10 Cities Where Couples Can Live on Social Security Alone

For many couples approaching retirement, the math around Social Security feels more stressful than the actual move itself. You're trying to picture real life (rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, the occasional dinner out) and wondering whether two monthly checks could realistically carry the weight. The good news: in the right cities, they might.

And choosing wisely could help you avoid wasting your retirement savings.

According to the Social Security Administration, the average retired worker benefit is roughly $1,976 per month as of 2025. For a two-beneficiary household, that comes out to about $3,952 per month, or roughly $47,424 per year.

This is the baseline number used to evaluate whether a couple could realistically cover typical living expenses in each city listed below.

Chattanooga offers mountains, mild winters, and a cost of living about 11% below the national average.

Housing is especially reasonable; a typical rent for a modest apartment often falls below $1,600 per month, leaving room for utilities, groceries, and transportation within a Social Security–based budget. Retirees appreciate the easy access to medical centers, a lively riverfront, and plenty of low-cost outdoor recreation like walking trails, free festivals, and scenic parks.

Green Bay tends to surprise retirees with its affordability. The city's cost of living sits around 9% below the U.S. average, and utilities and healthcare are generally manageable.

A couple might pay about $1,000 to $1,100 for rent, depending on the neighborhood. Beyond football pride, Green Bay offers lake views, quiet suburbs, and walkable areas near downtown that make daily life feel simple and budget-friendly.

Oklahoma City consistently ranks among the most affordable metros in the country, with a cost of living roughly 18% under the national average.

Rent for a basic two-bedroom apartment often falls under $1,400, and groceries and healthcare remain below typical U.S. costs as well. Retirees value the city's warm weather, vibrant arts district, and senior-friendly programs at community centers.

Winston-Salem blends affordability with a slower pace of life. The city's cost of living hovers around 9% lower than the national average, and many couples find comfortable rentals under $1,000.

The area has an active medical community, plenty of small-town charm, and cultural amenities like museums, gardens, and historic districts without big-city price tags.

El Paso's cost of living sits around 12% below the national average, making it one of the more affordable cities for couples relying on Social Security. Housing is consistently affordable, and everyday expenses tend to stay low thanks to the region's warm climate and inexpensive transportation costs.

Beyond the numbers, there is a strong sense of community and the friendly, slower-paced atmosphere that makes stretching a fixed income far less stressful.

Knoxville gives retirees access to lakes, mountains, and a vibrant downtown, all without a high price tag. The cost of living is roughly 14% below average, and housing remains manageable in many neighborhoods.

What retirees tend to love most is the mix of nature and convenience: you can spend your morning on a trail and still get to a doctor's appointment or grocery store in minutes. It's a balance that works well for couples budgeting carefully in retirement.

Fort Wayne consistently ranks as one of the most affordable places in the Midwest. Costs are about 9% below the national average, and typical rents often fall comfortably under $1,200.

But affordability alone isn't what wins people over; it's the city's expansive park system and dependable healthcare network. For retirees who want cost stability and community, Fort Wayne delivers both.

Pensacola lets you enjoy the Florida lifestyle without paying Florida-hotspot prices. With a cost of living just under the national average, retirees often find rentals in the $1,700–$1,800 range.

Winters are mild, beaches are close, and the veteran presence in the area adds a unique sense of community. For many couples, it's one of the few coastal cities where a Social Security budget still feels realistic.

Des Moines doesn't make flashy retirement lists, but maybe it should. The city's cost of living lands around 7% below average, and you can still find reasonable rentals close to parks, trails, and grocery stores.

Healthcare access is one of Des Moines's major strengths, which matters a lot when planning around fixed income. It's the kind of place where daily life is easy, and affordability simply reinforces that.

Augusta pairs warm weather with a cost of living roughly 13% below the U.S. average. Rent often falls between $1,200 and $1,400, leaving meaningful room in a Social Security-based budget for necessities.

Retirees enjoy the slow Southern pace, the Savannah River walkway, and the strong sense of familiarity that comes from a city where people tend to stay long-term. For couples wanting a gentle climate without aggressive housing prices, Augusta makes the list.

Finding a city where two Social Security checks could reasonably cover housing, groceries, healthcare, and day-to-day living isn't easy, but it's far from impossible. Many smaller and mid-sized cities still offer affordable rents, predictable costs, and amenities that make retirement feel steady instead of stressful.

According to the SSA, nearly half of married retirees rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their income, which makes choosing an affordable location one of the smart money moves for seniors planning their long-term financial security.