12. Amarillo, Texas
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$820/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State 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.
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!