8 Oregon Towns Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Can't decide between a seaside retirement in Florida or a sunny second home in Arizona? With its miles of coastline, sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge, breathtaking volcanoes, and southeastern desert landscapes, Oregon is an incredibly biodiverse state that appeals to all types of people — which could be one reason why more and more seniors are making it a key part of their retirement plan.

But Oregon has more to recommend it than its beautiful scenery and rich history. Several of its towns are appealingly affordable, making it a prime destination for seniors who are living largely off of Social Security benefits. Keep reading to learn about the eight best Oregon towns to retire to if you love the Pacific Northwest, but want to keep your budget intact while living on a fixed income.

Unless noted otherwise, all information on apartment rentals came from Apartments.com and all home pricing data came from Redfin. Numbers are based on data from April 2025 (Apartments.com) and February 2025 (Redfin).

Average rent: $1,187 per month

Median home price: $426,995

Oregon's capital is consistently more affordable than Portland, its most populous (and better-known) city. Like Portland, Salem is a foodie-friendly city with a thriving farm-to-table scene and plenty of wineries.

And like most other Oregon cities, Salem is a great spot for nature-lovers of all types — the Willamette River offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and canoeing while other spots make for great walking, hiking, and biking.

Average rent: $1,134 per month

Located just outside Eugene, the more affordable Springfield has a temperate climate and thriving community arts and culture scene.

At the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater, you can enjoy concerts in all genres, including homegrown jazz and chamber music. And at the Emerald Art Center, you can enjoy showcases of local works or sign up for art classes, including a monthly paint and sip night where you can build your artistic talent alongside other community members.

Average rent: $879 per month

Median home price: $325,000

Located in the much drier Eastern Oregon, Pendleton is a far cry from the coastal rainforests and broody oceanscapes people often associate with Oregon.

The yearly round-up (or rodeo) is a rambunctious community event with a 100-year history and a week of parades, fireworks, concerts, and rodeo events. The Pendleton Air Museum preserves the city's rich military history and connections to aerospace innovations.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Average rent: $1,203 per month

While Albany's energy and transportation costs are above the national average, its rental and food costs are well below the national average. With the money you save on food and housing, you can search for hidden treasures at the Albany Antique Mall, enjoy one of the Willamette Valley's many wineries, or take a weekend trip to Portland.

Average rent: $944 per month

Median home price: $425,000

Home to just over 17,600 people in 2023, Dallas is a small town with a historic main street. The city is surrounded by scenic vineyards where you can enjoy wine tastings and take in the quiet, pastoral views. If you're more of a history buff, the Polk County Historic Courthouse has been in continuous use since 1899. A guided tour will teach you everything you want to know about the region's unique history and the building's architecture.

Average rent: $573 per month

Median home price: $304,000

Located right along the Oregon-Idaho border, Ontario marks the intersection of four crucial rivers: the Payette, Malheur, Owyhee, and Snake. The fascinating geography of desert cliffs appeals to Oregon transplants who prefer warm climates to rainy shores — and if hiking isn't your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to golf.

Average rent: $1,800 per month*

Median home price: $350,000

Not to be confused with Dallas, The Dalles is a scenic city located right alongside the Columbia River. Here, residents can visit the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, where you can learn all about the region's unique geology and wildlife, all while taking advantage of the senior discount that drops admission prices down to $8 per person.

And the paved, six-mile Riverwalk Trail is the perfect way for active seniors to get outside without worrying about steep inclines or hazardous hiking conditions.

*Data from ZillowRentals. Numbers are based on data from April 2025.

Average rent: $681 per month

Median home price: $380,850

Life on the Pacific Coast can be excruciatingly expensive, but Florence is a brilliant exception. Along with being budget friendly, Florence is also extremely accessible. For instance, individuals who use wheelchairs can access Heceta Beach using a fixed-location track chair (available to reserve at no cost), and an elevator down to the biggest sea cave in North America will give you an up-close look at local sea lions.

Meeting with a trained financial planner can help you decide which of these cities fits your budget, while also allowing you to fulfil your retirement dreams.

So, don't be scared off by the Pacific Northwest's reputation as a high cost of living area. These budget-friendly Oregon towns allow retirees to maximize their senior benefits without spending more than they have to.