23. Evansville, Indiana

Evansville sits in the southwest corner of Indiana on the Ohio River, and it’s one of the Midwest’s most financially comfortable retirement cities. Average 1-bedroom rents run around $740 per month, Indiana does not tax Social Security income, and the overall cost of living runs about 15% below the national average. The average Social Security check covers rent with more than $1,200 to spare each month.

The riverfront is the city’s social and recreational centerpiece, with the Evansville Riverfront Park and Pagoda hosting regular community events. The Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science is a gem for culture-minded retirees, and the LST 325 — a restored WWII landing ship — attracts history enthusiasts from across the region. Healthcare is anchored by Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and Deaconess Health System.

Evansville’s warm community culture, genuinely low rents, and solid healthcare infrastructure make it a reliable and underappreciated retirement choice in 2026. For retirees who want to stretch their Social Security income as far as possible without sacrificing a real community experience, Evansville consistently delivers.