California is renowned for its sunny weather, diverse culture, and scenic attractions. However, it stands out as one of the most expensive states to reside in, particularly for retirees relying on social security as their primary income source. According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for a retired worker in 2024 amounts to $1,790.56, translating to $3,581.12 per month for a couple¹. Nevertheless, the cost of living in California varies significantly, contingent on factors such as location, housing, and lifestyle choices.
Thankfully, there are several major cities in California that provide a relatively affordable and comfortable living for retirees on a constrained budget. These cities, boasting a population of at least 50,000 and a livability score of 65 or above, take into account factors like amenities, crime, education, employment, housing, and weather². Additionally, they maintain a monthly necessities cost per couple below $3,581.12, encompassing rent, groceries, healthcare, and utilities³. Below are the top 7 big cities in California for living solely on a social security check, ranked from the least to the most expensive monthly necessities cost.
7. Redding
- Livability Score: 75
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,608
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $387.67
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $587.01
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $318.91
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $2,901.59
Redding, the largest city in the Shasta Cascade region, situated in the northern part of the state, is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Sacramento River, Mount Shasta, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Offering diverse outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown, Redding boasts a mild climate, low crime rate, high graduation rate, and low unemployment rate. Notably, it claims the lowest monthly rent and necessities cost among the 7 cities on this list.
6. Chico
- Livability Score: 72
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,688
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $389.37
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $587.01
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $345.37
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,010.12
Chico, the most populous city in Butte County, located in the Sacramento Valley, exudes a youthful and lively vibe due to the presence of California State University, Chico. With a rich cultural heritage, landmarks, and a vibrant arts scene, Chico offers a warm and sunny climate, low crime rate, high graduation rate, and moderate unemployment rate. It claims the second-lowest monthly rent and necessities cost among the 7 cities on this list.
5. Hanford
- Livability Score: 73
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,708
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $391.61
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $587.01
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $365.96
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,052.58
Hanford, the county seat of Kings County, located in the San Joaquin Valley, is known for its historic downtown and rich agricultural heritage. With attractions like the Hanford Carnegie Museum and a moderate climate, Hanford maintains a moderate crime rate, graduation rate, and low unemployment rate. It claims the third-lowest monthly rent and necessities cost among the 7 cities on this list.
4. Visalia
- Livability Score: 71
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,728
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $393.85
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $587.01
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $365.96
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,074.82
Visalia, the county seat of Tulare County, located in the San Joaquin Valley, serves as the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Featuring a thriving downtown and cultural amenities, Visalia maintains a moderate climate, crime rate, graduation rate, and unemployment rate. It claims the fourth-lowest monthly rent and necessities cost among the 7 cities on this list.
3. South Gate
- Livability Score: 65
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,798
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $381.12
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $507.92
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $318.91
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,005.95
South Gate, situated in Los Angeles County in the southern part of the state, forms part of the Gateway Cities region. With a diverse population and several parks, South Gate has a warm climate, high crime rate, low graduation rate, and high unemployment rate. It claims the lowest monthly grocery, healthcare, and utilities costs among the 7 cities on this list.
2. Bellflower
- Livability Score: 65
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,928
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $381.12
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $507.92
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $318.91
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,136.85
Bellflower, located in Los Angeles County adjacent to South Gate, shares its characteristics, including a diverse population and numerous parks. With a warm climate, high crime rate, low graduation rate, and high unemployment rate, Bellflower claims the same grocery, healthcare, and utilities costs as South Gate, but with a higher monthly rent.
1. Turlock
- Livability Score: 66
- 2024 Average Monthly Rent: $1,945
- Monthly Grocery Cost Per Couple: $391.61
- Monthly Healthcare Cost Per Couple: $587.01
- Monthly Utilities Cost Per Couple: $345.37
- Monthly Necessities Cost Per Couple: $3,268.99
Turlock, the second-largest city in Stanislaus County in the northern part of the state, boasts a strong agricultural economy and vibrant downtown. With attractions like the Carnegie Arts Center and a hot climate, Turlock maintains a low crime rate, high graduation rate, and moderate unemployment rate. It claims the highest monthly rent and necessities cost among the 7 cities on this list.
Conclusion
Retiring in California solely on a social security check may appear challenging, but it is feasible. Certain major cities in the state offer a decent and enjoyable living for retirees on a tight budget, boasting a livability score of 65 or higher and a monthly necessities cost per couple below.
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