12 Most Affordable U.S. Cities Where You’ll Really Want to Retire

March 10, 2021 · Retirement Life

A rainy and expensive street scene in Seattle. — Pedestrians walk past coffee shops on a rainy Seattle street where high costs can dampen retirement plans.

Don’t retire in Seattle

If you don’t care about the rain, the Pacific Northwest region can be considered impressive and beautiful in terms of natural scenery. However, natural beauty should not be enough, at least not when it comes to deciding the best place to retire.

In the case of Seattle, you have to take into account the high cost of living and the average annual expenditure of over $100,000 a year for seniors. Not to mention the whopping $678,265 median list price you’d have to shell out for a decent home.

A senior man fly-fishing in a beautiful forest river. — A smiling retiree finds peace while fly fishing in a lush, sun-dappled Pacific Northwest river.

Instead, opt for Spokane, Washington

Coffee lovers might not like Spokane that much, given that it’s not the birthplace of Starbucks, but who needs coffee when you can have nearly $450,000 in median home price savings? Add the fact that an average retiree does not spend more than $50,000 a year on expenses and you’ve got no reason not to circle Spokane in red as a retirement destination.

Spokane is also home to Gonzaga University, which makes it a college town. On that note, find out how to Live a Great Retirement Life in These 12 Small Towns.