Want to retire cheap with $2500 per month? These 15 US cities make it possible with Social Security

Best cheap places to cities in the US 2026: If you’re planning retirement and trying to stretch your income, choosing the right city can make a big difference.

Cheap Retirement Cities in the US With Low Living Costs

With the average Social Security payment at $2,071, adding about $2,500 a month from other sources, like a pension, savings, or an annuity, could be enough to live comfortably in certain affordable parts of the US.

Here are 15 cities where that kind of budget can go a long way, as per a GOBankingRates report.

Fargo, North Dakota

In Fargo, a single person needs about $30,000 a year to live, with average rent around $924 and home prices near $310,206.

Casper, Wyoming

Casper requires about $32,000 annually for a single person, with rent averaging $1,003 and homes around $300,839.

Hickory, North Carolina

In Hickory, the cost of living for a single person is about $28,400 a year, with rent at $1,168 and home prices around $285,672.

El Paso, Texas

El Paso stands out with lower costs, requiring about $36,000 annually for a single person, with rent averaging $966 and homes at $229,250.

Midland, Texas

Midland has higher income needs at $45,200 per year for a single person, with rent around $1,276 and home prices near $322,469.

Dillon, South Carolina

For one of the most affordable options, Dillon requires about $25,200 annually for a single person, with rent at $847 and home prices around $106,175.

Athens, Georgia

In Athens, a single person needs about $36,400 a year, with rent at $1,171 and homes averaging $327,332.

Dothan, Alabama

Dothan requires about $26,400 annually for a single person, with rent at $923 and home prices near $199,443.

Lynchburg, Virginia

In Lynchburg, living costs for a single person are about $37,600 per year, with rent around $1,007 and homes at $255,632.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque requires about $40,000 annually for a single person, with rent at $1,157 and home prices around $335,186.

Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville comes in at about $45,200 per year for a single person, with rent averaging $1,294 and homes at $278,274.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

In Las Cruces, a single person needs about $34,000 annually, with rent around $988 and home prices near $285,037.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles requires about $33,600 annually for a single person, with rent at $960 and home prices around $197,799.

Bristol, Tennessee

Bristol needs about $26,400 a year for a single person, with rent at $931 and homes around $228,258.

Charleston, West Virginia

Finally, Charleston requires about $30,800 annually for a single person, with rent averaging $1,018 and home prices near $285,037.

For retirees looking to make their money last, these cities show that living on around $2,500 a month, alongside Social Security, is possible with the right location.

FAQs

What is the average Social Security payment?
The average monthly payment is about $2,071.

Which city is the cheapest on the list?
Dillon, South Carolina has one of the lowest annual living costs and home prices.