Retirement is supposed to be the reward at the end of a long working life. A time to breathe, explore, and enjoy. Yet for millions of Americans, the cost of simply existing in retirement is turning that dream into a financial tightrope walk. Housing prices have soared, healthcare keeps getting pricier, and a fixed income only stretches so far.
Roughly two thirds of retirees derive the majority of their income from Social Security, yet the average monthly benefit as of January 2025 was only around $1,976 per month, or roughly $23,700 annually. That is not a lot of room to maneuver, especially in expensive coastal cities. The good news? There are places where your retirement dollar goes dramatically further, without sacrificing quality of life. Let’s dive in.
1. Fort Wayne, Indiana – Midwest Value at Its Finest
Most people never put Fort Wayne on their radar when thinking about retirement. Honestly, that’s their loss. Fort Wayne, located in northeastern Indiana, has a low cost of living and affordable housing options, plus a variety of cultural attractions including museums, theaters, and festivals, as well as excellent healthcare options.
The median home listing price in Fort Wayne sits at roughly $170,000, which is well below the national average. The city’s cost of living falls about 18% below the U.S. norm, which impacts assisted living costs and may make it a practical option for those seeking long-term care on a budget…