ShashwatImagine getting to retire in a place away from home, where you can stretch your retirement income without having to sacrifice the quality of your life.
Well, the United States has a lot of lively and affordable places one could retire in easily.
Here, we have compiled a little list of the 6 most affordable places to retire in USA, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.
Let’s just dive right in and discover why these 6 destinations are not only budget-friendly but also perfect spots for your golden years!
Table of Contents
6 Most affordable places to retire in USA
Portland, Oregon ($2,750)
Portland, Oregon is known worldwide for its exciting neighborhoods, a thriving food scene and proximity to outdoor adventures including: hiking, skiing and biking.
While the city offers excellent healthcare facilities, cultural amenities as well as a progressive atmosphere – retirees must consider the higher expenses associated with living in a major metropolitan area.
The city’s temperate climate, cultural diversity and numerous parks, gardens and hiking trails provide retirees ample options for recreation, exploration and relaxing with the nature.
Cost of living:
Portland, OR has experienced a rise in its overall cost of living in recent years – particularly in terms of its housing costs.
While expenses such as grocery and transportation may be reasonable, the overall affordability of this place, being a metropolis, can vary depending on one’s lifestyle and housing preferences.
Here is a breakdown:
- Housing:
- The median home price for living in Portland starts from around $450,000 (Approx. ā¹3.75cr).
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Portland ranges anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800 (Approx. ā¹1lac to ā¹1.5lac) per month.
- Utilities:
- Cost of standard utilities one would definitely need while living in Portland would be around: $150 to $220 per month (Approx. ā¹12.5k to ā¹18.3k).
- Transportation:
- You can get a monthly transportation pass at $100 (Approx. ā¹8.3k) for travelling in and around Portland.
- Avg. gasoline price in Portland is approximately around: $3.400 (ā¹282) per gallon.
- Groceries & Dining:
- Avg. monthly cost of food (grocery + dining + miscellaneous) would be around: $700 (Approx. ā¹58.3k).
- TOTAL COST OF LIVING:
- The standard cost of living inclusive of all for a retiree in Portland would be around: $2,750 (Approx. ā¹2.29lac) per month.
Santa Fe, New Mexico ($2,140)
Santa Fe in New Mexico is another incredible place to live in USA and one of the most affordable places to retire in USA as well.
With the vibrant artistic culture, multicultural heritage and a unique, culturally rich ambiance, the city of Santa Fe has a higher cost of living, but still is pretty affordable when compared to other metropolis around the country.
One of the most interesting or attractive things about Santa Fe is how it blends the cultures of Native American, Hispanic as well as Anglo cultures – coupled with its stunning desert landscape and renowned art galleries.
Cost of living:
The cost of living in Santa Fe, NM can be relatively expensive – especially due to its housing costs – but what makes it affordable for retirees is that the expenses balance out in the form of healthcare and utilities.
Here is a breakdown:
- Housing:
- The median home price for living in Santa Fe starts from around $450,000 (Approx. ā¹3.75cr)
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Fe ranges from: $1,200 to $1,800 (Approx. ā¹1lac to ā¹1.5lac) per month.
- Utilities:
- Coming to the standard utilities one would need in an apartment for living, the range is from: $140 to $200 per month (Approx. ā¹11.7k to ā¹16.7k).
- Transportation:
- Avg. gasoline price in Santa Fe is approximately around: $3.600 (ā¹298) per gallon.
- Groceries & Dining:
- Avg. monthly cost for food (grocery + dining + miscellaneous) would be around: $650 (Approx. ā¹54.2k).
- TOTAL COST OF LIVING:
- The standard cost of living in Santa Fe inclusive of all essentials would be around: $2,140 (Approx. ā¹1.78lac) per month.
Sedona, Arizona ($2,050)
Next in line for being one among the most affordable places to retire in USA is this place called Sedona in Arizona.
Famous for its stunning rock formations, spiritual atmosphere and outdoor activities ranging from hiking to wellness retreats, Sedona is a very popular tourist destination and that makes it a very popular choice for many retirees from across the world to come here for their golden years of relaxation mixed with upbeat, touristy vibes.
Although, being touristy means this place is comparably at a higher cost of living, but people still consider it to be affordable when looking at the bigger picture.
It offers absolutely magnificent red rock formations, scenic vistas, numerous trails, art galleries and so much more – making it a highly desirable location for retirees.
Cost of living:
Coming to the cost of living, to be honest, Sedona tends to have a higher cost of living compared to the national averages, particularly in terms of housing costs.
However, what makes it get included on our list today is the other expenses such as utilities as well as transportation which are more reasonable.
Here is a breakdown:
- Housing:
- The median home price in Sedona is somewhere around the cost of: $500,000 (Approx. ā¹4.17cr).
- If you’d like to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in the city, you will find a range from: $1,200 to $2,000 per month (Approx. ā¹1lac to ā¹1.67lac).
- Utilities:
- Cost of utilities essential for living in a standard apartment in Sedona is around: $150 to $200 (Approx. ā¹12.5k to ā¹16.6k).
- Transportation:
- Avg. Gasoline price in Sedona, Arizona: $3.500 (ā¹290) per gallon.
- Groceries & Dining:
- Avg. monthly cost of food (grocery + dining + miscellaneous) would be around: $700 (Approx. ā¹58.3k).
- TOTAL COST OF LIVING:
- Standard cost of living in Sedona, Arizona would be starting from around: $2,050 (Approx. ā¹1.7lac) per month.
