Can you really live on Social Security alone? These 10 states say yes
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For millions of Americans, Social Security isn't just a benefit—it's the foundation of retirement income.
But with living costs rising year after year, many are left wondering: is it still possible to get by on Social Security alone?
The answer depends heavily on where you live.
A recent analysis from Realtor.com dug into the data and identified 10 states where retirees may still have enough breathing room to cover basic expenses without relying on additional income.
For everyone else, the picture is more complicated—and sometimes downright grim.
Social Security was always meant to be a safety net, not a full retirement plan.
Yet nearly 22 million older adults rely on it as their only source of income.
According to The Senior Citizens League, about 75% of retirees depend on Social Security for more than half of their total income.
That’s a heavy burden for one monthly check to carry—especially as housing and utility costs surge.
Even retirees who own their homes outright are finding it hard to make ends meet.
Over the past five years, the cost of homeownership—including property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance—has jumped 26%.
On average, retirees fall short by $2,762 each year, or about $230 per month, even without a mortgage.
When comparing costs between states, food, healthcare, and transportation tend to stay relatively steady.
Housing, however, is where things diverge—and dramatically so.
In the 10 states where retirees can cover basic needs with Social Security alone, housing costs average just $510 a month.
In most other states, the average jumps to $933 or higher.
In places like New Jersey and Massachusetts, that figure climbs past $1,000 per month.
In so-called “surplus” states, housing makes up roughly 27% of a retiree’s budget. In shortfall states, it’s closer to 32%.
That 5% difference may not seem like much, but over a year, it can mean the difference between being able to afford holiday gifts for grandchildren or needing to cut back on groceries.
Realtor.com identified the following states where retirees can expect a surplus after covering their essential monthly costs:
If you live in one of these states, and your home is paid off, your Social Security check may be enough to cover essential expenses—though there's not much margin for extras.
By contrast, these five states offer the least breathing room for retirees:
Retirees in these states face annual shortfalls between $6,500 and $8,000.
Without savings, pensions, or help from family, covering the basics becomes an uphill battle.
It’s not just about warm weather or location. States that offer affordable retirement living tend to have:
Meanwhile, high-cost states often come with high property taxes, expensive utilities (especially in colder or coastal areas), and higher healthcare costs.
Before relocating for retirement, it’s worth looking beyond the scenery and checking the numbers.
If you're already living somewhere where Social Security isn't enough, you're not out of options.
Consider:
Retirement planning is not one-size-fits-all.
Understanding how far your Social Security will go, based on where you live, is a powerful first step.
Whether you're already retired or years away, it’s never too early to look at the numbers, evaluate your options, and make decisions that support financial peace of mind.
Read next:
Have you had to adjust your retirement plans based on your state’s cost of living? Have you relocated—or are you thinking about it? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.
But with living costs rising year after year, many are left wondering: is it still possible to get by on Social Security alone?
The answer depends heavily on where you live.
A recent analysis from Realtor.com dug into the data and identified 10 states where retirees may still have enough breathing room to cover basic expenses without relying on additional income.
For everyone else, the picture is more complicated—and sometimes downright grim.
Some states offer far more breathing room for Social Security-only retirees than others. Image Source: YouTube / WCNC.
Why Social Security isn’t going as far as it used to
Social Security was always meant to be a safety net, not a full retirement plan.
Yet nearly 22 million older adults rely on it as their only source of income.
According to The Senior Citizens League, about 75% of retirees depend on Social Security for more than half of their total income.
That’s a heavy burden for one monthly check to carry—especially as housing and utility costs surge.
Even retirees who own their homes outright are finding it hard to make ends meet.
Over the past five years, the cost of homeownership—including property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance—has jumped 26%.
On average, retirees fall short by $2,762 each year, or about $230 per month, even without a mortgage.
Also read: What Social Security really looks like at 72 in 2025
Why housing matters more than anything else
When comparing costs between states, food, healthcare, and transportation tend to stay relatively steady.
Housing, however, is where things diverge—and dramatically so.
