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11 Small Towns Where Retirees Can Live Like Millionaires on $70,000 a Year

Stretch your retirement budget further in these charming small towns.

By Tobi Amure, CFEI®

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated Feb. 24, 2026

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If you expect to retire on around $70,000 a year, where you live can matter as much as how much you have saved. In the right small town, lower housing costs and everyday expenses can help you stretch your retirement dollars further without feeling like you're constantly cutting back.

The towns below offer reasonable rents and home prices plus amenities like walkable downtowns, healthcare access, and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy a "millionaire" lifestyle on a middle‑class budget.

Editor's note: All figures come from an original data study by FinanceBuzz.

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Dothan, Alabama

Average rent: $1,142
Average home price: $199,443

Dothan's relatively low home values and rents make it easier to keep housing under a manageable share of your $70,000 income. Retirees can enjoy mild winters, golf courses, and plenty of parks and greenways without big‑city crowds.

A regional medical center and several clinics in town add peace of mind as you age.

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Fort Smith, Arkansas

Average rent: $1,049
Average home price: $187,848

Fort Smith combines very modest housing costs with a historic downtown and scenic riverfront. You can stroll trails along the Arkansas River, visit museums, and enjoy local restaurants without paying big‑city prices.

The city's medical centers and VA facilities help make it a practical choice for retirees who want both affordability and care nearby.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Average rent: $1,094
Average home price: $202,097

Cedar Rapids offers small‑city convenience with a cost of living that helps your retirement budget go further. Retirees can explore riverfront parks, local theaters, and the city's arts and museum district without spending a fortune.

Several hospitals and clinics, plus nearby colleges, bring healthcare and cultural events within easy reach.

Muncie, Indiana

Average rent: $1,085
Average home price: $147,303

Muncie's low average home price gives retirees room to keep housing costs well below what they might pay in larger metropolitan cities. As a college town, it offers access to lectures, performances, and sports at Ball State University, along with parks and trails.

Local healthcare providers and a community‑oriented downtown help create a comfortable, budget‑friendly base.

Appleton, Wisconsin

Average rent: $1,245
Average home price: $285,460

Appleton is known as the "cultural heart" because it blends Midwestern charm with a lively downtown, and it still has reasonable housing costs for retirees. You can enjoy performing arts venues, riverfront walks along the Fox River, and local restaurants without breaking your budget.

Nearby health systems and a strong network of parks and trails make it easier to stay active and supported as you age.

Yakima, Washington

Average rent: $1,221
Average home price: $294,996

Yakima offers access to Washington's wine country and outdoor recreation at a lower cost than coastal cities. Retirees can explore local wineries, farmers' markets, and nearby hiking or fishing spots while keeping housing costs manageable.

Regional hospitals and clinics add practical support in a town that still feels relaxed and scenic.

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Conway, South Carolina

Average rent: $1,326
Average home price: $268,012

Conway sits near Myrtle Beach but maintains a quieter, more affordable small‑town feel. Retirees can walk the Riverwalk downtown, enjoy local shops and eateries, and still head to the beach without high coastal housing premiums.

Nearby medical facilities and proximity to a university help keep services and events close at hand.

Macon, Georgia

Average rent: $1,093
Average home price: $171,117

Macon's low home prices and modest rents offer a lot of breathing room for a modest retirement income. You'll find historic neighborhoods, music heritage sites, and riverfront parks that keep everyday life interesting without high costs.

Several hospitals and specialty clinics make it easier to age in place comfortably.

Amarillo, Texas

Average rent: $1,132
Average home price: $204,466

Amarillo offers wide‑open spaces, a low cost of living, and easy access to big‑sky landscapes. Retirees can visit nearby Palo Duro Canyon, enjoy local art and steakhouse culture, and still keep housing costs in check.

The city's medical centers and airport help make it feel connected without big‑city congestion.

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Rochester, New York

Average rent: $1,098
Average home price: $220,487

Rochester delivers a mix of city amenities and surprisingly attainable housing prices for upstate New York. Retirees can enjoy lakefront access, parks, museums, and festivals while keeping fixed costs manageable. Major healthcare systems and universities nearby add strong medical and cultural resources.

Grand Junction, Colorado

Average rent: $1,328
Average home price: $383,847

Grand Junction sits amid red rock canyons and vineyards, offering a scenic base at lower prices than many Colorado resort towns. Retirees can hike, bike, or visit local wineries without paying mountain‑resort premiums for housing.

A regional medical center and a strong outdoor community help support an active retirement.

Bottom line

Choosing the right small town can make a middle‑class retirement income feel surprisingly generous. Lower housing costs, easy access to nature, and walkable amenities can help you avoid wasting money in retirement while still feeling like you're living well.

Before you pack up, compare rents, home prices, and local healthcare options in any town on your shortlist, and make sure the lifestyle fits your priorities. That way, you can make the right moves and avoid wasting money in retirement instead of letting high costs quietly eat away at your hard-earned nest egg.

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