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Cheapest places to retire

Ranked on the three costs that follow a retiree every month: what a home costs, what everyday life costs and what the state takes in tax. 54 cities, every number sourced.

By Sol Lakein. Updated November 2026.

The top 3

Tap a city for monthly costs, weather, flights and trade-offs.

  1. Muncie

    Score 87 of 100
    Median home
    $181,500
    Prices
    12% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    • Prices 12% below the US average
    • Homes list 57% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 21.3°F with 25.4 inches of snow a year.

    Live and Work Remote in Muncie: $5,000 cash
    Cost of living in Muncie
    The numbers behind it
    • Prices 12% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 88.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 57% below the US median. $181,500 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From IND to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, August 31, 2026)
    • Real winters. January lows average 21.3°F with 25.4 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $997 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  2. bubba73 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
    2

    Terre Haute

    Score 87 of 100
    Median home
    $189,625
    Prices
    12% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    • Prices 12% below the US average
    • Homes list 55% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    Work Remote in Terre Haute: $7,500 cash
    Cost of living in Terre Haute
    The numbers behind it
    • Prices 12% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 87.8 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 55% below the US median. $189,625 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From IND to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, August 31, 2026)

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,042 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  3. Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
    3

    Texarkana

    Score 81 of 100
    Median home
    $275,000
    Prices
    16% cheaper
    Social Security
    No data
    • Prices 16% below the US average
    • Homes list 34% below the US median
    • Mild winters

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 93.3°F.

    Call Texarkana Home: $5,000 cash
    Cost of living in Texarkana
    The numbers behind it
    • Prices 16% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 84.0 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 34% below the US median. $275,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 33.1°F with 2.1 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Hot summers. July highs average 93.3°F. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

Ranks 4 to 25

  1. 4

    McAllen

    Score 79 of 100
    Median home
    $258,750
    Prices
    14% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 98.5°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 14% below the US average
    • Homes list 38% below the US median
    • University town
    • Prices 14% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 85.9 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 38% below the US median. $258,750 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • University town. South Texas College main campus (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Cost of living in McAllen

    State taxes: income None, property 1.32% effective, sales 8.20% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,422 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  2. Downtown Evansville, Evansville
    5

    Evansville

    Score 73 of 100
    Median home
    $259,225
    Prices
    8% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offNo nonstop flights to New York. Trips home mean a connection or a drive to a bigger airport.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 8% below the US average
    • Homes list 38% below the US median
    • Pays you to move
    • Prices 8% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.5 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 38% below the US median. $259,225 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Pays you to move. Belong & Work Remotely in the Evansville Region: $3,000 cash. (Program page, accessed 2026-10-30; site (C) 2026)
    Belong & Work Remotely in the Evansville Region: $3,000 cash
    Cost of living in Evansville

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,425 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  3. Brick street in downtown Paducah lined with historic buildings and autumn trees, Paducah
    6

    Paducah

    Score 71 of 100
    Median home
    $244,450
    Prices
    No data
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offNo nonstop flights to New York. Trips home mean a connection or a drive to a bigger airport.

    Why it ranks here
    • Homes list 42% below the US median
    • Pays you to move
    • On the water
    • Homes list 42% below the US median. $244,450 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Pays you to move. Move to Paducah (Remote Workers Incentive Program): $5,000 cash. (Program page, accessed 2026-10-30; site (C) 2026)
    • On the water. Ohio River (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Move to Paducah (Remote Workers Incentive Program): $5,000 cash
    Cost of living in Paducah

    State taxes: income 3.50%, property 0.72% effective, sales 6.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,343 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  4. Aerial view of downtown Spartanburg, Spartanburg
    7

    Spartanburg

    Score 70 of 100
    Median home
    $304,950
    Prices
    9% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.1°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 9% below the US average
    • Homes list 27% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 9% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 27% below the US median. $304,950 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 31.5°F with 0.8 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Spartanburg

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,676 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  5. 8

    Jackson

    Score 66 of 100
    Median home
    $254,950
    Prices
    8% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 17.5°F with 37.3 inches of snow a year.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 8% below the US average
    • Homes list 39% below the US median
    • Help buying a home
    • Prices 8% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.8 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 39% below the US median. $254,950 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Help buying a home. 100 Homes Program (City of Jackson down payment assistance): Up to $60,000 toward a home. (Program page, 2026-03-10)
    100 Homes Program (City of Jackson down payment assistance): Up to $60,000 toward a home
    Cost of living in Jackson

