20. Spartanburg, South Carolina
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$920/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State S. Carolina |
Spartanburg is one of the South’s most underrated retirement destinations — affordable, growing, and well-positioned between Charlotte and Greenville in the I-85 corridor. Average 1-bedroom rents sit around $920 per month, and South Carolina does not tax Social Security income. The state also offers a generous retirement income deduction for residents 65 and older.
The city has undergone significant downtown revitalization, with the RJ Rockers Brewing Company, the Chapman Cultural Center, and the new Hub City development creating a vibrant gathering space. Croft State Park — just minutes from downtown — offers hiking, equestrian trails, and a pristine lake. Healthcare is served by Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and Mary Black Health System.
For retirees who want Southern warmth, low costs, a growing city culture, and proximity to larger metros for major medical or airport access, Spartanburg hits a sweet spot in 2026. It’s close enough to Greenville and Charlotte for day trips, but quiet and affordable enough to make everyday life genuinely comfortable on Social Security income.
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!