10 Cities Where It Is Easier To Live on Social Security in 2024

Retirement should be enjoyable, not stressful. This is especially the case when it comes to your finances. Social Security benefits are a lifeline for tens of millions of Americans once they reach age 62.

In 2024, the average monthly Social Security benefit is $1,907. That’s up from $1,848 in 2023.

If you’re looking to ensure that your retirement benefits go further once you enter your golden years, there are ten cities that you might want to consider.

Despite its nickname “Taxachusetts”, Massachusetts isn’t even close to being the worst state for retirees when it comes to taxes. In fact, it beats out 22 of them. For starters, MA doesn’t tax Social Security benefits — and its 6.25% sales tax rate is lower than in the majority of states. However, its property tax rates are among the highest.

• Population: 587,411
• Share of population 65+: 17.7%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $945
• Median monthly rent: $1,019

• Population: 426,967
• Share of population 65+: 17.1%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $972
• Median monthly rent: $985

• Population: 550,480
• Share of population 65+: 18%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,000
• Median monthly rent: $1,114

• Population: 566,743
• Share of population 65+: 19.7%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $783
• Median monthly rent: $834

• Population: 857,997
• Share of population 65+: 18%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,038
• Median monthly rent: $1,141

• Population: 20,968,258
• Share of population 65+: 15.9%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,762
• Median monthly rent: $1,574

• Population: 454,605
• Share of population 65+: 17.5%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $965
• Median monthly rent: $1,025

• Population: 662,671
• Share of population 65+: 25.4%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $886
• Median monthly rent: $1,181

• Population: 542,459
• Share of population 65+: 21.2%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $653
• Median monthly rent: $706

• Population: 2,366,544
• Share of population 65+: 20%
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $870
• Median monthly rent: $892