In the 10 states where retirees can cover basic needs with Social Security alone, housing costs average just $510 a month.
In most other states, the average jumps to $933 or higher.
In places like New Jersey and Massachusetts, that figure climbs past $1,000 per month.
In so-called “surplus” states, housing makes up roughly 27% of a retiree’s budget. In shortfall states, it’s closer to 32%.
That 5% difference may not seem like much, but over a year, it can mean the difference between being able to afford holiday gifts for grandchildren or needing to cut back on groceries.
Also read: Your Social Security data might be exposed—whistleblower reveals shocking DOGE security breach!
Where Social Security stretches furthest: the top 10 states
Realtor.com identified the following states where retirees can expect a surplus after covering their essential monthly costs:
- Delaware
Median Monthly benefit: $2,139
Monthly costs: $1,992
Surplus: +$1,764/year - Indiana
Median Monthly benefit: $2,016
Housing: $504/month
Surplus: +$1,392/year - Arizona
Median Monthly benefit: ~$2,000
Housing: ~$530/month
Surplus: +$1,224/year - Utah
Median Monthly benefit: ~$2,000
Housing: ~$530/month
Surplus: +$888/year - South Carolina
Surplus: +$828/year - West Virginia
Surplus: +$660/year - Alabama
Surplus: +$576/year - Nevada
Surplus: +$432/year - Tennessee
Surplus: +$156/year - Michigan
Surplus: +$132/year
If you live in one of these states, and your home is paid off, your Social Security check may be enough to cover essential expenses—though there's not much margin for extras.
Also read: Social Security at 90: Trump administration proposals could reshape retirement for millions
The hardest states to retire in on Social Security alone
By contrast, these five states offer the least breathing room for retirees:
- Vermont
Monthly benefit: $1,954
Monthly costs: $2,628
Shortfall: -$8,088/year - New Jersey
Housing: $1,304/month
Shortfall: -$7,512/year - Massachusetts
Housing: $1,007/month
Shortfall: -$7,345/year - New York
Shortfall: -$7,248/year - New Hampshire
Shortfall: -$6,564/year
Retirees in these states face annual shortfalls between $6,500 and $8,000.
Without savings, pensions, or help from family, covering the basics becomes an uphill battle.
Also read: Three surprising ways your Social Security benefits could be reduced or stopped
What makes the affordable states more retirement-friendly?
It’s not just about warm weather or location. States that offer affordable retirement living tend to have:
- Lower property taxes
- Cheaper homeowners insurance
- Reduced utility costs
- Lower grocery and healthcare prices
- Senior-friendly tax policies
Meanwhile, high-cost states often come with high property taxes, expensive utilities (especially in colder or coastal areas), and higher healthcare costs.
Before relocating for retirement, it’s worth looking beyond the scenery and checking the numbers.
Also read: New survey reveals how devastating Social Security cuts would be for most seniors
How to cope if you’re living in a shortfall state
If you're already living somewhere where Social Security isn't enough, you're not out of options.
Consider:
- Relocating or downsizing: Moving to a smaller home or lower-cost area could significantly reduce expenses.
- Using home equity: Reverse mortgages or selling your home may free up needed funds, but should be approached carefully.
- Seeking assistance programs: Many local governments offer tax relief, energy assistance, and senior discounts.
- Reviewing your spending: Cancel unused subscriptions, negotiate insurance rates, and evaluate recurring costs.
- Exploring part-time work: Light work or side gigs—especially flexible or remote ones—can help supplement income without full-time hours.
Planning ahead makes all the difference
Retirement planning is not one-size-fits-all.
Understanding how far your Social Security will go, based on where you live, is a powerful first step.
Whether you're already retired or years away, it’s never too early to look at the numbers, evaluate your options, and make decisions that support financial peace of mind.
Read next:
- New proposal aims to wipe out taxes on Social Security benefits
- Are you missing out on Social Security benefits? Here’s what to know about work credits
- Could your retirement plans handle a 24% Social Security cut in 2032?
Have you had to adjust your retirement plans based on your state’s cost of living? Have you relocated—or are you thinking about it? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.
