Affordable places to live
- Peter Vas
- May 29
- 4 min read
As I was gathering information about a few good places to retire, I came across a few websites that have researched the topic. There's never going to be a one size fits all. It is great to have choices though! I'll give a meta list of the top 12 from these websites. But first, check out these fantastic reference websites!
These 20 Small Towns in America Are Retirement Paradise You’ll Never Want to Leave
Early Retirement Cities: 21 Great Places Near the Mountains to Retire
Affordable Golden Age Living: Top 32 Bargain Destinations for Seniors
Thinking International?
Thrifty Retirement Spots: Astonishingly Affordable Options for Senior Bliss
Here's our AI engine that thinks these are the top dozen places you should consider: Top 12 Retirement Destinations from Major 2025 Rankings
Compiled from 9 major retirement destination studies and rankings
Based on analysis of the top retirement destination lists from major publications including U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, Investopedia, and specialized retirement guides, these 12 locations consistently rank highest for retirement affordability, quality of life, and overall appeal:
1. Orlando, Florida
Why It's #1: Orlando, FL, is the best place to retire, living up to its reputation as a haven for seniors. One big reason for this is the lack of taxes, as Orlando is one of the most tax-friendly cities, and Florida does not have an estate or inheritance tax (or even income tax).
Key Benefits:
No state income tax
No estate or inheritance tax
Warm weather year-round
World-class healthcare facilities
Entertainment and cultural amenities
Large retiree community
2. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Why It Ranks High: Grand Rapids' cost of living is 3% lower than the national average with a median home price of $267,304. U.S. News ranked it as one of the best places to retire, citing reasonable costs, flourishing arts scene, and quality healthcare.
Key Benefits:
Below-average cost of living
Four-season activities
Vibrant arts and culture scene
Great healthcare
Lake Michigan proximity
3. Omaha, Nebraska
Why It's Popular: Omaha's cost of living is 7% lower than the national average and Nebraska's tax climate is highly favorable for retirees, with no state income tax on Social Security benefits.
Key Benefits:
7% below-average living costs
No tax on Social Security benefits
Cultural attractions (Henry Doorly Zoo, Durham Museum)
Missouri River recreation
Low property taxes
4. Richmond, Virginia
Why It Appeals: Richmond's cost of living is about 4.61% lower than the national average with a median home value of $335,618. Virginia's tax climate is favorable for retirees, with no state tax on Social Security benefits.
Key Benefits:
Below-average cost of living
Rich historical heritage
James River recreation
2 hours from Washington D.C.
No tax on Social Security
5. Columbia, South Carolina
Why It Works: Columbia's cost of living is 8% lower than the national average with housing costs 26% cheaper than the national average, median home price under $300,000.
Key Benefits:
Significantly lower housing costs
2 hours from Myrtle Beach
Vibrant cultural scene
Mild climate
Access to Charleston and Greenville
6. Savannah, Georgia
Why It's Attractive: Savannah's cost of living is 8% lower than the national average with a median home price of $307,925. Historic charm with modern amenities.
Key Benefits:
Historic Southern charm
18 miles from Tybee Island beaches
Lower home insurance costs than Florida
Outdoor recreation at Skidaway Island
Excellent medical facilities
7. La Crosse, Wisconsin
Why It's Underrated: The cost of living in La Crosse is 8% less than the national average with a median home price around $200,000, well below national average.
Key Benefits:
Very affordable housing
Four seasons of activities
Mississippi River recreation
Cultural festivals year-round
Scenic Wisconsin Great River Road
8. Kannapolis, North Carolina
Why It's a Hidden Gem: The cost of living in Kannapolis is 10% lower than the national average with median home price around $250,000.
Key Benefits:
10% below-average living costs
30 minutes from Charlotte
NASCAR heritage and attractions
Mild climate
Close-knit community feel
9. Decatur, Alabama
Why It's Affordable: Cost of living for retirees: 11.0% below U.S. average and While the median home value is $176,700 for the nation as a whole, it's just $122,500 in Alabama and $120,400 in Decatur.
Key Benefits:
Extremely affordable housing
11% below-average living costs
Southern hospitality
Mild climate
Low property taxes
10. Danville, Virginia
Why It's Budget-Friendly: By moving to Danville, Virginia, upon retirement, you'll be able to keep your cost of living on the lower end of the spectrum. According to Investopedia, a house of two adults should expect to spend around $776 on housing, $1,058 on transportation, $586 on food, and $556 on taxes each month.
Key Benefits:
Very low monthly expenses
Affordable housing at $776/month
Small-town atmosphere
Mountain proximity
Low overall living costs
11. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why It's Appealing: The list includes charming small towns like Sleepy Hollow, NY and lively cities like Albuquerque, New Mexico—so there's something for every retirement vision. Featured in multiple "best of" lists.
Key Benefits:
Southwestern charm
Year-round outdoor activities
Cultural diversity
Mountain and desert recreation
Affordable housing relative to amenities
12. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Why It's Unique: The list includes charming small towns like Sleepy Hollow, NY and lively cities like Albuquerque, New Mexico—so there's something for every retirement vision
Key Benefits:
Historic Hudson Valley location
Close to New York City amenities
Four-season beauty
Rich cultural heritage
Small-town charm with urban access
Key Trends from the Rankings
Geographic Distribution: "What we found this year is retirees seek a destination that will not only stretch their dollar, but is also a place for enjoyment. This is why the Midwest and South dominate the top 25."
What Makes These Places Special:
Affordability: Most offer living costs 3-11% below national average
Tax Benefits: Many have no state income tax or don't tax Social Security
Healthcare: All feature access to quality medical facilities
Recreation: Mix of outdoor activities and cultural amenities
Community: Strong sense of community and retiree-friendly environments
Regional Strengths:
Southeast: No state income tax (FL), mild climate, low housing costs
Midwest: Extremely affordable, four seasons, cultural amenities
Mountain West: Outdoor recreation, lower costs, scenic beauty
These destinations represent the cream of the crop from major 2025 retirement rankings, offering the perfect balance of affordability, amenities, and quality of life that today's retirees are seeking.
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