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!
6 Responses
I would think Pennsylvania should be listed as 1 of the worst states to live in for retirees
PA living is reasonable away from the cities. There is no sales tax on groceries, clothing, shoes, and non prescription meds. Residents of adjacent states travel to PA to buy clothing, shoes, and other untaxed items. Eastern PA residents go to DE to buy other stuff since DE has no sales tax at all. School taxes are high for PA property owners statewide, especially near and in the cities. Really, school taxes should be frozen or reduced for seniors at age 65 but the state legislature “won’t go there”.
The EPA wrecked most heavy industry in PA for the last 54 years and PA has had difficulty recovering lost revenue from manufacturing but continues to spend regardless.
Comments about #3 New York zero in on NYC which is not the real New York. When it comes to New York State “go west young man, go west”. NYC is too expensive plus it’s a rat-infested pit. Go westward into New York and live a much better quality of life. Avoid NYC at all cost!
Western NY born, raised, and educated and lovin’ it.
You forgot IL
If your only source of income is Social Security and you don’t own a home think about a roommate and Medicare does not cover ALL MEDICAL Expenses I get billed for Dr visits
and the rents DON”T have to be that high, greedy landlords,
maybe if heat/ac and lights included