While Social Security is designed to supplement a retiree’s income, for some, it’s actually their only source of income. This can leave them on quite a fixed income.
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With an average monthly benefit of just $1,926 for an individual and $2,856 for a couple as of January 2025, Social Security doesn’t provide nearly enough income for retirees to live in America’s most expensive cities.
If you plan on relying on just your Social Security benefits to get by — and you still want to enjoy your golden years — you’ll have to find cities that remain relatively affordable while still scoring highly in terms of livability.
GOBankingRates compiled a list of the 15 best cities to live on only a Social Security check. The study factored in the average monthly mortgage cost, livability score, total annual cost of living and how much is left over after Social Security benefits have been added in.
1. Jerome, Illinois
Population % ages 65 and over: 15.2%
Household median income: $55,777
Monthly mortgage: $845
Total annual cost of living: $32,731
Livability: 92
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $1,544
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2. Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Population % ages 65 and over: 18.9%
Household median income: $72,302
Monthly mortgage: $1,133
Total annual cost of living: $34,200
Livability: 88
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $75
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3. Sandusky, Ohio
Population % ages 65 and over: 16.9%
Household median income: $47,827
Monthly mortgage: $809
Total annual cost of living: $28,807
Livability: 87
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $5,468
4. Nutter Fort, West Virginia
Population % ages 65 and over: 16.6%
Household median income: $62,917
Monthly mortgage: $738
Total annual cost of living: $32,257
Livability: 87
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $2,019
5. South Euclid, Ohio
Population % ages 65 and over: 15.7%
Household median income: $78,782
Monthly mortgage: $1,012
Total annual cost of living: $32,671
Livability: 87
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $1,604
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6. Meadville, Pennsylvania
Population % ages 65 and over: 18.1%
Household median income: $46,012
Monthly mortgage: $858
Total annual cost of living: $31,485
Livability: 85
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $2,790
7. Scranton, Pennsylvania
Population % ages 65 and over: 18.3%
Household median income: $49,531
Monthly mortgage: $994
Total annual cost of living: $34,030
Livability: 85
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $245
8. Homestead, Pennsylvania
Population % ages 65 and over: 26.8%
Household median income: $38,661
Monthly mortgage: $448
Total annual cost of living: $27,965
Livability: 84
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $6,310
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9. Millvale, Pennsylvania
Population % ages 65 and over: 14.1%
Household median income: $69,936
Monthly mortgage: $703
Total annual cost of living: $30,899
Livability: 84
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $3,376
10. Frostburg, Maryland
Population % ages 65 and over: 16.2%
Household median income: $51,052
Monthly mortgage: $981
Total annual cost of living: $31,872
Livability: 84
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $2,403
11. Emmetsburg, Iowa
Population % ages 65 and over: 26.0%
Household median income: $57,353
Monthly mortgage: $883
Total annual cost of living: $32,567
Livability: 84
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $1,708
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12. Tiffin, Ohio
Population % ages 65 and over: 18.6%
Household median income: $55,700
Monthly mortgage: $1,011
Total annual cost of living: $31,179
Livability: 83
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $3,096
13. Ambridge, Pennsylvania
Population % ages 65 and over: 16.7%
Household median income: $50,978
Monthly mortgage: $797
Total annual cost of living: $32,211
Livability: 83
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $2,064
14. Willowick, Ohio
Population % ages 65 and over: 17.2%
Household median income: $74,138
Monthly mortgage: $1,061
Total annual cost of living: $33,186
Livability: 83
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $1,089
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15. Mayville, North Dakota
Population % ages 65 and over: 14.7%
Household median income: $64,044
Monthly mortgage: $1,070
Total annual cost of living: $33,250
Livability: 81
Annual leftover income after benefits (couple): $1,025
Editor’s note: Photos are for illustration purposes only and may not represent the specific city.
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed U.S. cities to find the best places to live on only Social Security benefits. For each location, a number of factors were found including: total population, population ages 65 and over, total households and household median income all sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Using this data, the percentage of the population ages 65 and over can be calculated. The cost of living indexes were sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces and include the grocery, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation and miscellaneous cost of living indexes. Using the cost of living indexes and the national average expenditure costs for retired residents, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey for retired residents, the average expenditure cost for each location can be calculated. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes for each location to help determine the quality of life. The average single family home value was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index for December 2024. Using the average single family home value, assuming a 10% down payment and using the most recent national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage can be calculated. Using the average mortgage and average expenditure costs, the average total monthly and annual cost of living can be calculated. The average Social Security Benefits for one person and for a married couple filing jointly was sourced from the Social Security Administration. Using the total cost of living and the average income from Social Security Benefits, the leftover savings can be calculated for each location. To qualify for this study, the Social Security benefits for a married couple filing jointly has to be higher than the total cost of living, as well as have a livability higher than 80, representing only the best places to live. All data was collected on and is up to date as of February 13th, 2025.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 15 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check
