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

March 3, 2026 · Personal finance
A couple tasting wine at an outdoor vineyard at sunset.
A happy couple toasts with wine at a scenic vineyard, enjoying the affordable lifestyle found in Lubbock.

22. Lubbock, Texas

Avg. 1BR Rent
~$800/mo
SS Covers Rent?
✅ Yes
SS Tax?
No SS Tax
State
Texas

Lubbock is West Texas at its most authentic and affordable. Average 1-bedroom rents run around $800 per month, Texas has no state income tax, and the city’s flat terrain and dry climate create low utility costs and easy living for retirees. For a Social Security recipient in 2026, Lubbock easily covers rent and leaves substantial income for everything else.

Texas Tech University gives Lubbock a youthful energy and cultural scene disproportionate to its population — the museum system, performing arts, and collegiate sports create a busy community calendar year-round. The Buddy Holly Center honors Lubbock’s most famous native and serves as a hub for the city’s music culture. Covenant Health and University Medical Center provide comprehensive regional healthcare for seniors.

For retirees who value sunshine (Lubbock averages over 260 sunny days per year), low taxes, affordable rents, and a genuine West Texas community feel, Lubbock is a consistently underrated retirement destination that deserves more national attention. Its flat geography also makes it practical for seniors managing mobility challenges.

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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

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