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10 Midwestern Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

There's so much to love about the Midwest once you acclimate to those snowy winters.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated April 3, 2025

Want to avoid wasting your retirement savings? Consider moving somewhere that allows you to let your savings account grow while you make ends meet using nothing more than your monthly Social Security payment, which amounts to $1,976 per individual or $3,014 per couple each month as of 2025.

One of the best places to do this is in the Midwest. This area allows retirees to take advantage of its outdoor beauty, warm and welcoming communities, and cities with thriving and walkable downtowns. Once you make your peace with winter, you'll never want to leave your adopted new home.

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Akron, Ohio

Median home price: $129,163

Average rent: $841

Akron wins high scores for affordability and healthcare, which hits the practical elements perfectly. Spend your days enjoying the Cuyahoga River and its many outdoor activities, or the events and festivals held in the charming downtown. You'll love the warm community vibe, too.

Another benefit of Akron is its proximity to Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, which all have big city amenities and attractions, including additional healthcare facilities, if you can't find the providers you need in Akron.

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Bay City, Michigan

Median home price: $111,910

Average rent: $727

Want a city with a small town feel but plenty to do? Welcome to Bay City, where housing, food, transportation, and taxes are significantly below the national average. The downtown bustles with shopping and dining options, featuring Victorian-style architecture.

Want to fill your free time with a new hobby? A lot of people opt to spend their time at the large antique market in town. Who knows, you may just meet some fellow retirees on the hunt for their own treasures while you shop.

Peoria, Illinois

Median home price: $125,274

Average rent: $920

Diverse and welcoming, the second-biggest city on the banks of the Illinois River is well-known for being cheaper than the national average, especially when it comes to housing (26%) and utilities (19%).

There is no shortage of things to do with your time in Peoria, and many retirees flock to free events at Bradley University, which include sports games and cultural festivals. If your plan for your golden years includes more of a nightlife, Peoria's walkable downtown has plenty of restaurants and breweries to enjoy.

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Muncie, Indiana

Median home price: $141,591

Average rent: $770

Your Social Security won't be taxed in this college city located about an hour from Indianapolis. But, that's not all Muncie has to offer. Thanks to Ball State University, there's also plenty of culture, entertainment, and enrichment activities for you to fill both your days and nights with.

The Hoosier spirit permeates this town of roughly 65,000 (not including those who attend the university), and crime is low, the cost of living is affordable, and there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the medical care you need.

Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Median home price: $171,766

Average rent: $598

You'll find the small but vibrant and walkable city of Scottsbluff in the panhandle of Western Nebraska. Scottsbluff has the distinct honor of having the cheapest rent on this list, making it a great choice for retirees on a strict budget. Not only that, but the cost of living is 17% below the national average, which could be why the population tends to skew older here.

Nearby outdoor attractions like Chimney Rock are a major draw to the area, and Cheyenne and Denver are a few hours away by car.

South Bend, Indiana

Median home price: $176,942

Average rent: $1,178

The combination of affordable housing, low taxes, good healthcare, and happy communities makes South Bend ideal for retirement. So does the University of Notre Dame, a community anchor with services and opportunities for older adults.

Cultural attractions aren't in short supply either, and sports fans will love having easy access to an afternoon baseball game featuring the South Bend Cubs. As an added bonus, the gorgeous beaches of Lake Michigan are only a car ride away.

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Springfield, Illinois

Median home price: $150,168

Average rent: $824

The capital of Illinois has a large population of older adults who enjoy its tax-friendly policies. Parks and healthcare facilities are also plentiful in this affordable city of over 100,000 souls, giving it a lot of allure despite its cold winters.

In addition to having a bustling downtown, Springfield is rich in history, since Abraham Lincoln once called this town home. Older adults should have no problem getting the help they need thanks to Senior Services of Central Illinois.

Toledo, Ohio

Median home price: $120,190

Average rent: $787

A warm, thriving community of adults over 65 is waiting for you in Toledo, which deserves some attention for its affordable housing and good healthcare. Food costs are also low at about $600 per month, something retirees on a budget may be keen to take advantage of.

While Detroit and Cleveland are just a drive away from The Glass City, you'll find amenities right in town: parks, hiking trails, Lake Erie, and the popular banks of the Maumee River.

Topeka, Kansas

Median home price: $185,564

Average rent: $811

All costs of living are lower than the national average in Topeka, especially housing (27%) and transportation (16%). Food costs are also cheaper (4%), so you may find it easy to stretch that monthly Social Security payment.

As the state capital, Topeka has plenty of amenities — including more than 30 retirement communities within the city — and about 20% of the population is 65 or older.

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Waterloo, Iowa

Median home price: $140,927

Average rent: $781

Waterloo has been ranked highly on lists of where you can retire on Social Security alone due to its affordability, especially when it comes to rent and transportation costs. It also has a high livability score, thanks to the availability of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, revitalized downtown, and more.

Waterloo prides itself on its diversity and year-round, family-friendly activities, so it may not be hard to convince your children and grandchildren to come for a visit once you settle down.

Bottom line

Living in a city that's within your means is a surefire way to avoid money mistakes in retirement. After all, nothing matters more than being able to pay your bills, put food on the table, and have something left over for leisure.

As long as you have strategies for enduring winter — whether it's participating in winter sports or mastering hygge — you'll likely love living in any one of these Midwestern locations that make it easy to live on nothing but Social Security.

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