Rising prices have a lot of us rethinking retirement. Even folks who saved diligently are wondering if they can actually afford to stop working. And if your savings are thin (or nonexistent), the question feels even harder.
But here is something worth knowing. GoBankingRates put together a list of the most affordable places in the country for retirees who haven’t been able to save much. One town came out on top.
Mountain Home, Arkansas
In Mountain Home, Arkansas, the average cost of living runs about $19,446.91 a year. That number matters a lot when you put it next to what Social Security actually pays.
As of January 2026, the average Social Security recipient gets $2,071 a month, according to the Social Security Administration. That works out to $24,852 a year. Subtract the cost of living in Mountain Home, and you are left with roughly $5,405 to spare. That is money you could save, invest, or simply enjoy.
Why the Numbers Work Here
Housing is a big part of the story. Zillow puts the average home value in Mountain Home at $234,815 as of April 30, 2026. That is nearly half the national average.
Property taxes are also low, just 0.53 percent, according to GoBankingRates. Groceries run about $4,729.32 a year. Utilities come to roughly $4,164.87 per year. Both are well below what most parts of the country charge.
And you would not be the only retiree there. About 29.9 percent of Mountain Home’s population is 65 or older. That is a community that understands where you are in life.
Other Affordable Towns That Made the List
Mountain Home is not the only option. GoBankingRates also flagged several other towns where retirees with little or no savings can make ends meet comfortably:
- Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
- Bella Vista, Arkansas
- The Villages, Florida
- Green Valley, Arizona
- Foley, Alabama
- Punta Gorda, Florida
If you have been wondering whether retirement is still within reach, these numbers suggest it just might be, you may simply need to think about where you plant your feet.