A nationwide map paints a sobering picture for retirees relying on Social Security. While the program remains the main source of income for millions of older Americans, new data shows that in most states, benefits no longer cover the basic cost of living. For those aging on a fixed income, where you live could define whether your check is enough, or whether you’ll fall thousands short each year.
The analysis, conducted by Realtor.com, compared average Social Security benefits in every state with the Elder Economic Security Standard Index, a measure of what it takes for older adults to afford essentials like housing, food, and health care. The results are striking: only 10 states still allow retirees to live on benefits alone. Everywhere else, expenses outpace income, sometimes by staggering margins.
The hardest states to live on Social Security
The map shows the steepest financial strain along the East Coast and in parts of New England, where retirees face major shortfalls due to high housing costs, property taxes, and insurance rates. Even for those who own their homes outright, costs of homeownership—utilities, maintenance, and taxes—have climbed sharply in recent years, rising about 26 percent in the past five.
Vermont ranks as the most difficult state to live on Social Security alone. There, retirees face an average annual gap of more than $8,000, with monthly expenses reaching $2,628 against benefits of just $1,954. That means older residents are falling behind by nearly $700 every month just to cover basic needs.
Close behind are New Jersey and Massachusetts, where retirees face yearly deficits of about $7,500 and $7,300, respectively. In both states, high property taxes and housing costs—often topping $1,000 per month—eat up much of the typical benefit before groceries or health care even come into play.
New York and New Hampshire also rank among the toughest places to retire on Social Security. In New York, seniors face a shortfall of about $7,200 a year, while in New Hampshire, the gap exceeds $6,500. Both states have strong economies and desirable amenities, but for those on fixed incomes, affordability remains out of reach.
These findings highlight a growing divide between retirees who can supplement their benefits with savings or part-time work and those who can’t. According to data from The Senior Citizens League, nearly 40 percent of retirees depend entirely on Social Security, and three-quarters rely on it for at least half their income. For many in high-cost states, that reality leaves little room for comfort or financial stability.
The states where Social Security is enough
Not all the news is grim. The same map highlights 10 states where Social Security benefits are still enough to cover basic expenses, at least for retirees without a mortgage. Delaware leads the list, where median benefits of about $2,139 exceed monthly costs by roughly $150, giving retirees a modest annual cushion.
Indiana, Arizona, and Utah follow, with lower housing costs—typically around $500 a month—helping stretch average benefits close to $2,000. South Carolina, West Virginia, Alabama, Nevada, Tennessee, and Michigan round out the list, each offering retirees a small but positive budget balance.
These states share one key advantage: affordable housing. In places where the typical homeowner spends less than a third of their income on shelter, Social Security can still provide a stable, if modest, retirement. But even in these areas, rising costs threaten that balance.