10 Best U.S. Cities for Retiring on $75,000 a Year

Retiring on $75,000 a year doesn't stretch as far as it once did, especially with today's rising costs of real estate and health care, as well as everyday expenses. Yet, there are still places in the U.S. where this budget allows you to live well. The 10 options below feature affordable housing prices, low cost of living, and lifestyle appeal.

When you pick the right zip code, you'll be able to stretch your retirement dollars further without having to commit to a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all community.

Pennsylvania is a no-brainer for retirement, since it doesn't tax Social Security. On top of that, living in the bustling city of Pittsburgh gives you access to top-notch health care at hospitals like the UPMC and great entertainment and cultural pursuits.

To make things even better, Steel City's median housing costs, at $204,700, are significantly lower than the U.S. median housing price of $338,100.

If you want to retire in a warm climate, but Florida is out of reach because of its high cost of living, Arizona is the next best thing. In Tucson, you can experience the Southwestern lifestyle on a $75,000 budget without counting pennies.

The city offers great health care opportunities and median home prices that are 11% lower than the U.S. average. Tucson is worth checking out if you love the desert and warm winters.

Besides taking advantage of South Carolina's tax friendliness to retirees, living in Greenville gives you access to a housing market that is 26% less expensive than the national average.

This charming small city also offers you the famed Southern hospitality without the high cost of living. Property taxes are among the lowest nationally in Greenville, and retirees over 65 can get a $15,000 tax deduction on all forms of income.

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While Boise is slightly more expensive than the national average, it is still significantly more affordable than most Pacific Northwest cities. Retiring in Boise comes with several benefits: no tax on social security, a flat income tax, and access to high-quality health care and amenities.

If you're an active senior, Boise offers you miles of hiking and biking trails along the Boise River and a wealth of winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing in Bogus Basin.

Des Moines is an excellent option for your budget, with an affordable median home price of $175,700, which is 48% less expensive than the national average. However, that's not all this city has to offer. Utilities and groceries also run below average, giving Des Moines substantial value for money.

If you're still unconvinced, consider that this walkable city is consistently ranked high on Investopedia's list of cities for successful aging, offering the right mix of safety, health care access, and social interaction.

For high-quality health care, a vibrant entertainment scene, and low housing costs, consider moving to Fayetteville. This city welcomes retirees with 15% lower housing costs and 10% lower health care costs than the national average.

Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas and, as such, a hub for young people. Still, it offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the quiet life in the peaceful woodlands of the Southeast, particularly the beautiful hiking trails of Devil's Den State Park.

Active retirees who look forward to traveling during their golden years will love San Antonio. Its airport, which is close to downtown, is a hub for flights to domestic and international destinations, perfect for exploring new places during retirement.

And with housing costs 21% lower than the national average, not to mention affordable utilities and groceries, San Antonio will leave enough cash in your pocket that travel won't be an issue!

One of Knoxville's primary industries is health care, so you won't have to look far and wide for a provider if you pick it for retirement. The city is also perfect for history buffs who can explore numerous museums and landmarks to learn more about the significant role Knoxville played during the Civil War.

This city is affordable on all counts, from housing prices to groceries and health care. It also enjoys a pleasant climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

Consider Grand Rapids if you enjoy four distinct seasons each year in a place with plenty of parks and easy access to the banks of the Grand River. A manufacturing powerhouse, Grand Rapids also has low property crime and plenty of health care options.

Grand Rapids is surprisingly affordable. Its cost of living is 5.5% lower than the national average, while its median home price is 26.7% less expensive than the U.S. average.

Want to spend your retirement in Georgia? Pick Augusta. Its median home price is affordable at $162,900, and it scores highly on walkability, something most retirees actively seek.

In addition, Augusta is the perfect mix of vibrant downtown life and outdoor paradise. If you love golf and fishing, it offers you a great variety of courses, lakes, and rivers to choose from. With health care a big part of the local economy, retirees can also access several medical centers and hospitals.

Retiring on a $75,000 budget can be stress-free and enjoyable if you make the right money moves. With some careful planning, cities like Greenville, South Carolina, or San Antonio, Texas, offer a great balance of quality of life and affordability.

Want more ways to save money during retirement? Consider using senior discounts on entertainment and transportation, and exploring supplemental insurance options to use Medicare efficiently. Enjoying more meals at home can also reduce expenses and stretch your budget.