8. Peoria, Illinois
| Avg. 1BR Rent ~$750/mo |
SS Covers Rent? ✅ Yes |
SS Tax? No SS Tax |
State Illinois |
Peoria stands out as one of the Midwest’s most affordable retirement options, with a cost of living roughly 24% below the national average and average 1-bedroom rents around $750 per month. Illinois does not tax Social Security income, which means that retirement dollars stretch further.
The city offers more cultural amenity than its size suggests. The Peoria Riverfront Museum, Bradley University, and the Spirit of Peoria riverboat create a lively community calendar. The park system is extensive, and the Illinois River provides scenic outdoor recreation within city limits. Healthcare is anchored by OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health Methodist, both of which serve the senior population well.
For budget-conscious retirees who want access to real city amenities without coastal or major-metro price tags, Peoria delivers consistent value. The city’s strong civic identity and numerous senior centers make it easy to build community — a crucial factor for long-term retirement satisfaction that often gets overlooked in affordability comparisons.
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!