5 Places to Live Like a Rock Star Alone on Social Security

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Are you deciding where to spend your golden years? This important decision is often based on several factors: proximity to family, access to health care, lifestyle goals, and budget.

And let’s not underestimate the importance of that last one. Budgeting can override all other factors if one has not planned prudently for retirement. Unfortunately, not everyone was given adequate equipment to do this.

And this is where safety nets like Social Security can help. according to social Security AdministrationThe average Social Security payment in 2026 is $2,071 per month — a total of $24,852 annually.

While financial professionals (correctly) advocate that Social Security should be considered supplemental income rather than a primary source of income, there are some cities in the US where your Social Security check can actually take a heavy toll.

According to a recent report from GOBankingRates, here are five places where you can live like a rock star primarily on just your Social Security check.

Dillon, South Carolina

• Annual cost of living for one person: $25,200
• Average monthly rent: $847
• Median home price: $106,175

Bristol, Tennessee

• Annual cost of living for one person: $26,400
• Average monthly rent: $931
• Median home price: $228,258

Dothan, Alabama

• Annual cost of living for one person: $26,400
• Average monthly rent: $923
• Median home price: $199,443

Hickory, North Carolina

• Annual cost of living for one person: $28,400
• Average monthly rent: $1,168
• Median home price: $285,672

Fargo, North Dakota

• Annual cost of living for one person: $30,000
• Average monthly rent: $924
• Median home price: $310,206

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