12 Retirement Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Just Social Security

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 $2,000 per month for Social Security in August 2025.

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 12 great cities to consider if you're looking for an affordable solution that matches your social security check.

Editor's note: All cost-of-living data comes from Payscale and BestPlaces, and median rent prices from Apartments.com.

Rent in Green Bay averages around $950 per month, which can eliminate some of the money stress for retirees.

Energy bills cost roughly $172, phone bills $163 monthly, and a gallon of gas costs $3.35. The total cost of living is 9% less than the national average.

While being inexpensive, it has a pretty large population of over 106,000. There are also plenty of entertainment options, including breweries, parks, and Lambeau Field, home of the Packers.

Anderson is another affordable Midwest city, with a total cost of living averaging around $1,800 per month for one person, according to BestPlaces. Rent averages $857 per month, and the city has a population of over 55,000.

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.

If you want to retire in a bigger city with a bit more vibrancy, St. Louis has a quality of life score of 73. Rent averages $1,124 a month, and utility bills for one person cost roughly $237 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.

The cost of living in Cleveland cuts close to the allocated Social Security budget at $2,000 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 is $1,287 per month, with an energy bill averaging $173 and gas $3.15 per gallon. 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; you can save on travel costs while enjoying plenty of cultures. 

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 median home price of $288,794.

If you'd rather rent, even an apartment in the heart of the city costs roughly $1,200 per month, but cheaper units can be found for around $700. The quality of life score is 64.

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 rents for an average cost of $1,115 per month, and utilities are only around $180 per month. Enjoy your retirement in the homeland of bourbon.

Oklahoma is another city with an incredibly high quality of life and an affordable cost of living. The median rent is $895 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.

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 $1,154 to rent an apartment in Arlington. It's a short drive from Dallas, but the city has its own vibrant arts, entertainment, and sports scene.

Omaha has a high quality-of-life score of 84, and it costs an average of only $1,094 per month to rent there. The city has plenty to offer the retired resident, including golf courses, spas, tours, sporting events, nature trails, an amazing zoo, and tons more.

Knoxville has a slightly pricier cost of living, with rent averaging $1,311, but it more than makes up for gas priced at around $2,87 and utility costs 15% below the national average.

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 the surrounding nature.

Des Moines has an affordable monthly rent average of $982, 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.

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.

Rental in Kalamazoo costs an average of $1,192 a month and gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 87.7. There are tons of museums, parks, festivals, zoos, shopping excursions, and more to enjoy.

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.