8 Small Towns Where Your Social Security Check Covers 80% of Living Costs

For many Americans, retiring solely on Social Security benefits is a reality. If this is your plan, you need to be prepared to budget carefully to make your income stretch as far as possible.

As of 2025, the average Social Security benefit is around $1,860.64 a month for individuals. For larger cities, this income may not cover necessities, but there are many small towns where it's possible to live a comfortable lifestyle.

Consider the following eight small towns where you can maximize your retirement savings, and your Social Security benefits may cover up to 80% of your monthly bills.

Editor's note: All rent prices were pulled from Apartments.com, and all home prices from Zillow.

Average rent: $805

Median home price: $175,246

Wichita Falls is considered one of the top cities in the Wichita area for retirees. The cost of living is around 24% lower than the national average, meaning you'll pay less for groceries, housing, and health care than you would in other areas.

As for things to do, the Kemp Center for the Arts hosts a variety of events throughout the year, all of which are free to the public.

Average rent: $858

Median home price: $203,862

Tupelo lies approximately 85 miles southeast of Memphis. It's best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, which contributes to the lively cultural and musical atmosphere.

At $858 a month, the average rent in Tupelo is approximately 50% lower than the average rent of $1,637 across the United States. You can also fill your grocery cart at a cost that's about 25% less.

Average rent: $852

Median home price: $262,087

Located in the Ozark Mountains, Branson offers a variety of things for retirees to see and do, including museums, theaters, and Table Rock State Park for hiking and fishing. The city is also pedestrian-friendly for those who are unable or prefer not to drive.

Aside from low rent prices, the city also has a low cost of living. Groceries cost around 5% less than the national average, and utilities are approximately 17% less.

Average rent: $700

Median home price: $149,348

Raton, New Mexico, has a population of close to 6,000. Cool temperatures, fresh, clean air, and friendly people are some of the reasons the town is ideal for retirees.

The average family can live comfortably for around $25,500 a year, with the cost of groceries, housing, and health care 23% less than the national average.

Average rent: $784

Median home price: $251,845

The population in Winona is about 26,000, with close to 19% aged 65 and older. To live comfortably, a single person can live on approximately $24,800 annually, due to the affordable cost of health care and groceries. Summer temperatures are mild with average highs around 84.

U.S. Highway 61 winds its way through Winona and is noted as one of the most scenic drives in America, with its varied landscapes and views of the Mississippi River.

Average rent: $718

Median home price: $66,485

Located along the Mahoning River approximately 65 miles southeast of Cleveland, Youngstown has a cost of living that's 8% lower than the national average. With low rent costs and affordable groceries and utilities, the town is ideal for budget-conscious retirees.

Youngstown has a small-town feel with big city amenities, offering plenty of things to see and do, including museums, an amphitheater, and free public transportation.

Average rent: $617

Median home price: $138,866

Known as the Autumn Leaf Capital, Clarion is a small town of just over 4,500. There are plenty of restaurants downtown, and eating out is relatively affordable. Groceries, transportation, and health care also cost about 25% less than the U.S. average, so your Social Security benefits go further.

Retirees can take advantage of several no-cost events, including the annual Clarion County Fair and free breakfast events at the Clarion County Senior Center.

Average rent: $840

Median home price: $189,208

If you prefer the warmer temperatures of the south, Dublin, Georgia, is worth considering. Located between Savannah and Atlanta in the center of the state, Dublin has plenty of golf courses, a downtown farmers market, and an annual pig roast.

The cost of living is 24% lower than the national average, and with rent around $840 a month, Dublin is an affordable option for retirees.

Each of these small towns offers a low cost of living that makes it possible to live comfortably using just 80% of your Social Security benefits. This way, you can keep more cash in your wallet for hobbies, interests, and travel.

Some of these states, such as Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, don't tax Social Security benefits, further boosting your retirement income.