If retirement is approaching, or you want to make the most out of your Social Security check, then you’re likely looking for cities with a low cost of living and a decent livability score.
It’s estimated that each retiree will receive an average of $1,827 per month for Social Security in 2023.
While that number isn’t the highest, there are plenty of cities where you can live comfortably on just that alone, as long as you avoid wasting money on things that aren't essential.
Let’s take a look at 14 great cities to consider if you're looking for an affordable solution that matches your social security check.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Rent in Green Bay averages around $881 per month which can eliminate some money stress for retirees.
Energy bills cost roughly $164.01, phone bills $186.93 monthly, and a gallon of gas costs $3.45. The total cost of living is 10% less than the national average.
While being inexpensive, it has a pretty large population of over 104,000. There are also plenty of entertainment options, including breweries, parks, and Lambeau Field, home of the Packers.
Anderson, Indiana
Anderson is another affordable Midwest city, with a total cost of living averaging around $1,553 per month for one person. Rent averages $814 per month, and the city has a population of over 54,000.
Its quality of life scored a 69, with plenty of parks, museums, and community events like farmer's markets to visit. There’s also a race track and a vibrant, historical downtown scene.
St. Louis, Missouri
If you want to retire in a bigger city with a bit more vibrancy, St. Louis has a quality of life score of 73, and the cost of living averages just $1,670 per month. Rent averages $873 a month, and utility bills for one person cost roughly $165 per month.
There is no shortage of activities in St. Louis, including museums, parks and nature, tons of dining options, family-friendly sites, and Busch Stadium, home to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Cleveland, Ohio
The cost of living in Cleveland cuts close to the allocated Social Security budget, at $1,825 per month. However, if you want to retire in a bigger city with just your paycheck, it’s certainly doable.
The average cost of rent and utilities totals $1,021 per month, with food costing $551 and transportation $120 monthly. The quality of life score, though, is a steep 79. Catch a Browns game, check out the museums and parks, or visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Pro tip: Even if you don't settle down here for retirement, Cleveland can be an affordable vacation or destination to enjoy plenty of cultures while you keep more money in your bank account.
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida is a top retirement destination for many, but the high cost of living can be a deterrent. Tallahassee is a relatively affordable location, though, with a total cost of living averaging $1,593 per month.
Even an apartment in the heart of the city costs roughly $893 per month, but cheaper units can be found for $664. The quality of life score is 64.
Buffalo, New York
New York has a reputation for being expensive, but there are areas where you can live entirely off your Social Security check.
The average cost of living in Buffalo is $1,805 per month for one person, so while it is on the pricier side, it’s manageable. Rent and utilities total an average of $1,036 per month, and the quality of life score is an appealing 88.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is another great city to retire in, with another impressive quality of life score of 89. Enjoy all the city has to offer at an average cost of living of $1,623 per month.
An apartment in the heart of the city only costs around $979 per month, and utilities are only around $99.30 per month. Enjoy your retirement in the homeland of bourbon.
Tucson, Arizona
If you want to retire somewhere warm on a budget, consider Tucson. The average cost of living is $1,555 per month, with rent and utilities only totaling $868 per month.
The quality of life score is 68, and there’s plenty to experience and enjoy in your retirement. Explore the gorgeous nature scene the city has to offer, look into the location’s rich history, or spend your time on the golf courses.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha has a high quality of life score of 84, but it only costs an average of $1,704 per month to live there. Rent and utilities only cost roughly $932 per month.
Omaha has plenty to offer the retired resident, including golf courses, spas, tours, sporting events, nature trails, an amazing zoo, and tons more.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another city with an incredibly high quality of life and an affordable cost of living. It costs roughly $1,504 per month to live in Tulsa, which affords you a quality of life score of 90.
Enjoy any number of Tulsa’s culture and entertainment, from nature trails and parks to museums, casinos, live music, zoos, and more.
Arlington, Texas
Texas is a wonderful state to retire in, but the cost of living in most major cities is likely unattainable, especially if you’re only living off your Social Security check. Arlington is a wonderful compromise.
It costs an average of $1,685 per month to live in Arlington, which has a high quality of life score of 77. It’s a short drive from Dallas, but the city has its own vibrant arts, entertainment, and sports scene.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines has an affordable monthly cost of living of just $1,399, while still having an impressive quality of life score of 70.
It’s a very family-friendly area, perfect for a quiet but active retirement. There are famous farmers markets, breweries, historic towns, zoos and parks, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville has a slightly pricier cost of living of $1,806 monthly, but it more than makes up for the steep price with its quality of life rating, which is 81.
There’s something for everyone in Knoxville, from a vibrant arts, music, and theater scene, to festivals, tons of food to taste, and plenty of opportunities to explore surrounding nature.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Michigan is a wonderful state to retire in, with gorgeous nature all around, lakeside beaches, and plenty of statewide attractions. However, most major cities are too expensive to live on Social Security alone.
Kalamazoo only costs $1,477 a month to live in and has a comfortable quality of life score of 64. There are tons of museums, parks, festivals, zoos, shopping excursions, and more to enjoy.
Bottom line
The average cost of living is getting more expensive, and that can make it challenging to live solely off of your Social Security check.
However, there are many affordable cities across the country that offer plenty to do in your retirement. You can also check out ways to boost your bank account to help you get the most out of your retirement years.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- $0 annual fee
Drawbacks
- Has foreign transaction fee
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.