6. Fort Wayne, Indiana
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$750/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State Indiana |
Fort Wayne is one of Indiana’s fastest-growing cities — and one of its most affordable. Average 1-bedroom rents hover around $750 per month, and Indiana does not tax Social Security income. The combination delivers real financial comfort for retirees in 2026, with the average Social Security check more than doubling the cost of rent.
The city has invested heavily in its riverfront parks and downtown districts in recent years, creating a genuinely pleasant living environment. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (one of the top-rated in the Midwest) and the Botanical Conservatory give retirees and their visiting grandchildren great activities without big price tags. Healthcare is strong, with Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network both providing excellent senior care.
Fort Wayne also benefits from a strong sense of community — it consistently ranks highly in livability surveys for friendliness and quality of life. For retirees seeking affordable, safe, and welcoming surroundings in the Midwest, Fort Wayne is a standout choice in 2026 that deserves far more national attention than it typically receives.
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!