Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

  • Home
  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

25 US Cities Where Your Social Security Can Pay the Rent in 2026

March 3, 2026 · Personal finance
A large waterfall in the middle of a clean city park.
A vibrant rainbow arches over rushing waterfalls, highlighting the natural beauty found in affordable Sioux Falls.

21. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Avg. 1BR Rent
~$970/mo
SS Covers Rent?
✅ Yes
SS Tax?
No SS Tax
State
S. Dakota

Sioux Falls is the financial standout among larger Midwest cities in 2026. South Dakota has no state income tax of any kind — not on Social Security, not on pensions, not on investment income — making it one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees in the entire country. Average 1-bedroom rents run around $970 per month, leaving the typical Social Security recipient with meaningful room in their budget.

The city itself is more lively than its plains setting might suggest. Falls Park — with its dramatic waterfalls in the heart of the city — is a spectacular and entirely free attraction. The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, active riverfront trails, and a growing restaurant and craft brewery scene give retirees a full lifestyle at low cost.

Healthcare is one of Sioux Falls’ strongest assets: Sanford Health and Avera Health are both major regional health systems with nationally recognized senior care programs. For tax-conscious retirees who want to maximize every dollar of Social Security income, South Dakota’s zero-tax environment combined with Sioux Falls’ sub-$1,000 rents make this one of the most financially efficient retirement locations in the country.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

12 responses to “25 US Cities Where Your Social Security Can Pay the Rent in 2026”

  1. SUSAN CARRIERO says:
    March 29, 2026 at 6:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Gail says:
    March 29, 2026 at 9:49 pm

    I don’t believe you’ll find any place that pays for cable. Some places pay for water but not gas and electric.

    Reply
  3. Richard A Bivona says:
    April 11, 2026 at 4:54 pm

    Is Mazatlan Mexico a good option???

    Reply
  4. Lori says:
    April 13, 2026 at 12:46 am

    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 🙏.

    Reply
  5. An says:
    April 13, 2026 at 10:33 am

    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?!

    Reply
  6. FRANK C ALBANO says:
    April 25, 2026 at 6:44 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. Marylin E Bard says:
    April 27, 2026 at 12:11 pm

    Idaho, western states?

    Reply
  8. Ruben Martinez says:
    April 28, 2026 at 7:22 am

    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!

    Reply
  9. Paulette Rhodes says:
    May 7, 2026 at 2:54 pm

    Looking for apartments in the Orlando, FL and surrounded area

    Reply
  10. Michael Christensen says:
    May 8, 2026 at 5:29 pm

    Me too. Where’s the rest of the article just more adds. WTF!!!!!

    Reply
  11. SD says:
    May 9, 2026 at 2:15 pm

    There is not a city in the USA that doesn’t tax our social security. Some states do not take taxes out of each monthly check, but when you file your federal taxes, you must include your total SS benefits on your federal form and IF you also have a pension or any other income coming in, SOME percentage of your SS will be added to that total and taxes will be calculated on that amount. They’re going to get their money one way or another because our government is greedy!

    Reply
  12. Kathy says:
    May 19, 2026 at 6:11 pm

    Go up to where there are a bunch of numbers in boxes…. those are the other cities.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • An older man with drafting tools overlooks a landscape labeled with ages 60, 70, and 80 along mountain ridges. 401(k) Mistakes Retirees in Their 80s Wish They'd Avoided
  • An older couple sits on the tailgate of a pickup truck holding mugs and overlooking a small valley town at sunset. 8 States Where $250,000 Is Enough for a Comfortable Retirement
  • A smiling senior man in a life jacket paddles a green kayak across a misty lake at sunrise near a wooden dock. 15 Affordable Retirement Towns Near Lakes and Rivers
  • A smiling older man walks a brown Labrador and a black-and-white border collie along a paved park path. 10 Side Gigs for Retirees Who Love Animals
  • Older adults smiling and passing food at an outdoor community dinner in front of a brick town hall at sunset. 11 Affordable Retirement Towns With Active Social Calendars
  • Illustration of an older couple walking past kiosks for pharmacy care, public transit, and residential property savings. 11 Senior Discount Programs Launching or Expanding in 2027
  • Illustration of an open hand catching a gold coin beside a bank vault blueprint against a split city and night sky. 11 Windfalls Retirees Can Receive and How They Are Taxed
  • A senior Asian male baker in a flour-dusted apron arranges fresh sourdough loaves on a bakery counter. The 2027 Social Security Update That Benefits Some Working Retirees
  • A plant grows out of an open government envelope toward a sun reading Saver's Match $1,000 in a landscape. IRS Notices Are Going Out About a $1,000 Retirement Match – Are You Eligible?
  • Watercolor illustration of an expanding file organizer with folders labeled Living Trust, Directives, and Deeds on a desk. 9 Legal Papers Every Retiree Should Update This Year

Newsletter

Get retirement planning tips, savings strategies, and lifestyle insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

Older couple reviewing tax returns and moving paperwork at a table with cardboard boxes stacked behind them.

7 Tax Surprises for Retirees Who Move Across State Lines

Learn 7 hidden state tax surprises that hit relocating retirees, from aggressive residency audits and…

Read More →
An older woman sits thoughtfully at a sunlit kitchen table next to a folder of documents and a vintage family photo.

10 Things Families Need to Know About the $255 Death Benefit

Next Steps for Your Family Managing financial tasks after losing a family member requires methodical…

Read More →

7 Essential Tips for Seniors in These Uncertain Times for Economy

7. Calculate your safe withdrawal rate If we all knew when we were going to…

Read More →
A senior woman looking thoughtfully at her phone in a bright, modern home office.

6 Social Security Scams You Need to Pay Attention to

Protect your retirement income by learning how to spot, avoid, and report the six most…

Read More →

5 Things You Need To Do if You Want To Retire at 62

Decide when to claim Social Security – Deciding when you claim your Social Security is a…

Read More →
8 Medicare Billing Errors Worth Appealing

8 Medicare Billing Errors Worth Appealing

Discover 8 costly Medicare billing errors worth appealing, including observation status traps, coding mistakes, and…

Read More →
An older man and woman seated at a wooden table reviewing printed documents together in a sunlit living room.

9 Signs You Should Talk to an Elder Law Attorney

Learn the 9 vital signs you should consult an elder law attorney to protect your…

Read More →

Should the Rich Fix Our Social Security?

The Future of the Payroll Tax Looking at the numbers it’s abundantly clear that our…

Read More →
An older woman practices balance therapy with a physical therapist in a bright, sunlit rehabilitation room.

8 Medicare Rules for Skilled Nursing Facility Stays

Learn the 8 essential Medicare rules for skilled nursing facility stays, including the 3-day rule,…

Read More →
Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@retiredinamerica.com

Trust & Legal

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertiser Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in America. All rights reserved.