Learn about U.S. locations where Social Security income may stretch further because of relatively lower living expenses. This guide explores housing, everyday expenses, healthcare access, taxes, and community factors to consider when researching retirement destinations. Individual budgets vary, so local costs and personal circumstances remain important.
Choosing where to live during retirement can become especially important when Social Security is the primary source of income. Housing, healthcare, transportation, food, utilities, and taxes can vary considerably between U.S. locations. Recent research has identified several cities and states where Social Security benefits cover a relatively larger share of typical retirement spending. This guide looks at McAllen, Texas, El Paso, Texas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wichita, Kansas, and Little Rock, Arkansas, while explaining the factors that make lower cost locations worth researching. The examples are intended for informational purposes, since individual Social Security benefits, housing choices, healthcare needs, and household expenses can differ significantly.
For retirees relying primarily on Social Security, choosing a location with manageable everyday expenses can be an important part of retirement planning. The Social Security Administration estimates that the average monthly retirement benefit for all retired workers in January 2026 is $2,071. However, individual benefits vary according to a person's earnings and work history.
Recent research from Kiplinger identified several metropolitan areas where average Social Security income covers a relatively large share of typical retirement spending. This makes those locations useful starting points for further research, rather than universal recommendations.
The cost of housing and everyday necessities can have a significant effect on how far retirement income goes. A location with lower housing expenses may leave more of a fixed retirement income available for healthcare, groceries, transportation, and other needs.
Factors to examine include:
McAllen is located in South Texas near the Mexican border and has been identified in recent research as one of the metropolitan areas where Social Security covers a comparatively large portion of average retirement spending. Kiplinger reported that Social Security covered about 34.6% of average retirement spending in its analysis.
People researching McAllen can consider:
El Paso is another Texas location highlighted in recent retirement affordability research. Its lower overall living costs compared with many major U.S. metropolitan areas can be relevant for retirees managing a fixed income. Kiplinger reported that Social Security covered about 32.9% of average retirement spending in its analysis.
Researching El Paso may involve looking at:
Tulsa has also appeared in research examining how much retirement spending Social Security can cover. Kiplinger reported that Social Security covered about 32.3% of average retirement spending in its analysis.
Potential factors to research include:
Wichita is another location included in affordability research. The city combines a metropolitan environment with generally lower living expenses than many of the country's largest urban areas.
When researching Wichita, consider:
Little Rock is Arkansas's capital and has also been identified in retirement spending research as a location where Social Security can cover a comparatively large share of typical expenses. Kiplinger reported approximately 32.3% coverage in its analysis.
Retirees researching Little Rock can examine:
A city that appears affordable in a national comparison may not have the same financial impact for every household. Personal housing arrangements, healthcare requirements, transportation needs, and Social Security benefits can substantially change an individual's budget.
Before choosing a location, consider:
McAllen, El Paso, Tulsa, Wichita, and Little Rock are examples of U.S. locations highlighted by recent research into how Social Security income compares with typical retirement spending. These locations should be treated as starting points for research rather than a universal list of the best places to live. Comparing actual housing, healthcare, transportation, taxes, and everyday expenses against your personal Social Security benefit can provide a more useful picture of retirement affordability.