    State taxes: income 4.25%, property 1.17% effective, sales 6.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,401 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  6. Fort Wayne skyline, Fort Wayne
    9

    Fort Wayne

    Score 66 of 100
    Median home
    $309,450
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 18.4°F with 33.6 inches of snow a year.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 26% below the US median
    • Pays you to move
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 92.6 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 26% below the US median. $309,450 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Pays you to move. Move to the Northeast Indiana Region: $11,700 in benefits. (Program page, accessed 2026-10-30; site (C) 2026)
    Move to the Northeast Indiana Region: $11,700 in benefits
    Cost of living in Fort Wayne

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,701 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  7. Downtown El Paso towers including the Plaza Hotel, El Paso
    10

    El Paso

    Score 66 of 100
    Median home
    $314,987
    Prices
    10% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 95.8°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 10% below the US average
    • Homes list 25% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 10% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 89.9 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 25% below the US median. $314,987 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 34.5°F with 2.8 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in El Paso

    State taxes: income None, property 1.32% effective, sales 8.20% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,731 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  8. Walnut Street Bridge at sunset, Chattanooga
    11

    Chattanooga

    Score 66 of 100
    Median home
    $395,000
    Prices
    9% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.5°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 9% below the US average
    • Homes list 6% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 9% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.5 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 6% below the US median. $395,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 32.4°F with 3.6 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Chattanooga

    State taxes: income None, property 0.46% effective, sales 9.61% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,171 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  9. Bridge over the river at Riverfront Park in Columbia, Columbia
    12

    Columbia

    Score 65 of 100
    Median home
    $299,763
    Prices
    6% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 92.7°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 6% below the US average
    • Homes list 29% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 6% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.7 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 29% below the US median. $299,763 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 34.6°F with 1.2 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Columbia

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,647 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  10. Pittsburgh skyline and a yellow bridge, Pittsburgh
    13

    Pittsburgh

    Score 64 of 100
    Median home
    $245,000
    Prices
    5% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 21.4°F with 44.1 inches of snow a year.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 5% below the US average
    • Homes list 42% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 5% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 94.7 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 42% below the US median. $245,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From PIT to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Cost of living in Pittsburgh

    State taxes: income 3.07%, property 1.12% effective, sales 6.34% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,346 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  11. The Kansas State Capitol, Topeka
    14

    Topeka

    Score 64 of 100
    Median home
    $256,200
    Prices
    11% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.2°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 11% below the US average
    • Homes list 39% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 11% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 88.8 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 39% below the US median. $256,200 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From MCI to LGA, JFK, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Choose Topeka Relocation Incentive: $15,000 cash
    Cost of living in Topeka

    State taxes: income 5.58%, property 1.24% effective, sales 8.69% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,408 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  12. Drone view of Myrtle Beach with the pier and the SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach
    15

    Myrtle Beach

    Score 64 of 100
    Median home
    $315,000
    Prices
    6% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 6% below the US average
    • Homes list 25% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 6% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.6 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 25% below the US median. $315,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From MYR to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed November 3, 2026)
    Cost of living in Myrtle Beach

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,731 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  13. Downtown Greensboro at sunrise, Greensboro
    16

    Greensboro

    Score 64 of 100
    Median home
    $327,000
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 22% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 92.9 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 22% below the US median. $327,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From GSO to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, May 5, 2026)
    Cost of living in Greensboro

    State taxes: income 3.99%, property 0.64% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,797 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  14. Looking toward downtown Tulsa, Tulsa
    17

    Tulsa

    Score 64 of 100
    Median home
    $329,500
    Prices
    11% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 93.6°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 11% below the US average
    • Homes list 21% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 11% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 89.2 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 21% below the US median. $329,500 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From TUL to LGA. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Tulsa Remote: $10,000 cash
    Cost of living in Tulsa

    State taxes: income 4.50%, property 0.76% effective, sales 9.06% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,811 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  15. Downtown Memphis from Big River Crossing, Memphis area (West Memphis, AR)
    18

    Memphis area (West Memphis, AR)

