Not everyone’s a beach person. So, we’ve found 14 terrific cities in the Appalachian region that you should consider making your new retirement home before word spreads that you can live among scenic mountains and other vast natural landscapes for $2,000 a month or less. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) reports that Appalachia spans 423 counties spread over 13 states and over 200,000 miles of land. The region has historically experienced slower economic growth than much of the remainder of the country, which has kept the cost of living in the area lower than what you’ll find in much of the U.S. So, seniors in the area can find plenty of opportunities to cut costs as they take in the region’s immense natural beauty.
For example, AreaVibes approximates that the overall cost of living in West Virginia — the only state the ARC reports is entirely part of Appalachia — is 15% below the national average, with housing costs a whopping 38% below the country’s average. Our list will give you each city’s cost of living, with specific assessments of local housing costs — which make up the greatest share of the typical person’s monthly budget — as well as how expenses such as food, energy, and transportation could factor into a retiree’s monthly spending. All cost-of-living estimates are current as of June 2026, unless otherwise specified.
Somerset, Kentucky
Located on the scenic Lake Cumberland, Somerset, Kentucky, is an affordable destination for boaters and seniors alike. AreaVibes reports that Somerset has a cost of living that’s 14% less than the national average, and LivingCost.org estimates that the town only requires about $1,365 per month to get by. Essentially every major living expense is cheaper in Somerset than most other places throughout the country: Area housing costs are a full 36% lower than the U.S. average, and both utilities and groceries fall around 4% lower, per AreaVibes.
LivingCost.org reports you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in a central location for only $600, while utility bills come out to around $82.80 if you’re powering a space designed for one person. If you’re a house hunter, you’ll be glad to hear that Zillow’s estimated median sale price of a home in Somerset was just $278,667 as of June 2026. In contrast, at the end of the same month, Zillow listed the national median sale price at $381,333…