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

March 10, 2021 · Retirement Life
Steep streets and expensive Victorian homes in San Francisco.
San Francisco’s steep, foggy streets and Victorian homes offer iconic views that come with high retirement costs.

Don’t retire in San Francisco

If you want to live your retirement years admiring the Golden Gate Bridge, make sure your retirement budget can live up to the challenge of living in San Francisco. That’s because senior citizens usually spend an average of $150,000 a year on annual expenditures. In addition, the median list price of $1.25 million is as eye-popping as it can be, and definitely not for anyone’s budget, Golden Bridge or not.

A senior couple shopping at a sunny local farmers market.
A smiling senior couple holds hands while exploring a sunlit farmers market filled with fresh, colorful produce.

Instead, opt for Sacramento, California

A much more affordable option lies just inland of San Francisco and offers people aged 65 and older much more reasonable costs, whether it’s living or housing costs. The median list price in Sacramento is $312,000, less than a quarter of the one in San Francisco. Not only that but the average senior expenditure $63,413.76 a year, which gives you plenty of room to save. If you need more incentives, just know that Sacramento is the home of a famous restaurant that contributed to Sacramento winning the title of America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.

Check out: Retiring Soon? Here’s How To Find the Perfect Home in Retirement

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