Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

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

12 Most Affordable U.S. Cities Where You’ll Really Want to Retire

March 10, 2021 · Retirement Life
Modern luxury high-rise apartments in Oakland.
Sleek glass skyscrapers and luxury penthouses highlight the soaring costs that make retiring in Oakland a challenge.

Don’t retire In Oakland, California

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is not for those with a low budget. You might have dreamt of retiring to Oakland for the access to healthcare and entertainment, but the prices here have gone rampant. Take, for example, the median list price of $650,000. Throw in the six figures average cost of living of senior citizens, and you’ve got the main reasons to stay away from Oakland in your golden years.

A senior woman painting in her cozy home studio.
A smiling retiree paints in her sun-drenched studio, surrounded by lush greenery and warm, natural light.

Instead, opt for Modesto, California

If you want to get more bang for your buck, choose the inland city of Modesto in the detriment of the larger Oakland. This cute city is every nature lover’s dream as it is only a short drive away from both the mountains and the beach.

The median list price in Modesto is around $300,000, less than half of what you’d have to pay in Oakland, while the average cost of living for people aged 65 and older is a bit over $60,000. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll be happy to know that Modesto is George Lucas’ hometown and the place where the movie “American Graffiti” starring Harrison Ford and Ron Howard was filmed.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Search

Latest Posts

  • A panoramic view of the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades in the Azores, featuring one blue and one green lake surrounded by lush green hill 9 Scenic (and Cheap) Destinations That Rarely Disappoint
  • A retiree looks out over a lush tropical valley at sunset from a terracotta balcony, holding a coffee mug. 10 Best Countries to Retire Abroad in 2027
  • A retired couple stands amidst moving boxes in their living room, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight during their relocation process. 8 Common Relocation Mistakes Retirees Tend to Make
  • 7 Costco Items Worth Buying in Retirement Because They Actually Lower What You Spend Each Month
  • A retired couple at a kitchen table looking at a map and tablet, planning their next move to a surprise retirement destination. 8 Places That Surprise Retirees in the Best Possible Way
  • A panoramic watercolor illustration showing a transition from green mountains to red deserts and blue lakes. 11 Nature-Filled Destinations Perfect After 60
  • A retired couple sits on a coastal bench in Maine at twilight, looking out at a harbor with lobster boats. 9 Charming Northern Spots for Retirement
  • A stylized gouache illustration of a western landscape featuring mountains, red rock mesas, and pine forests under a warm afternoon sun. 10 Western Retirement Spots with Incredible Lifestyle Appeal
  • Three active seniors walking through a vibrant, sunlit downtown plaza with a dog and coffee, representing a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. 9 Places Where Seniors Are Finding More Things to Do
  • A senior man at a kitchen table early in the morning, looking at a laptop with a financial graph, representing proactive retirement planning Social Security's 2027 COLA Forecast Just Changed - Here's What Retirees Should Know

Newsletter

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

Related Articles

These 10 Small Towns Are Perfect for All Retirees

Explore 10 ideal small towns for retirees, featuring affordable costs of living, excellent healthcare, and…

Read More →

5 Ways Medicare Will Change In 2021

Medicare will change some things this year, so if you’re a senior who relies on…

Read More →

Does Your Employer Want You to Retire? Here Are 15 Ways to Tell!

A senior professional watches from his desk as younger colleagues brainstorm new projects on a…

Read More →

Top 10 Countries To Live In If You’re Over 60

In recent years, life expectancy rates have increased, so the proportion of adults that are…

Read More →

11 Major Costs That Will Most Likely Plunge When You Retire

A stylish man trades formal office wear for a relaxed linen shirt while browsing a…

Read More →
Happy seniors couple in front of their new home

The Most Desired Places to Retire in USA

Men vs. Women: Where do Americans want to retire, based on their gender? It’s no…

Read More →
A senior man at a kitchen table early in the morning, looking at a laptop with a financial graph, representing proactive retirement planning

Social Security’s 2027 COLA Forecast Just Changed – Here’s What Retirees Should Know

The 2027 Social Security COLA forecast has shifted. Learn how changing inflation metrics impact your…

Read More →

10 Military Communities Where Vets Can Happily Retire

San Antonio, TX – If you’re looking for a place that’s livelier, you’ll enjoy living in…

Read More →

30 Dangerous Things to Your Retirement

3. A mortgage in retirement? It depends on the retiree’s situation whether having a mortgage…

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.