California is known for its beautiful weather, diversified culture, and stunning sights. However, it stands out as one of the most costly states to live in, particularly for retirees who rely on social security for their principal income. The average monthly benefit for a retired worker in 2024 is $1,790.56, which equates to $3,581.12 per month for a couple¹. Nonetheless, the cost of living in California varies greatly depending on geography, housing, and lifestyle preferences.
Fortunately, several large towns in California provide relatively reasonable and comfortable living options for retirees on a tight budget. These communities, with at least 50,000 residents and a livability score of 65 or higher, consider amenities, crime, education, employment, housing, and weather². Additionally, they keep their monthly essentials cost per couple within $3,581.12, which includes rent, groceries, healthcare, and utilities³. The top seven big cities in California for living completely on a social security check are shown below, in order of lowest to highest monthly requirements cost.
7. Redding
In 2024, the average monthly rent is $1,608, with monthly grocery costs of $387.67, $587.01 for healthcare, $318.91 for utilities, and $2,901.59 for necessities. The livability score is 75.
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Redding, the largest city in the Shasta Cascade region, is located in the northern section of the state and is surrounded by natural beauties, such as the Sacramento River, Mount Shasta, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Redding has a moderate temperature, a high graduation rate, and a thriving downtown. It also has a varied range of outdoor activities. Notably, it claims the lowest monthly rent and utility costs among the seven cities on this list.
6. Chico
In 2024, the average monthly rent is $1,688, with monthly grocery costs of $389.37, $587.01 for healthcare, $345.37 for utilities, and $3,010.12 for necessities. The livability score is 72.
Chico, the most populous city in Butte County and located in the Sacramento Valley, radiates a youthful and active vibe because to the presence of California State University, Chico. Chico, with its rich cultural past, landmarks, and lively arts scene, has a warm and sunny environment, a low crime rate, a high graduation rate, and a moderate unemployment rate. It claims to have the second-lowest monthly rent and basics cost among the seven cities on this list.
5. Hanford
In 2024, the average monthly rent is $1,708, with monthly grocery costs of $391.61, $587.01 for healthcare, $365.96 for utilities, and $3,052.58 for necessities. The livability score is 73.
Hanford, the county seat of Kings County in the San Joaquin Valley, is well-known for its historic downtown and agricultural legacy. With attractions such as the Hanford Carnegie Museum and a temperate climate, Hanford has a modest crime rate, graduation rate, and unemployment rate. It claims to have the third-lowest monthly rent and basics cost of the seven cities on this list.
4. Visalia
Livability Score: 71 (2024). The average monthly rent is $1,728. Monthly grocery costs per couple are $393.85, $587.01 for healthcare, $365.96 for utilities, and $3,074.82 for necessities.
Visalia, the county seat of Tulare County, is located in the San Joaquin Valley and serves as the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Visalia, with its flourishing downtown and cultural amenities, has a moderate climate, crime rate, graduation rate, and unemployment rate. It claims to have the fourth-lowest monthly rent and basics cost among the seven cities on this list.
3. South Gate
In 2024, the average monthly rent is $1,798. Monthly expenses include $381.12 for groceries, $507.92 for healthcare, $318.91 for utilities, and $3,005.95 for necessities. The livability score is 65.
The Gateway Cities region includes South Gate, which is located in Los Angeles County in the state’s south. South Gate, with its diversified population and various parks, has a warm climate, a high crime rate, a poor graduation rate, and a high unemployment rate. It boasts the lowest monthly grocery, healthcare, and utility prices of the seven cities on our list.
2. Bellflower
In 2024, the average monthly rent is $1,928, with monthly grocery costs of $381.12, $507.92 for healthcare, $318.91 for utilities, and $3,136.85 for necessities. The livability score is 65.
Bellflower, in Los Angeles County, is near to South Gate and shares many of its traits, such as a diverse population and abundant parks. With a warm environment, a high crime rate, a low graduation rate, and a high unemployment rate, Bellflower has the same grocery, healthcare, and utility expenditures as South Gate, but a higher monthly rent.
1. Turlock
Livability Score: 66 (2024) Average monthly rent is $1,945.
Monthly expenses per couple include $391.61 for groceries, $587.01 for healthcare, $345.37 for utilities, and $3,268.99 for necessities.
Turlock, the second-largest city in Stanislaus County in northern California, with a thriving agricultural industry and a vibrant downtown. Turlock, with attractions such as the Carnegie Arts Center and a hot temperature, has a low crime rate, a high graduation rate, and a moderate unemployment rate. It claims the highest monthly rent and need costs of the seven cities on this list.
Conclusion
Retirement in California exclusively on a social security check may appear difficult, but it is possible. Certain major cities in the state provide a comfortable and pleasurable lifestyle for retirees on a tight budget, with a livability score of 65 or better and a monthly needs cost per couple below.