10. Green Bay, Wisconsin
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$950/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State Wisconsin |
Green Bay is best known for football, but it deserves recognition for something else: it’s one of the most affordable and livable mid-size cities in the Midwest for retirees. Average 1-bedroom rents sit around $950 per month, and Wisconsin does not tax Social Security income. The city’s overall cost of living runs well below the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Beyond the Packers, Green Bay has an active arts and cultural scene, a revitalized downtown on the Fox River, and excellent public golf courses that give retirees affordable outdoor recreation from spring through fall. Healthcare is anchored by Bellin Health and Aurora BayCare Medical Center, both of which have strong programs for seniors.
Winters are cold — there’s no avoiding that — but the community warmth compensates. Green Bay consistently ranks as one of the friendliest cities in Wisconsin, with strong neighborhood associations and senior activity programs. For retirees willing to bundle up in winter in exchange for genuine affordability and community, Green Bay delivers exceptional retirement value in 2026.
We live in Las Vegas and need a place that includes utilities and cable. Me and my husband make $38,000 a year and now pay $1000 a month just making it. We need to be out of here by January 2027.
I don’t believe you’ll find any place that pays for cable. Some places pay for water but not gas and electric.
Is Mazatlan Mexico a good option???
I’m in Lakeport Ca I can’t recommend it if you rent good luck finding a good honest landlord. Gas is expensive 5.79 a gallon. Not much to do and some people are strange just like most places I guess. I’m trying to get out asap but where? Please advise 🙏.
I can’t even read the article! All I see are a bunch of ads and links that go to more ads. I see Toledo and that’s it. So where’s the other 24?!
Thank u for this list. I am 59 and want to retire at 62. Can you please send me an updated list in 2 years? Thank you!
Idaho, western states?
You don’t need cable. Just get WI-FI and you can buy a Super Box for about $300.00. This device is capable of streaming tv regular channels, movies and sports. It seems to me that with 38000 a year minus 12000 for rent.-leaving you about 26000 for all other expenses, you should be able to make it. Unless you are gambling your $$ away!