltimore is a big city, with a population of more than half a million, it still maintains small town vibes with great local dining options and a thriving arts scene to boot.

It’s one of the pricier options on this list, but still a great place to enjoy a stress-free retirement with a much lower cost of living than other East Coast cities.

Average rent: $1,418

Median home sale price: $422,080

Boise might be the smallest big city on this list, with a population of just over 277,000, but retirees can really get a lot of bang for their buck in Idaho’s capital (particularly renters).

Residents also enjoy low taxes and easy access to rivers, mountains, canyons, and beyond.

Average rent: $1,028

Median home sale price: $183,890

If you don’t mind cold, snowy winters, this upstate New York option has a lot of potential. Cost of living and home prices are quite low, and for the outdoorsy types, you can find excellent skiing a quick drive from downtown and Niagara Falls is just 20 miles away.

Average rent: $896

Median home sale price: $119,589

There are an array of solid options for retirees looking to save on housing and living costs in the Midwest — and Cleveland has a lot to offer. From the stunning waterfront district to the excellent dining scene to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, there’s something for everyone.

Average rent: $1,117

Median home sale price: $168,476

If you’re hoping to enjoy warmer weather and a low cost of living in retirement, consider El Paso. It’s significantly cheaper than other Texas cities, like Houston and Austin, and there’s plenty to do — particularly for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Average rent: $1,078

Median home sale price: $169,485

Fort Wayne is one of the smaller cities on this list, but still boasts a population of nearly 325,000. The cost of living is much lower than the national average and the city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, theater, or fun festivals.

Average rent: $1,427

Median home sale price: $247,487

As the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S., Jacksonville, to put it simply, is huge.

It’s got an array of diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options to keep retirees of all sorts happy — and the Florida sun (and tax breaks) also make this a desirable place to be.

Average rent: $1,175

Median home sale price: $268,163

Lexington has an abundance of two things: college basketball fans and horse farms. Its rich history gives the city a unique charm and though Lexington is growing in popularity, it is still one of the nation’s more affordable large cities.

Average rent: $1,032

Median home sale price: $154,544

Famous for its beer and breweries, Milwaukee is a great place for retirees who don’t mind the cold for a myriad of reasons.

There are great restaurants, an array of lakefront activities, a dedicated sports culture — and your groceries and transportation may even be a bit cheaper.

Average rent: $1,433

Median home sale price: $382,677

Raleigh is one of the pricier options on this list, but these days, many retirees are heading to the Carolinas because they offer a lot of bang for your buck.

Raleigh has beautiful green spaces, excellent art and dining scenes, and homeowners enjoy low property taxes.

Average rent: $1,722

Median home sale price: $466,620

Reno’s average rent and home prices are pushing it a bit on affordability, but there are other financial perks in America’s “Biggest Little City.”

Nevada has no income taxes and homes downtown tend to be cheaper. Pair that with easy access to natural beauty and plenty of tourist draws, and Reno becomes a solid option.

Average rent: $1,037

Median home sale price: $201,050

St. Louisans enjoy a cost of living far lower than the national average and have access to an array of leisurely activities, from sports to hiking trails to theater. It also offers a range of charming neighborhoods where retirees can find homes to fit a range of budgets.

Average rent: $1,179

Median home sale price: $230,573

Tucson is a great option for retirees for a number of reasons, including the hot, dry weather, the stunning views (think mountain ranges and desert sunsets), and affordability.

There’s plenty by way of recreation too, from an incredible dining scene to nearby hiking and even skiing.

Average rent: $1,074

Median home sale price: $196,837

The former “oil capital of the world” offers retirees a low cost of living and access to a wide range of sites and fun activities.

From trails that provide beautiful views of the Arkansas River to decked out galleries and museums, Tulsa has southern charm and then some.

Average rent: $1,804

Median home sale price: $358,477

If retiring to the beach sounds ideal to you but relocating to Florida doesn’t — Virginia Beach is a solid option. It boasts 38 miles of coastline and is quite affordable compared to other beach towns around the U.S., helping retirees to avoid money mistakes in their golden years.

Plus, prices for groceries and utilities tend to run a bit cheaper than the national average.

Buying in these areas can also be a great way to tap into a new source of income if you’re interested in renting out your property. Many, like Virginia Beach and Reno, are hot vacation spots, and others, like Raleigh and Tucson, are thriving college towns.