    Score 63 of 100
    Median home
    $299,950
    Prices
    8% cheaper
    Social Security
    No data

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 91.9°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 8% below the US average
    • Homes list 28% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 8% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 92.2 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 28% below the US median. $299,950 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 33.3°F with 2.7 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Start Fresh in West Memphis: $10,000 cash
    Cost of living in Memphis area

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  16. Morgantown, Morgantown
    19

    Morgantown

    Score 63 of 100
    Median home
    $349,700
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 24°F with 27.6 inches of snow a year.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 17% below the US median
    • Pays you to move
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.3 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 17% below the US median. $349,700 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Pays you to move. Ascend West Virginia: Morgantown Area: $12,000 cash. (Program page, 2026-10-29 (page modified); FAQ 2026-07-31)
    Ascend West Virginia: Morgantown Area: $12,000 cash
    Cost of living in Morgantown

    State taxes: income 4.58%, property 0.51% effective, sales 6.59% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,922 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  17. Lake Mirror and the downtown Lakeland skyline under a clear blue sky, Lakeland
    20

    Lakeland

    Score 61 of 100
    Median home
    $329,000
    Prices
    3% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 92.1°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 3% below the US average
    • Homes list 22% below the US median
    • People are moving in
    • Prices 3% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 97.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 22% below the US median. $329,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • People are moving in. 18,752 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    Cost of living in Lakeland

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,808 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  18. Downtown Indianapolis, Indianapolis
    21

    Indianapolis

    Score 60 of 100
    Median home
    $310,000
    Prices
    4% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 20.9°F with 25.5 inches of snow a year.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 4% below the US average
    • Homes list 26% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 4% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 95.7 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 26% below the US median. $310,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From IND to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Step Into Life in the Indy Region: $7,500 in benefits
    Cost of living in Indianapolis

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,704 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  19. Falls Park on the Reedy from above, Greenville
    22

    Greenville

    Score 58 of 100
    Median home
    $382,450
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.3°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 9% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.3 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 9% below the US median. $382,450 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 32.1°F with 3.9 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Greenville

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,102 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  20. Downtown Knoxville and World's Fair Park, Knoxville
    23

    Knoxville

    Score 58 of 100
    Median home
    $447,000
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHomes list 7% above the US median. $447,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Mild winters
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 92.6 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 30°F with 4.6 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From TYS to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Cost of living in Knoxville

    State taxes: income None, property 0.46% effective, sales 9.61% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,456 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  21. The courthouse at sunset, Bloomington
    24

    Bloomington

    Score 57 of 100
    Median home
    $359,675
    Prices
    5% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 5% below the US average
    • Homes list 14% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 5% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 95.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 14% below the US median. $359,675 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From IND to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, August 31, 2026)
    Bloomington Remote Worker Program: $8,500 in benefits
    Cost of living in Bloomington

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,977 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  22. Rocket Park, Huntsville, Huntsville
    25

    Huntsville

    Score 57 of 100
    Median home
    $364,900
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 91.5°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 13% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 13% below the US median. $364,900 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 33.1°F with 2.4 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Huntsville

    State taxes: income 5.00%, property 0.38% effective, sales 9.46% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,005 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

How we ranked them

Each city is scored against the others on this list on sourced measures, then weighted. Nothing about who lives in a place goes in, including age.
WeightMeasure
40%Lower home prices (median listing)
40%Lower everyday prices (BEA price level)
20%Tax-friendly state for retirees (our 4-tax score)

A city with no figure on a measure gets half points on it. The state tax score comes from our tax-friendly states for retirees ranking. Health care access and pension tax rules are not scored. Weigh things differently? The quiz ranks every city on your own priorities.

Questions people ask

What is the cheapest place to retire in the US?

Of the 54 cities we cover, Muncie ranks first on home prices, everyday prices and state taxes on retirees, followed by Terre Haute and Texarkana.

How much do you need to retire in a cheap city?

It depends on whether you own outright. The median listed home in Muncie was $181,500 in September 2026 (Realtor.com). Add property tax, insurance and everyday costs, which BEA prices against the US average for each metro.

Is the cheapest place the best place to retire?

Not always. The cheapest cities often have colder winters, smaller airports or fewer specialists nearby. Our best places to retire ranking adds weather, storm risk and flights.

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