2. Wichita, Kansas
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$670/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State Kansas |
With average 1-bedroom rents around $670 per month — among the lowest of any midsize city in the country — Wichita gives Social Security recipients extraordinary purchasing power in 2026. Kansas exempts Social Security income from state taxes for most retirees, making the financial picture even brighter.
Wichita is not just cheap — it’s livable. The city has a thriving arts scene anchored by the Wichita Art Museum and the city’s Old Town entertainment district. The Keeper of the Plains sculpture and the Arkansas River corridor provide free outdoor recreation. Healthcare is excellent, with Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi Health both serving the region.
For retirees who value low costs above almost everything else, Wichita’s combination of sub-$700 rents, no Social Security tax, and solid medical infrastructure makes it one of the most financially compelling places to retire in the Midwest. Groceries and utilities also run well below national averages, leaving most retirees with meaningful financial breathing room each month.
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!