Hailey
Living on Social Security alone might sound impossible in today’s economy, but a new study has shown that there are still a few U.S. cities where those monthly checks can cover most basic living costs.
The study examined how many days each month a retiree could pay for essentials like housing, food, healthcare, and utilities using only Social Security benefits.
In 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit is about $2,008.31 for individuals and $2,963.24 for married couples. Depending on where you live, that money can stretch surprisingly far—or run out within two weeks.
Why Location Matters
The study found that geography makes a big difference. In affordable cities, Social Security can cover most of a person’s expenses. In expensive cities, retirees might struggle to make it even halfway through the month.
The key factor is the cost of living—which includes home prices, property taxes, utilities, groceries, and healthcare. Smaller towns and rural communities often offer lower costs, which helps retirees make their benefits last longer.
Top 10 Cities for Homeowners
Here are the top 10 cities where Social Security goes the furthest for homeowners in 2025.
| Rank | City (State) | Days Social Security Covers | Average Monthly Homeowner Cost | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homestead, Pennsylvania | 27.38 days | $2,231 | Town of 2,900 people; lowest overall costs. |
| 2 | Decatur, Illinois | 26.34 days | $2,319 | Home values near $105,000; 21% of residents over 65. |
| 3 | Tarboro, North Carolina | 22.03 days | $2,773 | Small town with 28% seniors; affordable housing. |
| 4 | Parma, Ohio | 21.72 days | $2,812 | Cleveland suburb with moderate living costs. |
| 5 | Mountain Home, Arkansas | 20.91 days | $2,921 | 30% senior population; affordable lifestyle. |
| 6 | Avon Park, Florida | 20.44 days | $2,988 | Warm climate; 31% senior residents. |
| 7 | Superior, Wisconsin | 20.09 days | $3,041 | Port city on Lake Superior; stable home prices. |
| 8 | Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi | 19.73 days | $3,096 | Coastal town with relaxed lifestyle. |
| 9 | Georgetown, South Carolina | 19.71 days | $3,099 | Coastal living with moderate housing prices. |
| 10 | Beverly Hills, Florida | 19.65 days | $3,109 | Quiet retirement community; 31% seniors. |
In these cities, retirees can cover most of their monthly costs just with Social Security. However, even in the top-ranked city, the benefit does not cover every single day of the month.
Top 10 Cities for Renters
The list changes when looking at renters. Renters often face higher monthly expenses than homeowners, which reduces the number of days Social Security can cover.
| Rank | City (State) | Days Covered for Renters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mountain Home, Arkansas | 21.97 days |
| 2 | Decatur, Illinois | 21.59 days |
| 3 | Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia | 21.32 days |
| 4 | Laughlin, Nevada | 20.86 days |
| 5 | Parma, Ohio | 20.84 days |
| 6 | Windcrest, Texas | 20.69 days |
| 7 | Homestead, Pennsylvania | 20.54 days |
| 8 | Canfield, Ohio | 20.25 days |
| 9 | Canon City, Colorado | 20.08 days |
| 10 | Tarboro, North Carolina | 19.85 days |
Renters in these cities still do better than those in big metro areas, but housing costs eat up a larger portion of their benefits.
What This Means for Retirees
The study proves that location is one of the most important financial decisions for retirees. By choosing the right city, seniors can stretch their Social Security checks further and live more comfortably.
However, even in the most affordable cities, retirees usually need extra income or savings to bridge the gap. Some ways to do this include:
- Working part-time after retirement
- Using pension or investment income
- Downsizing to a smaller home
- Living in an area with lower property taxes
Smaller towns often have cheaper living costs but may also offer fewer amenities, limited healthcare options, and less entertainment. Weather conditions can also play a role—extreme heat or cold increases utility expenses.
Living comfortably on Social Security alone is difficult, but not impossible if you plan carefully. Cities like Homestead, Pennsylvania and Decatur, Illinois show that your retirement income can go much further in the right place.
The key is balancing affordability with your personal lifestyle needs. By planning early, choosing wisely, and maintaining some extra savings, you can enjoy a stable and worry-free retirement in 2025.