15 South Carolina Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Living on Social Security Income (SSI) payments can be challenging, depending on where you live. Fortunately, if you call some of South Carolina's more affordable cities home, you may be able to do just that, getting by with the federal maximum SSI payment of $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 per couple.

Of course, when it comes to making your retirement plan it's essential to be mindful of the cost of basic living expenses. Retirees on a fixed budget should also be mindful of access to healthcare, transportation costs, and a sense of community.

These essentials and housing costs can vary greatly depending on where you live, so we rounded up 16 South Carolina cities that are the most affordable and where retirees don't have to compromise on quality, care, or relaxed living.

With a median gross rent of $865, Walterboro is affordable for retirees living on SSI. The cost of utilities and groceries is significantly less expensive than the United States average, making it an ideal way to maximize your retirement savings.

With plenty of access to parks, including wildlife reserves, outdoor enthusiasts are likely to fall in love with this area.

The cost of living in Sumter County is relatively low, with the average cost of rent clocking in at around $1,006 a month.

Living with someone else to split the housing and utility costs could allow you to live comfortably on your SSI payments alone, especially if you're married and your spouse is also collecting SSI, since this will give you a little over $400 left over for the rest of your necessities.

This area has a small-town charm with a walkable downtown and easy access to healthcare services.

If you have a partner or live with a friend or roommate, Anderson is an affordable South Carolina city where you can live on your SSI.

The median gross rent in the area is $965, nearly $600 less than the national average. With a population of 29,456, it's a small town that provides a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle for retirees.

Housing costs take a large portion of income, but it's manageable, with the median gross rent being $650 in Bennettsville.

You can explore beaches, lakes, hiking trails, nature centers, and other outdoor recreation. They also have malls, museums, and other indoor entertainment for when the weather doesn't cooperate with your outdoor plans.

Not only is the median gross rent affordable in Hartsville at about $834, but it's also an exciting place to live. The city is walkable, and the downtown area is vibrant, with a mix of arts, culture, and local events.

That means you'll have plenty to do and see without spending extra money.

With housing payments of about $1,043, Spartanburg is higher than other options but still lower than the national average for couple's retiring to the state together. Living well on SSI in South Carolina is more than possible if you have a spouse or friend splitting the housing and utility costs.

Spartanburg is ideal for retirees because it's a small city with low living expenses. Plus, 17% of residents are over 65, which should make it easy to make new friends when you relocate.

Greenwood is a small city with a reasonable cost of living and housing costs lower than much of the United States.

The median gross rent is only $826, so even a single person could pay this, although there wouldn't be much left in their budget for extras, but that could be okay if you're planning to take advantage of the city's various parks and senior-friendly activities.

Housing costs in Conway, SC, can be as low as $600, with the median being $881. The cost of living, including utilities and groceries, is noticeably lower in Conway than in other U.S. locations.

This city is close to Myrtle Beach, so it's in an optimal location to be close to a lively area while living in a quieter space.

With median gross rent around $824 and a lower cost of living than the U.S. average, Lancaster is an ideal place to retire on SSI.

That being said, you may be able to score a rental for even less if you're willing to do some research, making it even more affordable. Either way, it's a low-cost city with a small-town feel, including a historic downtown and frequent festivals and events.

Florence is a mid-sized city with access to amenities without raising the cost of living or housing prices. Transportation is on the cheaper side in Florence, with a gallon of gas costing $3.18 per gallon compared to the U.S. national average of $3.53, which means you should be able to use your free time to tool around town, checking out all the city has to offer.

With rentals for less than $800, Georgetown is ideal for retirees living on SSI. It's a small town with affordable housing and lower costs of groceries, transportation, and utilities.

Georgetown is a coastal town, so you'll also have easy access to the beach without living in an expensive, large city.

With a median rent of $905 and a low cost of living, Chester is a small town that retirees won't regret settling in. They have a historic district, nature experiences, a golf course, a vineyard and winery, and plenty of activities for retirees.

Plus, you'll have easy access to Columbia if you need to travel to a bigger city for healthcare needs.

There aren't many cities where you can get rent under $800, but it is possible in Darlington.

The median rent is $801, and you can find a safe and comfortable spot for even less when you put in the legwork. Darlington's historic charm and peaceful environment make it ideal for retirees, along with plenty of outdoor space, community festivals, and easy access to healthcare.

For a laid-back lifestyle on SSI, Laurens is the place to go. They have parks, trails, and community events, plus it's close to Greenville if you need more entertainment or healthcare options.

All of this, and the rent is less than $800, so it's budget-friendly and charming.

Union provides affordable housing at a median of $789 per month, lower grocery prices, and less expensive transportation costs. The utility costs are also lower, making it possible to live there on SSI alone.

Union is ideal for those retirees who enjoy nature, with plenty of outdoor exploration options. Not only that, but the access to museums and other historic sites makes it a must for those who want to fill their golden years with plenty of cultu

You can stretch your SSI further while enjoying a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle by choosing one of these affordable South Carolina cities, where housing costs, groceries, and utilities are lower. Knowing where you'll live and that it won't be too expensive are some ways to enjoy a stress-free retirement.