Where can I retire comfortably on Social Security?

Asked by: Vicenta Weimann PhD  |  Last update: December 4, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (49 votes)

10 Best States To Live on Just Social Security Alone
  • Louisiana. 2022 Average Rent: $1,020. ...
  • Wyoming. 2022 Average Rent: $1,038. ...
  • Montana. 2022 Average Rent: $1,033. ...
  • Oklahoma. 2022 Average Rent: $1,052. ...
  • North Dakota. 2022 Average Rent: $871. ...
  • Missouri. 2022 Average Rent: $1,014. ...
  • Iowa. 2022 Average Rent: $937. ...
  • South Dakota.

Where can I retire on $2 500 a month?

Edinburg, Texas

1 spot as the best city to retire on a monthly budget of $2,500 or less by offering the most budget-friendly expenditures compared to the rest of the U.S. and the top livability score among these 13 cities.

Could you live comfortably on Social Security benefits only?

Living off Social Security alone will be more comfortable if you have fewer expenses. Whether you are still working or already retired, make eliminating debt a priority. Likewise, don't be tempted to try to bridge any gaps in your retirement budget by using debt.

What is the number one best state to retire in?

Move over, Florida, a new locale ranks as the best state to retire in. Although in 2022 the Sunshine State was named the No. 1 state to retire in, Virginia has taken the top spot this year, according to personal finance website WalletHub's “2023′s Best States to Retire” study.

Where is the best place to retire if you have money?

Iowa. This state topped the list from MoneyRates, tied with West Virginia, scoring points for nursing care capacity, a strong economy, and a low crime rate. Social security benefits are not taxed by the state, and beginning in 2023, retirement income is exempt for taxpayers over age 55.

7 Tips for Living Comfortably on Social Security Alone

16 related questions found

What city is best for low income seniors?

Best Cities to Retire in With Just Your Social Security Income
  • Harlingen.
  • San Antonio.
  • Jacksonville.
  • Cape Coral, Florida.
  • Sioux Falls.
  • Pittsburgh.
  • Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • La Crosse, Wisconsin.

What is the best state to live in on a fixed income?

Best state to retire on a fixed income

For tax reasons, Delaware is a good choice. There's no sales tax, no death taxes, and property taxes are also very low. This means retirees will have more disposable income in their golden years, paying zero state or local sales tax on their in-state purchases.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

What is the best state to live in financially?

North Dakota takes the cake as the best state in the U.S. to save money in. With the third lowest debt-to-income ratio in the country for Q3 2022—and the second lowest percentage of income spent on housing costs and rent—North Dakotans are able to keep more money in their pockets.

What are the best states to retire in no taxes?

Fortunately, there are some states that don't charge taxes on retirement income of any kind: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

The Five-Year Rule is important to consider when saving for retirement. If you anticipate needing Social Security in the future, you must have five years of covered earnings to maximize the amount of money you receive.

What is the average Social Security check?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 as of February.

Can I retire on $3000 a month?

If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible. However, if you have a high living cost or rely solely on Social Security benefits, retiring on $3,000 a month may be more difficult.

Is $1,500 a month enough to retire on?

That means that many will need to rely on Social Security payments—which, in 2021, averages $1,544 a month. That's not a lot, but don't worry. There are plenty of places in the United States—and abroad—where you can live comfortably on $1,500 a month or less.

Where can I live in $1 500 a month in the US?

Best Cities to Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month
  • Grand Forks, N.D.
  • Lynchburg, Va. ...
  • Lawton, Okla. ...
  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ...
  • Lorain, Ohio. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,442. ...
  • Lubbock, Texas. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,456. ...
  • Davenport, Iowa. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,472. ...
  • Casper, Wyo. Total Monthly Expenditures: $1,473. ...

What is the cheapest way to retire?

Try these frugal living tips when managing a small budget during retirement:
  • Pay attention to spending.
  • Keep an emergency fund.
  • Plan meals.
  • Live in a low-cost area.
  • Buy and sell secondhand.
  • Travel on the cheap.
  • Take preventive steps.

What state has to lowest cost of living?

The cheapest states to live in are Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in in the US, with a cost of living index of 85. The second cheapest state to live in is Oklahoma, with a cost of living index of 85.8.

What state is the cheapest to make a living?

Let's take a tour of the 13 cheapest states to live in.
  1. 13 Cheapest States to Live in for 2023. Here they are, folks: ...
  2. Mississippi. Mississippi is the cheapest place to live in the United States, with a cost of living 15.6% lower than the national average. ...
  3. Oklahoma. Let's head west! ...
  4. Kansas. ...
  5. Alabama. ...
  6. Georgia. ...
  7. Ohio. ...
  8. Iowa.

What state is the safest and cheapest to live in?

America's Safest (and Most Affordable) Places to Live
  • Topeka, Kansas. Metro area: Topeka. ...
  • Madison, Wisconsin. Metro area: Madison. ...
  • Jackson, Mississippi. Metro area: Jackson. ...
  • Plano, Texas. Metro area: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington. ...
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan. ...
  • Naples, Florida. ...
  • Overland Park, Kansas. ...
  • Amarillo, Texas.

Does money in the bank affect Social Security retirement benefits?

Social Security does not count pension payments, annuities, or the interest or dividends from your savings and investments as earnings. They do not lower your Social Security retirement benefits.

What is the secret Social Security bonus?

As Long as Possible, Wait

Your Social Security benefits will be permanently reduced by up to 30% if you claim "early," at age 62. However, waiting until 70 years old has the opposite effect. Your monthly benefits will receive an additional 8% "bonus" for each year you delay claiming benefits past full retirement age.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

What states are retirees happiest?

Americans value quality of life, affordable housing, high-quality and affordable healthcare, safety, and low taxes when it comes to choosing a place to retire. The top five states to retire to in 2023 are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Kentucky, and Rhode Island.

Where is the best place to retire in the United States?

Here's an overview of the top five cities for retirees:
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
  • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  • Pensacola, Florida.
  • Tampa, Florida.
  • York, Pennsylvania.

What is the best state to make lot of money?

Table of Contents
  • Best States to Make a Living.
  • Illinois.
  • Washington.
  • Texas.
  • Virginia.
  • Delaware.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Georgia.