According to a 2024 survey by Bankrate, 77% of retirees depend on Social Security benefits for essential expenses. If you fall under this category, think twice about retiring in Fremont, California. The city sits on the sunny southeast edge of the Bay Area, just a quick hop from Silicon Valley. The coffee shops, and hiking trails snake through the rolling hills, perfect for retirees who want to keep moving, not just sit on the porch. But life here isn’t cheap.
Monthly bills can climb beyond $4,000, more than twice the typical $1,976 Social Security check. No wonder Fremont ranks among the priciest cities for retirees in America. If you’re not working, you’ll need serious savings or potentially pick up an online side gig just to keep pace.
Rent in Fremont will make your jaw drop — it’s about 163% higher than the U.S. average for a one-bedroom. And if you’re a senior, expect to shell out roughly 22% more on health insurance and prescriptions compared to most of the country. Grocery prices are higher here, the power bills too, and even a quick ride across town isn’t cheap. Put all those everyday costs together and they sit miles above what you’d shell out in, say, Phoenix. Yet, Fremont still has its allure; fragrant food from every corner of the globe, top‑tier care at Washington Hospital, and trails that pull you outside year‑round. But you’ll need a wallet that can run the marathon.
The Cost Of Living In Fremont
A single retiree in Fremont needs about $3,187 a month just to cover basics. If you have a spouse and grandkids visiting, that jumps to around $7,466. Rent in Fremont will run you about $2,763 a month. Groceries can range from as little as $300 to as much as $2,400, depending on what — and how much — you buy. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet will chew up another $120 to $400 each month. Healthcare here isn’t cheap either. Premium visits, prescriptions, and co-pays add up to roughly 22% more than what most Americans pay. And getting around? Between gas, auto insurance, and public transit, expect costs about 38% above the national norm…