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How Far the Average Social Security Check Goes in the 12 Largest Midwest Cities



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Many Americans spend their retirement in the Midwest so they may enjoy a slower pace of life and stretch their savings thanks to lower overall costs. Compared to larger metros on the coasts, a typical Social Security check has a bit more staying power for Midwest retirees.
GOBankingRates determined how far a Social Security check goes in 50 of the largest U.S. cities by analyzing data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, the Zillow Home Value Index, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey and Federal Reserve Economic Data. We pulled the 12 largest Midwest cities for this list.
This is how far the average Social Security check stretches in 12 major Midwest cities.
Chicago
- Population: 2,721,914
- Annual cost of living: $43,905
- % of households receiving Social Security: 22.8%
- Average Social Security benefit: $18,874
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $21,451
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $10,526
Columbus, Ohio
- Population: 902,449
- Annual cost of living: $38,586
- % of households receiving Social Security: 19.5%
- Average Social Security benefit: $19,389
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $16,133
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $5,208
Indianapolis
- Population: 882,006
- Annual cost of living: $36,673
- % of households receiving Social Security: 25.2%
- Average Social Security benefit: $22,021
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $14,220
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $3,295
Detroit
- Population: 636,787
- Annual cost of living: $28,997
- % of households receiving Social Security: 33.2%
- Average Social Security benefit: $18,286
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $6,544
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: ($4,381)
Milwaukee
- Population: 573,299
- Annual cost of living: $35,673
- % of households receiving Social Security: 24.8%
- Average Social Security benefit: $19,440
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $13,220
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $2,295
Kansas City, Missouri
- Population: 505,958
- Annual cost of living: $37,751
- % of households receiving Social Security: 25.7%
- Average Social Security benefit: $20,923
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $15,298
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $4,373
Minneapolis
- Population: 426,877
- Annual cost of living: $43,835
- % of households receiving Social Security: 18.3%
- Average Social Security benefit: $21,403
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $21,382
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $10,457
Wichita, Kansas
- Population: 395,951
- Annual cost of living: $35,079
- % of households receiving Social Security: 29.4%
- Average Social Security benefit: $23,186
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $12,626
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $1,701
Cleveland
- Population: 370,365
- Annual cost of living: $27,545
- % of households receiving Social Security: 28.6%
- Average Social Security benefit: $16,426
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $5,092
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: ($5,833)
Cincinnati
- Population: 308,870
- Annual cost of living: $37,460
- % of households receiving Social Security: 23.0%
- Average Social Security benefit: $18,917
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $15,007
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $4,082
St. Paul, Minnesota
- Population: 308,806
- Annual cost of living: $40,834
- % of households receiving Social Security: 23.7%
- Average Social Security benefit: $21,390
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $18,381
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: $7,456
St. Louis
- Population: 298,018
- Annual cost of living: $33,022
- % of households receiving Social Security: 25.9%
- Average Social Security benefit: $18,971
- Cost of living for single person after Social Security: $10,569
- Cost of living for married couple after Social Security: ($356)
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed the 100 most populated cities, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, and found the total population, total households, population ages 65 and over, household median income, number of households receiving Social Security benefits, household retirement income, average Social Security benefits for households who receive Social Security benefits — all sourced from the American Community Survey. GOBankingRates also found the cost-of-living indexes as sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces, the livability index as sourced from AreaVibes and the average single-family home value as sourced from Zillow Home Value Index. Using the cost-of-living indexes and the national average expenditure costs, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure costs were calculated. Using the average home value, assuming a 10% down payment, and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage cost was calculated. The total cost of living was then calculated. The average Social Security income was sourced from the Social Security Administration’s August 2024 monthly snapshot. The total cost of living after Social Security benefits was then calculated. All data was collected on and is up to date as of Sept. 20, 2024.
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