Only 10 States Let Retirees Live on Social Security

Many Americans face retirement shortfalls: the Social Security Administration reported an average retiree benefit of about $2,008 per month (Aug 2025) while the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated average annual expenses at $77,280 in 2023, and surveys show large shares of workers and retirees feel behind. Realtor.com found only 10 U.S. states where a retiree can live comfortably on Social Security alone and highlighted Delaware—with a median benefit of $2,139, below‑average living costs and favorable taxes—as particularly affordable. GOBankingRates’ 2025 analysis found a typical married couple’s Social Security ($2,961/month) can cover comfortable retirement costs in several low‑cost states, naming West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma among the cheapest and noting 14 states where couples can retire on Social Security for under $10,000 annually. Other affordable domestic options include Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Mississippi, where housing, taxes and transportation tend to be lower. For many retirees, moving abroad remains an alternative to stretch limited incomes, with places such as Mérida (Mexico), Manta (Ecuador) and countries like Portugal, Greece and Spain offering lower monthly costs, accessible healthcare and established expat communities.