12. Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo is Texas at its most affordable. Average 1-bedroom rents run around $820 per month, Texas has no state income tax, and the city’s overall cost of living runs about 14% below the national average. For a Social Security recipient in 2026, Amarillo leaves hundreds of dollars each month free for healthcare, leisure, and savings.

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum — the largest state history museum in the country — is a short drive from downtown, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just outside city limits, is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Texas. The dining scene on Sixth Street has grown significantly in recent years, and the city has invested in its medical infrastructure, with Baptist St. Anthony’s and Northwest Texas Hospital both offering strong senior care programs.

For retirees who value wide-open spaces, warm (and occasionally windy) weather, genuine Texas culture, and some of the lowest rents in the state, Amarillo is a strong and often overlooked choice that delivers real value for fixed-income retirees in 2026.