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25 US Cities Where Your Social Security Can Pay the Rent in 2026

March 3, 2026 · Personal finance
A retiree reading near a window with a view of the water.
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon reading by the harbor in the affordable retirement destination of Green Bay.

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.

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12 responses to “25 US Cities Where Your Social Security Can Pay the Rent in 2026”

  1. SUSAN CARRIERO says:
    March 29, 2026 at 6:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Gail says:
    March 29, 2026 at 9:49 pm

    I don’t believe you’ll find any place that pays for cable. Some places pay for water but not gas and electric.

    Reply
  3. Richard A Bivona says:
    April 11, 2026 at 4:54 pm

    Is Mazatlan Mexico a good option???

    Reply
  4. Lori says:
    April 13, 2026 at 12:46 am

    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 🙏.

    Reply
  5. An says:
    April 13, 2026 at 10:33 am

    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?!

    Reply
  6. FRANK C ALBANO says:
    April 25, 2026 at 6:44 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. Marylin E Bard says:
    April 27, 2026 at 12:11 pm

    Idaho, western states?

    Reply
  8. Ruben Martinez says:
    April 28, 2026 at 7:22 am

    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!

    Reply
  9. Paulette Rhodes says:
    May 7, 2026 at 2:54 pm

    Looking for apartments in the Orlando, FL and surrounded area

    Reply
  10. Michael Christensen says:
    May 8, 2026 at 5:29 pm

    Me too. Where’s the rest of the article just more adds. WTF!!!!!

    Reply
  11. SD says:
    May 9, 2026 at 2:15 pm

    There is not a city in the USA that doesn’t tax our social security. Some states do not take taxes out of each monthly check, but when you file your federal taxes, you must include your total SS benefits on your federal form and IF you also have a pension or any other income coming in, SOME percentage of your SS will be added to that total and taxes will be calculated on that amount. They’re going to get their money one way or another because our government is greedy!

    Reply
  12. Kathy says:
    May 19, 2026 at 6:11 pm

    Go up to where there are a bunch of numbers in boxes…. those are the other cities.

    Reply

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