Retirement Social Security

12 Washington Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Outside of Seattle, you'll find plenty of beautiful Washington cities where you can thrive on a fixed budget.

By Michelle Smith

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Feb. 5, 2025

The Pacific Northwest is well known for its beautiful rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and thriving outdoor scene — and its notoriously high cost of living. Fortunately, as long as you're open to avoiding pricey hubs, retirees living on a fixed budget can enjoy a stress-free retirement by relocating to a low-cost, affordable Washington city.

Below, we list 12 cities where you can afford to live on nothing more than Social Security, which averages $1,976 for individuals and $3,089 for couples as of January 2025.

Unless otherwise specified, all data on average apartment rental and housing prices came from Redfin. Rental costs are based on data from March 2024 while housing costs are based on data from December 2024.

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Aberdeen

Median home price: $275,000

Median rent: $1,016

Aberdeen's housing, food, and healthcare costs are all well below the national average, which is good news for seniors who want to keep their most common expenses down. Aberdeen has plenty of lovely local parks with walking trails, including the popular Kurt Cobain Memorial Park.

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Grayland

Median home price: $313,000

Median rent: $1,300*

Looking for a quiet (and affordable) life on the coast? Grayland is a cozy beachside town with miles of beaches that draw surfers and sunbathers in the summer months. Nearby Westport's annual Pirate Daze brings swashbuckling fun to the area every June — perfect for those with young grandkids and the young at heart.

*Data comes from ZillowRentals and is current as of January 2025.

Yakima

Median home price: $331,000

Median rent: $1,125

No matter which outdoor activity you prefer, you can find it in Yakima. From fishing and hiking to sailing, cycling, and walking, it's easy to get outdoors in this dry, sunny city. Plus, the cost of living is around 8% lower than the national average, so you can put your money toward enjoying your favorite activities in retirement.

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Shelton

Median home price: $338,000

Median rent: $1,369

Shelton is perfectly positioned between the gorgeous Hood Canal and the vibrant capital city of Olympia, but you don't have to leave Shelton to find retirement-friendly activities.

The area is home to several state parks with miles of trails, and venues like the Ridge Motorsport Park and Skookum Creek Event Center at the Little Creek Casino host frequent events that keep life interesting.

Centralia

Median home price: $342,650

Median rent: $1,340

If you love big cities but hate their high housing costs, consider Centralia. The city is located midway between Portland and Seattle, putting a weekend jaunt to either urban hub well within reach. Financially speaking, Centralia's a good place to put down roots — housing prices there are 70% lower than in the rest of the state.

Hoodsport

Median home price: $350,000

Median rent: $1,550*

Hoodsport is a small town of just over 100 people located right on the scenic Hood Canal, a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. Active foodies will also like this area, because it's known as a great place for harvesting clams, oysters, and mussels during harvest season.

The city is just 20 minutes away from Shelton, where you'll find dozens of senior-centric community events at the newly constructed YMCA family center.

*Data comes from ZillowRentals and is current as of January 2025.

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Spokane

Median home price: $376,000

Median rent: $1,165

If Washington's rainy coast doesn't appeal to you, drier cities in eastern Washington could give you the sunny outdoor lifestyle you're looking for. The Spokane River has great opportunities for outdoor fun during the summer while the nearby mountain ranges give retired skiers chances to hit the slopes each winter.

Elma

Median home price: $379,000

Median rent: $1,596*

Elma is a town of a few thousand individuals, including an increasing number of retirees. It's tucked away in the Chehalis River Valley, surrounded by green hills and plenty of farmland. While rent is a little higher on average than most other cities on our list, you should still keep it in mind if you're hoping to buy an affordable home where you can age in place.

*Data comes from ZillowRentals and is current as of January 2025.

Port Angeles

Median home price: $417,000

Median rent: $1,208

This coastal town is the gateway to Washington's sweeping Olympic National Park. While there are plenty of cheap franchises, Port Angeles is a very local, community-focused town. The thriving downtown area is home to local bookstores, coffee shops, and family-owned restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, affordable food.

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Pullman

Median home price: $469,500

Median rent: $730

This rural town in southeast Washington has a below-average cost of living — not just compared to urban centers in Washington, but compared to the country as a whole.

For instance, healthcare prices are 34.4% below average while food costs are more than 17% below average. Since the city is home to Washington State University, retirees can enjoy school-sponsored cultural events all year long.

McCleary

Median home price: $495,000

Median rent: $928*

This small logging town is near a retro drive-in theater, several state parks, and a community-centric public library. Its extremely low rent prices set it apart from nearly every other city on our list.

*Data comes from ZillowRentals and is current as of January 2025.

Lacey

Median home price: $496,000

Median rent: $1,580

Lacey is located just outside the capital city of Olympia and nestled next to Highway 101, which means it's an hour from the coast and two hours from the heavily forested peninsula. The city has a range of affordable shopping centers, from Walmart to Grocery Outlet, which offers senior discounts on certain days of the week.

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Bottom line

Living in an affordable area is one essential part of creating a successful retirement plan.

Take a look at your estimated monthly Social Security check when figuring out where you can afford to live — because in spite of what you've heard about prices in the Pacific Northwest, a successful retirement to a cozy town is entirely within your reach.