18. Altoona, Pennsylvania
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$665/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State Pennsylvania |
Altoona is the most affordable city on this list, with average 1-bedroom rents around $665 per month — among the lowest of any city in the Northeast. Pennsylvania does not tax Social Security income, and the overall cost of living in Altoona runs roughly 23% below the national average. A retiree receiving $1,976 in Social Security in 2026 could cover rent and have over $1,300 left each month.
The city’s railroad heritage is a source of genuine pride — the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is a beloved local icon and popular tourist destination. The Altoona area sits in the Allegheny Mountains, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. UPMC Altoona provides solid regional healthcare coverage for seniors.
Altoona is best suited for retirees who prefer quiet, community-focused living over urban bustle. It’s a city where neighbors know each other, costs are genuinely low, and the natural surroundings offer everyday beauty at no cost. For deeply budget-conscious retirees, it may offer the most financial comfort of any city in this guide.
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!