Retirement should be a time to relax, enjoy life, and worry less—not constantly count pennies.

But for many older Americans, Social Security is the main source of income, and in some parts of the country, it doesn’t go very far.

A recent LendingTree report breaks down exactly where retirees can get the most out of their monthly checks—and where the cost of living leaves little breathing room.


The findings might surprise you and could even influence your next move.

Whether you're already retired or planning ahead, knowing where your dollars stretch furthest can help you enjoy more of what matters.



How much of your expenses does Social Security really cover?

According to the report, Social Security provides an average of $21,500 per year for retirees in the country’s 100 largest metro areas.

However, the average retiree in those same areas needs around $71,400 annually to cover basic living expenses—meaning Social Security only covers about 30%.

That gap has to be filled by retirement savings, pensions, part-time work, or other income.

But where you live plays a big role in how far your benefits go.

In lower-cost cities, that Social Security check covers a larger share of the essentials.

In more expensive areas, it barely puts a dent in your budget.


Also read: Boost your Social Security income in retirement with these three smart strategies

Where Social Security offers the least support

Not surprisingly, the cities where Social Security covers the smallest share of expenses are largely located in high-cost states like California.

Here are the 10 metro areas where it covers the least:

1. San Francisco, California – 24.3%
2. San Jose, California – 24.4%
3. Los Angeles, California – 24.9%
4. Washington, D.C. – 24.9%
5. Oxnard, California – 25.3%
6. San Diego, California – 25.7%
7. Sacramento, California – 26.4%
8. Riverside, California – 26.6%
9. Stockton, California – 26.7%
10. Miami, Florida – 26.9%

In San Francisco, retirees need over $85,000 annually to cover basic costs—yet Social Security offers just under $21,000.

That leaves a yearly gap of more than $64,000, which must come from other sources.

For those without substantial savings or pensions, living in these areas can pose real financial challenges.


Also read: Important Social Security news: benefit recipients face new changes

Top 10 cities where Social Security goes the furthest

These are the metro areas where Social Security covers the highest percentage of retirees’ annual spending:

1. McAllen, Texas – 34.6%
2. Buffalo, New York – 33.1%
3. El Paso, Texas – 32.9%
4. Syracuse, New York – 32.8%
5. Scranton, Pennsylvania – 32.7%
6. Wichita, Kansas – 32.6%
7. Augusta, Georgia – 32.4%
8. Tucson, Arizona – 32.3%
9. Little Rock, Arkansas – 32.3%
10. Tulsa, Oklahoma – 32.3%

Many of these cities offer lower housing, food, and healthcare costs, helping retirees cover more of their basic needs with Social Security alone.

In McAllen, for example, more than a third of annual expenses can be covered by benefits—leaving more room in the budget for hobbies, family, and travel.



Also read: Social Security stirs backlash after unexpected message lands in inboxes

Why these findings matter

Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, warns that many Americans have limited savings and low retirement balances—making location a critical part of financial planning.

For retirees relying heavily on Social Security, moving to a more affordable city could mean less financial stress and a better quality of life.

Even modest savings stretch further in areas with lower housing, healthcare, and food costs.

Also read: Bigger benefits, smaller payoff? Medicare costs may cut into your next Social Security raise

Other important factors to consider

Of course, the cost of living isn’t the only factor in choosing where to retire. Here are a few other considerations:

• Healthcare access: Are quality hospitals and doctors available nearby?
• Climate: Do you prefer sunshine year-round or four seasons?
• Family and community: How important is staying close to loved ones or social activities?
• Taxes: Some states tax Social Security benefits, while others don’t. Local sales and property taxes also matter.
• Lifestyle: Look for cities that offer parks, senior centers, public transportation, and other retiree-friendly amenities.

Also read: Could your Social Security benefits increase? Here’s the latest from Congress

Tips to make your Social Security stretch

No matter where you live, here are some smart ways to make the most of your benefits:

1. Downsize or relocate: A smaller home or more affordable area can cut housing costs significantly.
2. Reduce recurring expenses: Trim cable, subscriptions, or insurance costs you no longer need.
3. Use senior discounts: Many restaurants, retailers, and travel companies offer them—just ask.
4. Focus on preventive care: Staying healthy can help reduce long-term healthcare expenses.
5. Explore part-time work or income-generating hobbies: Many retirees find purpose and extra income this way.

Choosing where to live in retirement can have a big impact on your financial well-being—especially if Social Security is your primary source of income.

Whether you're already retired or planning ahead, it’s worth considering how far your benefits will go in different parts of the country.

A little research now could lead to more comfort, freedom, and peace of mind down the road.

Read next: New bipartisan proposal could reshape Social Security—here’s what it means for your future


Are you retired or planning for retirement? Have you considered relocating to stretch your Social Security dollars? We’d love to hear your experiences, advice, and questions—because when it comes to enjoying your golden years, every decision counts.