Your golden years are your best years! Make them shine!

  • Home
  • Personal Finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

10 Worst States to Live on Social Security Check Alone

October 17, 2022 · Enjoying Retirement
social security
Photo by f11photo from Shutterstock

#2 California

Despite its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, the Golden State loses its appeal when it comes to pricing.

The state is expensive to live in, not only in terms of housing but also health care and in-home services. California also taxes retirees on all income from retirement funds and pensions (excluding Social Security), and sales taxes are pretty high.

California has gained a reputation as a high-cost, high-tax retirement paradise, with a housing index above 200 and well above expenses in every major cost-of-living category.

Actually, California’s typical price for a single-family house is $898,980, which is greater than the national average ($374,900).

The state has one of the highest rates of elder abuse, severe neglect, and exploitation allegations, as well as a higher-than-average crime rate.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • A retired couple walking in a coastal park at sunset. 12 US Cities Where You Can Retire for $2K a Month and Enjoy All 4 Seasons
  • Tax Cut state New $6,000 Senior Tax Deduction: How Much You Could Save in 2025–2028
  • Tax Refund New Court Ruling Could Mean IRS Refunds for Pandemic Tax Penalties (2020–2023)
  • A contemplative retiree sitting on a porch during sunrise, reflecting on his new life stage. Mental Health in Retirement: Why Depression Spikes After Leaving Work (and How to Fight It)
  • A happy senior couple enjoying the view from their new modern apartment balcony at sunset. How to Downsize Smartly: Selling the Family Home and What to Do With the Money
  • A healthy senior couple walking outdoors on a sunny day, representing vitality and retirement wellness. GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy) for Seniors: Benefits and Risks
  • An active senior couple walking through a modern, sunlit retirement community clubhouse. Best Senior Living Communities in America: What to Look For in 2027
  • A senior couple looking at a tablet in a bright living room, symbolizing retirement planning clarity. The SECURE Act 2.0 Explained: How New Retirement Rules Affect Seniors
  • An active senior woman wearing a stylish smartwatch in a sunny garden. Best Wearable Health Devices for Seniors: Beyond the Apple Watch
  • A senior woman looking calmly at her smartphone in a bright, modern living room. How Seniors Can Protect Themselves From the Latest AI-Powered Scams

Newsletter

Get retirement tips and senior living advice delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

countries to retire to

10 Best Countries to Retire Where $150K Is More Than Enough

Best Countries to Retire to For most of us, thinking of retirement seems intimidating and…

Read More →
happy retirement, retirement investment

The 6 Ps That Unlock a Happy Retirement, According to Experts

Active retirees and their dog share laughter and support while exploring the sun-drenched shoreline during…

Read More →
places

12 Places Where Retirees Can Have Fun in NY

Are you retired now and the place you lived in for so many years seems…

Read More →
pay holiday Biden

14 Things That Were Once Free but You Now Pay for

If something tells you that you are being nickel-and-dimed by the majority of businesses these…

Read More →
budget home

Budget Retirement? In These 10 States You Can Get By on 45k a Year

#9 West Virginia West Virginia came in after Indiana, but not by a big margin,…

Read More →
retirement savings

Are Your Retirement Savings On Track? Here Are 8 Tips

A smiling senior woman reviews her retirement progress on a tablet while relaxing in her…

Read More →
401(k)

Got a 401(k) Plan? Here’s How You CAN and CAN’T Take Advantage of It

Can’t: Invest Beyond the Parameters of the Plan One of the main disadvantages of a…

Read More →
best southeast cities for retirees

The 4 Best Southeast Cities for Retirees

Now let’s get into the financial aspects and discuss what you can do when you…

Read More →
Beach House

6 Most Inexpensive Beach Houses for Seniors in America

Buy A Beach House In: Ocean Springs, Mississippi Average Home List Price: $163,948 This is…

Read More →
Retired in USA

Your golden years are your best years! Make them shine!

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@ineditagency.com

Trust & Legal

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do not sell my personal information
  • Subscribe
  • Unsubscribe
  • Contact
  • CA Privacy Policy
  • Request to Know
  • Request to Delete

Categories

  • Enjoying Retirement
  • Personal Finance
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in USA. All rights reserved.