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10 Worst States to Live on Just a Social Security Check

December 20, 2022 · Personal Finance
Massachusetts
Photo by Sean Pavone from Shutterstock

4. Massachusetts

  • Cost-of-living index: 135.0
  • Average one-bedroom rent (January 2022): $1,385

Beautiful New England foliage, the Islands, the impossible-to-replicate Boston accent, and elite schools like Harvard are all things that come to mind when you think of Massachusetts. But retirees who live there on just a Social Security check may tell you how difficult it is to stay afloat.

Unfortunately, living there is not inexpensive. Residents of only four states are dealing with higher housing costs than those who call Massachusetts home. Basically, pretty much everything costs more than the national average in the New England state, with not just housing, but healthcare and groceries being especially pricey.

And though the average household income for retirees is high, taxes can significantly reduce those earnings.

Keep reading to discover the top 3 worst states to live on just a Social Security check!

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52 comments on “10 Worst States to Live on Just a Social Security Check”

  1. Ed Dale says:
    January 7, 2026 at 9:39 am

    I left Taxachusetts 50 years ago. Moved to Alaska!!!! Best thing I ever did. No personal State income tax!!! No State sales tax. Yes it gets cold and dark in winter. But summers are beautiful. Warmth and all the sunlight. It’s home!!!!!! HOME is where you make it. Playing golf at midnight is awesome!!! Each year eligible citizens get a Permanent Fund Dividend check from the State from the oil revenues received from oil revenue taxes. But the best part is the beauty of it all. Hunting, fishing, scenery, the people. It’s just different from the Lower 48!!!!!

    Reply
  2. LINDA STEPHENS says:
    February 3, 2025 at 1:41 am

    That isn’t a picture of Washington. That is Washington, DC. Duh???

    Reply
  3. Betty says:
    February 2, 2025 at 2:33 pm

    You forgot Texas. Even the winter Texans commented on how higher prices are, then at home.

    Reply
  4. Shelly Weger says:
    January 7, 2025 at 2:46 am

    Take me off the Lists!

    Reply
  5. Robert Morris says:
    January 6, 2025 at 9:00 pm

    By the way, Washington D.C. is not in the state of Washington. The Washington Monument shown in the picture is in Washington D.C.

    Reply
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