On a Fixed Income – Where in US to Live?

Where are the best places to live in US if on a fixed income? Living on a fixed income is not easy nowadays, especially due to the ever-rising living expenses.

 

This situation forces you to completely dependent on funds such as inheritance, social security, and pensions. The flexibility of the income you are paid each month gets slimmer.

 

Unsteady expenses including the volatile housing market can make life extremely challenging for many people.

 

If you rely completely on a fixed income, you may find it difficult to live a comfortable life in a big city like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. That is exactly why several people look for the best places to live in USA if on fixed income.

 

Search to Find a Place Where Your Fixed Income Goes Further

 

Many people with a fixed income are forced to choose another city to live peacefully without making any compromise on the quality of living.

 

If you are one of them, it can be a highly stressful experience. There is no other way than to accept this challenge in life. The reality is that you must find another place to live where your fixed income is adequate to lead a comfortable life.

 

I can say from experience, because I live on a fixed income and in a part of the country where the cost of living is very high, I struggle each and everyday to keep my head above water (financially).  Maybe you are thinking as you read this, “Why do you stay”?

 

I stay because my financial situation has made it impossible for me to make a move at this particular time. You see; if you live on a fixed income, as I do, it can be very difficult to save money.  Without savings, a move is not really in the cards.  So I stay until I can afford to leave.

 

Fortunately, there are places in the USA where people can live comfortably with a fixed income. You need to search for these types of places that meet your needs. Here are the best places to live in USA if on fixed income:

 

Boise, Idaho

 

Boise is the capital city of the northwestern U.S. state, Idaho. Also, known as the most populous city of Idaho, it has become a favorite living destination for people who live on a fixed income. This city is home to 227,000 people. Boise is one of the most vibrant yet growing cities in the state of Idaho.

 

Being a less expensive area compared to other big cities in the USA, many people on a fixed income prefer Boise.

 

With an attractive median home value of $299,300; this city makes a perfect choice for people who solely dependent on a fixed income. The home value has increased by around 13% during the last two years.

 

This city is one of the best places to live in the USA. As a buyer, you can take advantage of the cheap sale prices. Increasing home value also offers you excellent returns in the future. With a median household income of $54,547, Boise costs 8% lesser to live while making a comparison, with the national average.

 

All these aspects clearly suggest that the capital city of Idaho can be an affordable place for people who live on a fixed income. Authentic studies show that housing expenses are 12 lower compared to the national average. The utilities and groceries cost 14% and 10% lesser respectively.

 

The transportation expenses are a bit higher compared to the national average. You can also find a 3% increase in healthcare expenses. However, Boise is one of the cheapest places to live in the USA when all things are taken collectively.

 

Last but not the least, this city is often known as an outdoor playground for nature lovers. It is also immensely popular for its amazing beauty, diverse culture, great hospitality, and fine restaurants. Boise is a good living destination for shopping lovers.

 

Durham, North Carolina

 

The population of Durham is around 274,000 people. It is a fast-growing city in North Carolina, located in the southeastern region of the United States. The median home value in this city is $228,000.

 

As mentioned above, it is one of the rapidly growing cities in the state. The home value of this city is increasing at an average rate of 7.15% for the last two years. You can choose this city if you are looking for an affordable place to live on a fixed income.

 

Compared to other parts of the USA, the cost of living in Durham is 11% lower. The median listing price stands at $299,000. $226,200 is the median sale price in Durham.

 

These figures clearly suggest that Durham is a good choice when it comes to selecting the best places to live in US if on fixed income.

 

You can find the housing 27% less expensive compared to the national average. As far as the utilities are concerned, they are 13% cheaper than in the other parts of the country.

 

When it comes to paying for transportation, you have to 1% higher compared to the national average. The expenses for healthcare are on par with the national average. You can find these costs manageable with your fixed income.

 

You don’t need to worry about the hustle and bustle of city life if you choose Durham. This diverse city is a beautiful one with a larger area than many other cities in the USA. However, it makes you feel like a small town. If you enjoy cultural and arts-centered experiences, this city is a perfect choice.

 

Memphis, Tennessee

 

The approximate population of Memphis is 654,000. It is considered as one of the best places to live on a fixed income in the USA. Located on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, this city has a median home value of $85,900. The average growth rate of the home value in this place for the last two years is 3.7%.

 

With a median household income of $38,230, Memphis has become a favorite place for people who depend only on a fixed income. The cost of living is 17% cheaper compared to the national average.

 

In comparison, with the national averages, you can find the housing expenses 34% lower. The food and grocery costs are 9% cheaper. When it comes to transportation and healthcare costs, you can find these expenses 11% and 15% lower respectively compared to the national averages.

 

For utilities, you have to pay 3% more than the national average. When you consider all aspects and compare the cost savings in other parts of the country, Memphis is one of the best places to live in US if on a fixed income.

 

Memphis, Tennessee is always known as a culturally rich area. This diversity has a long history. The people are extremely friendly as well.

 

Augusta, Georgia

 

Around 197,000 people are living in Augusta, a well-known city in the State of Georgia. This city has a home value of $99,900. More than 50% of residents of this place own their homes. With a median household income of $39,258, Augusta attracts many people who live only on a fixed income. The living expenses in this city are 13% lower than in other parts of the country.

 

Compared to the national average, you can find the housing prices in Augusta 32% lower. The healthcare, groceries & transportation, and utility costs are cheaper by 7%, 5%, and 6% respectively.

 

These statistics convey that Augusta, Georgia is one of the most suitable places to live people who are reliant only on a fixed income.

 

The natives often talk about the charm of this beautiful city. According to them, the unique small-town vibe makes Augusta special and attracts numerous people. You can easily find many good places to shop and eat here. The people are highly friendly and hospitable as well.

 

Decatur, Alabama

 

Decatur is a city with a rich heritage and a promising future. The population of this city is approximately 56,000. With 62% owning their homes, this place comes with a median home value of $130,600. If you look at the median household income, the figure stands at $43,176.

 

Compared to the national average, the overall cost of living is 15% cheaper. If you want to save money on everything, you can choose Decatur.

 

Housing costs are 38% lower and the utility expenses are 2% cheaper than the national average. Other expenses such as healthcare, groceries, and transportation are also cheaper by 12%, 4%, and 12% respectively.

 

With a flourishing arts and entertainment community, Decatur provides the best ambiance for the residents. It is a beautiful small town that is home to unique restaurants. The hospitable nature of the people can be an added attraction.

A Good Real Estate Agent Can Find a Good Home

 

It can be a daunting task to find a suitable place to live on a fixed income. You need to conduct extensive research to find the best places in the USA.

 

These five cities are excellent choices to start your search. After having chosen a preferred location, you need to hire a reputed and experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the home purchase process.

 

Which Would You Choose, If You Could?

 

The ever-increasing cost of living forces many people to look for affordable places to live on a fixed income. It is necessary to do some research to find places that meet your unique needs.

 

If you look at various aspects of living expenses and compare different cities on the basis of the national averages, you can find that Boise, Durham, Memphis, Augusta, and Decatur are the best places to live in US if on fixed income.

 

When it comes to choosing a home at one of these places, you can seek the help of an experienced real estate agent.

 

 

Where are you living? Are you on a fixed income? Can you make ends meet? I would really like to hear your thoughts on this topic.  You may leave your thoughts and comments below and I will be happy to respond.

 

All the best,

Barbara

Founder/Creator:  Living On Lean Means 💰

livingonleanmeans.net

livingonleanmeans@gmail.com