I Asked Grok Where To Retire on $2,000 a Month: Here’s What It Said

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For many, retirement is the dream. Most middle-class Americans plan to spend their retirement years traveling, volunteering and spending time with friends and family. Some even plan on working through their retirements to stay active and connected.

Retirement, however, takes some planning, as you may have to work off of a fixed income or a tighter budget. GOBankingRates asked Grok where to retire on $2,000 a month, and it gave a mix of options in the U.S. and abroad for those looking for a place to settle after their career concludes.

Where the Money Will Go

Before we dive into where you can retire on $2,000, Grok broke down monthly costs to show where the money will actually go. You can expect to spend about 50% on housing, 20% on food and utilities, 15% on healthcare and the rest for miscellaneous needs, wants and activities.

Here’s what that looks like in real numbers:

• Housing: $1,000
• Utilities/Food: $400
• Healthcare: $300
• Miscellaneous: $300 

Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee topped Grok’s list of places you can retire in the U.S. for $2,000 a month. Rent will cost you around $995, or you can buy a home and have a mortgage that Grok estimates at $1,248. Grok cited the city’s high livability score, which according to Area Vibes is an 85 — better than 98% of the country.  

San Antonio

Grok cites San Antonio’s warm weather, cultural sights and low grocery costs as reasons why you could retire here on $2,000 per month. I asked Grok to tell me more about why San Antonio is a good place to retire with this budget, and it added that the cost of living is between 8% and 12% lower than the national average. Because Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, you’ll be able to preserve more of your retirement income like Social Security and any money from a part-time job if you have one.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Another Texas town, Corpus Christi has mild winters. Grok estimates the monthly cost of living for a single retiree to be between $1,300 and $1,600. This leaves some wiggle room for activities or savings. With a relaxed vibe, cultural attractions, beaches and an abundance of senior centers, you’ll find plenty to do. 

Cincinnati

If you’re looking to stay in a more northern state, Grok also recommended Cincinnati. The city has four seasons, so you can enjoy the fresh spring, hot summer, Midwest autumn and chilly winter that Ohio has to offer. This city will be a bit of a push for a $2,000 income, and Grok says living expenses will be between $1,600 and $1,900. It may be a better option if you plan to supplement your income with a part-time job or keep your extra expenses low.

Malaysia

For those retirees who want a little more adventure, Grok chose this option abroad, citing a monthly cost of living in the Asian nation between $800 and $1,200 with $750 in rent getting you an ocean-view apartment. Cities like Penang, Kuala Lumpur or Malacca have a cost of living between 40% and 50% of the cost of living in U.S. cities. English is spoken widely, and according to Grok, Malaysia doesn’t tax foreign-sourced income like Social Security.

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