Retirement Social Security

11 Small Towns Where Couples Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

Discover 11 towns where Social Security covers most of the basic necessities.

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 12, 2026

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For couples planning to retire at 67, the average household Social Security benefit is just over $3,355 in 2027. Depending on where you live, this amount can cover rent and still leave you with enough money for other household expenses, plus a few extras.

We put together a list of affordable towns across the country where you can retire comfortably.

Consider these 11 small towns where Social Security provides enough money to live on.

Editor's note: All average rent and home prices come from Zillow.com, and all cost-of-living figures are from BestPlaces.net.

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Raton, NM

Average rent: $675

Average home price: $155,766

Raton is in northeast New Mexico, approximately six miles from the Colorado border. The cost of living is approximately 23% lower than the national average, meaning a family can live comfortably on around $2,130. Quiet and slow-paced, Raton offers local parks and community centers, with plenty of fresh air and beautiful scenery.

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Hickory, NC

Average rent: $1,522

Average home price: $292,718

The cost of living in Hickory is 11% lower than the national average. The cost of health care is also 7% lower than the U.S. average, making it easier to stretch your retirement dollars. The city has six recreation centers and two senior centers, providing a strong retirement community.

Green Bay, WI

Average rent: $1,088

Average home price: $285,670

Green Bay is Wisconsin's oldest city. It's home to the Green Bay Packers football team and has many sights of interest, including a botanical garden, a wildlife sanctuary, and multiple parks. The cost of living is 13.9% lower than the national average, with plenty of affordable housing options.

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Huntsville, AL

Average rent: $1,335

Average home price: $286,952

Huntsville is the most populous city in Alabama. Located in the northeast corner of the state near Tennessee, Huntsville is home to several Fortune 500 companies, retail shops, and recreational areas. The cost of living is around 5.8% lower than the national average, and rent is less than half of the average Social Security benefit.

Lexington, KY

Average rent: $1,631

Average home price: $331,087

The average rent in the United States is around $1,932 a month, making Lexington a reasonably priced living option. Retirees enjoy low crime rates, excellent air quality, and quality health care. The city is walkable, so you could get by without the expense of a car.

Columbus, OH

Average rent: $1,471

Average home price: $243,122

The cost of living in Columbus is 8.6% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for Ohio residents. Seniors in Ohio may also qualify for a senior citizen credit for those 65+ who have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $100,000 or less per year.

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Laughlin, NV

Average rent: $1,065

Average home price: $250,771

Located on the far southern tip of Nevada and just 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin offers plenty of slots and tables for seniors who enjoy recreational gambling. Affordable housing and a slower pace make this city a haven for retirees. There are also watersports on the Colorado River and lots of golfing.

Jamestown, ND

Average rent: $1,051

Average home price: $214,685

If you want to live in a small town where everyone knows your name, you should consider Jamestown, North Dakota, with a population of just over 15,800. In addition to affordable housing, retirees can expect to pay almost 20% less than the national average for health care, food, transportation, and taxes.

Punta Gorda, FL

Average rent: $2,041

Average home price: $334,685

If you've ever dreamed of retiring in the sunny state of Florida, Punta Gorda has the reputation of being one of the most affordable destinations on the southern Gulf. The city offers warm year-round temperatures, plenty of outdoor activities, and it's just minutes from Gulf beaches.

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Rochester, NY

Average rent: $1,454

Average home price: $240,168

The cost of living in Rochester is 11.4% lower than the national average. It's one of the most cost-effective options in New York State. Located in upstate New York along the shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester has multiple services for seniors, including a community center with exercise programs, computer classes, music, and arts and crafts.

Morgantown, WV

Average rent: $1,413

Average home price: $281,832

Located approximately an hour and a half south of Pittsburgh, Morgantown is one of the most affordable cities on the list. Housing is around 23% lower than in the rest of the country. Retirees can also expect to pay less for food, clothing, and groceries, leaving more money for hobbies and interests.

Bottom line

Choosing the best place to retire isn't always about available amenities; it's also about numbers. However, these 11 towns prove there are plenty of locations throughout the United States that offer both. With a little research, you can free up your retirement budget.

In addition to affordable housing, you can also stretch your retirement income by taking advantage of senior discounts, downsizing, and researching local assistance programs.

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