Discover 5 affordable cities perfect for retirement today

If you’re looking to stretch your retirement funds, moving somewhere less expensive may be a good option. Many areas across the United States offer many desirable qualities while having a cost of living well below the national average. Here are five cities that are extremely affordable and livable.

How were these five cities chosen?

Below, we explore five cities across the US where your retirement savings can stretch even further without sacrificing quality of life. Our selection criteria include:

• Affordability: Low costs of living and housing are well below national averages
• Quality of health care: Access to hospitals, specialists and primary care doctors
• Things to do: Cultural facilities, outdoor recreation and programs designed for retirees
• Safety and livability: Low crime rates, walkable areas, and a welcoming community spirit

(Fort Wayne, Indiana).

• Why: Arts and culture, water activities, light traffic, miles of parks, hiking and biking trails, and close to many major cities.
• Average house price: $236,000 (compared to $360,000 nationally)
• Cost of living compared to the United States in general: -10%

Named after American Revolutionary War General “Mad” Anthony Wayne and the fort he helped build in 1794, this city is the second largest city in Indiana, safe, friendly, easy to navigate and has plenty to do for retirees.

Huge investments in the downtown area have paved the way for new and renewed museums, parks, gardens, restaurants, festivals, markets, and arts events. Fort Wayne is also building a new hospital. Located at the confluence of three rivers, the city offers 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, and has dedicated programs designed specifically for seniors. It is known for its friendly community spirit and is relatively close to major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.

Lexington, Kentucky

• WhyHorses, bourbon, golf, nature, music, theater, and free college courses.
• Average house price: $320,000
• Cost of living compared to the United States in general: -3%

Living in Lexington is known for its horses, bourbon, and great music scene. Surrounded by rolling hills and rivers, there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy here, including exploring the Red River Gorge and the nearby Appalachian Mountains.

Lexington is also appreciated for its galleries, theaters, opera house, ballet, musicals, and comedy shows. For just $50 a year, the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at the University of Kentucky provides individuals over the age of 50 with access to various courses, trips, and events. In addition, the Donovan Fellowship provides Kentucky residents age 65 or older with the opportunity to enroll in free college tuition.

Augusta, Georgia

• Why: Southern charm, golf, tax-friendly, walkable downtown with lots of amenities, excellent health care, close to water and mountains.
• Average house price: $174,000
• Cost of living compared to the United States in general: -13%

Efforts to revitalize Augusta have not yet been reflected in its home prices. Restaurants, museums, galleries and other venues continue to spring up in this city, which is perhaps best known for hosting the annual Masters golf tournament.

Other perks include excellent health care, generous tax breaks for seniors, a great river for kayaking, walking, biking, or running alongside, and free classes for Georgia residents 62 and older at Augusta University. Just 2.5 hours’ drive from the ocean, the Blue Ridge Mountains also offer many nearby attractions.

Midland, Michigan

• Why: Low cost housing, low crime, excellent healthcare facilities, pleasant places to walk, and close to one of the Great Lakes.
• Average house price: $229,000
• Cost of living compared to the United States in general: -20%

If you don’t mind cold winters, Midland, which was recently named US News and World ReportThe best place to retire in 2026 may be worth considering. The city often gets top marks for quality of life, affordability, taxes, safety, walkability, and great cultural and recreational activities.

Nature lovers will appreciate the Chippewa Nature Center, a 1,500-acre preserve with 19 miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and riverfront. Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay is about 30 minutes away for beach days, boating, and excellent bird watching.

Other perks include the Midland Center for the Arts, Dow Gardens and its canopy walkway at Whiting Forest, Dow Diamond Little League Baseball, and fitness programs and classes specifically for retirees.

Des Moines, Iowa

• Why: A nationally ranked farmers market, a free, world-class art museum, more than 800 miles of trails, quality health care, and dedicated programs for retirees.
• Average house price: $206,000
• Cost of living compared to the United States in general: -7%

Iowa’s capital is a solid choice for an affordable retirement destination, given its high-quality health care facilities, high ratio of primary care doctors per capita, and plenty of activities while still feeling like a small town.

Local attractions include the free Des Moines Arts Center, which houses works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Grant Wood, the Papajohn Sculpture Park, and the downtown Farmers Market, which is ranked among the best in the country and attracts about 25,000 visitors every Saturday from May through October. Gray’s Lake Park offers a scenic two-mile loop trail with views of the city skyline, while the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers 12 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens downtown.

Retirees take advantage of dedicated programs through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and nearby senior centers, which offer fitness classes, art workshops, day trips and daily social activities. Like the rest of the Midwest, Des Moines is attractive if you don’t mind cold winters and enjoy experiencing all four seasons.