Savannah, Georgia ($1,720)
The kind-of famous one among the most affordable places to retire in US on our list today is Savannah, located in Georgia (USA).
Savannah is known for its rich history, a Southern charm and ambiance along with the well-preserved architecture which the place offers.
Savannah offers a mild climate, proximity to beaches and a vibrant arts scene which make it a pretty great destination to choose for your retirement plans.
This city generally offers a comparably lower cost of living than the national averages, including an affordable housing option as well as reasonable expenses for grocery, transport, etc.
Cost of living:
The cost of living in Savannah is generally lower than larger cities, making it more affordable and opted option for retirees.
Housing costs are very reasonable and the city’s slow pace lifestyle attracts many to come live and explore the rest of their lives in this Southern-esque, charming city in Georgia, USA.
Here is a breakdown:
- Housing:
- The median home price in Savannah, Georgia starts from the range of $225,000 (Approx. ā¹1.88cr).
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Savannah would cost you somewhere around: $900 to $1,200 per month (Approx. ā¹75k to ā¹1lac).
- Utilities:
- Coming to the standard utilities one would need in an apartment for living, the range is from $120 to $180 per month (Approx. ā¹10k to ā¹15k).
- Transportation:
- Avg. gasoline price in Savannah, Georgia is around $3.100 (ā¹257) per gallon.
- Groceries & Dining:
- Avg. monthly cost for food (grocery + dining + miscellaneous) would be around: $600 (Approx. ā¹50k).
- TOTAL COST OF LIVING:
- The standard cost of living inclusive of all in Savannah, Georgia would be around: $1720 (Approx. ā¹1.43lac) per month.
Asheville, North Carolina (ā¹1,600)
Another popular one amongst the most affordable places to retire in USA is none other than this incredible recreational spot filled with beautiful mountain landscapes called – ASHEVILLE.
With its vibrant arts scene and numerous recreational opportunities, this city in North Carolina is also known to be much more affordable than larger metropolitan areas around.
Along with the unmissable arts scene in the city as well as the plethora of outdoor ventures near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville also offers diverse culinary offerings, craft breweries and many colorful festivals – making it an attractive destination for retirees seeking an active lifestyle with moderate climate.
Cost of living:
The overall cost of living in Asheville is much more affordable when compared to other larger metropolitan cities across the nation.
The city also offers plenty of amenities, including healthcare facilities, cultural attractions, etc.
Here is a breakdown:
- Housing:
- The median home price in Asheville is somewhere around $300,000 (Approx. ā¹2.5cr).
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month (Approx. ā¹66.7k to ā¹1lac).
- Utilities:
- Cost of utilities essential for a standard apartment could cost around $150 to $200 per month (Approx. ā¹12.5k to ā¹16.6k).
- Transportation:
- Monthly ART (Asheville Rides Transit) Pass costs $20 (or ā¹1.67k).
- Avg. gasoline price in Asheville is around $3.280 (ā¹270) per gallon.
- Groceries & Dining:
- Avg. cost of food (groceries + dining + miscellaneous) would be around $600 per month (Approx. ā¹50k)
- TOTAL COST OF LIVING:
- Standard cost of living in Asheville, NC would be starting from somewhere around: $1600 (Approx. ā¹1.3lac) per month.
Foley, Alabama ($1,300)
Last, but not the least mention on our list is the most affordable place to retire in USA – Foley, Alabama.
Foley, Alabama has a more relaxed lifestyle and pace of living when compared to the other mentioned places across the nation.
It offers access to Gulf Coast beaches, golf courses and many fascinating outdoor activities to keep you moving.
Retirees get to enjoy a mild climate, southern hospitality as well as a wide range of amenities in the shape of healthcare, shopping centers and community events.
Cost of living:
The cost of living in Foley is generally lower compared to the other larger cities, due to the affordable housing options which the city offers.
With affordable housing, reasonable expenses for grocery, transport and healthcare, etc. Foley becomes one among the most affordable places or destinations to live in the USA post retirement.
Here is a breakdown:
- Housing:
- The median home price for living in Foley, Alabama starts from around $200,000 (Approx. ā¹1.67cr).
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Foley would range anywhere from around: $700 to $1,000 (Approx. ā¹58.3k to ā¹83.3k) per month.
- Utilities:
- Standard utilities needed for running a home post retirement would cost you around: $100 to $150 (Approx. ā¹8.3k to ā¹12.5k) per month.
- Transportation:
- Avg. price for gasoline in Foley is around: $2.800 (ā¹232) per gallon.
- Groceries & Dining:
- Avg. monthly cost of food (grocery + dining + miscellaneous) would be around: $500 (Approx. ā¹41.7k).
- TOTAL COST OF LIVING:
- The standard cost of living inclusive of all for a retiree in Portland would be around: $1,300 (Approx. ā¹1.08lac) per month.
Note: *All figures given on the blog post, provide a rough estimate of the monthly cost of living in each of the mentioned places, taking into account housing, utilities, transportation and food expenses. Actual costs might vary depending on individual lifestyle choices and other factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 6 affordable retirement-friendly destinations around the United States offer retirees the perfect opportunity to live comfortably without having to break their bank.
From scenic mountain towns to coastal retreats, each destination has its very own unique appeal, things to do and much more – making it easy to find the perfect place to enjoy your golden years.
So, go ahead and start planning your retirement adventure today!
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