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Your email address will not be published.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

sunny weather

Top 10 Warm Weather Places to Retire in America

Living in a city where there’s always sunny has lots of benefits for your health.…

Read More →
us cities that are expensive for retirees

9 US Cities That Are Way Too Expensive For Retirees

Retirees frequently choose year-round sunny weather and stunning landscapes when choosing a retirement place. US…

Read More →
Peaceful Adult-Only Resort retire

5 Peaceful Adult-Only Resorts for Seniors Who Want Peace and Quiet

Experience pure serenity while lounging in a private cabana beside a sparkling infinity pool overlooking…

Read More →
utility bill scam number

8 Ways to Avoid Utility Bill Scams

A senior woman in a blue cardigan uses a magnifying glass to inspect her bill…

Read More →
benefits

YES, You Should Claim Social Security Benefits – Here’s How

We all know that claiming Social Security benefits at the right time means you will…

Read More →
social security mistakes

5 Social Security Mistakes That Reduce Your Payments

Are you making these Social Security mistakes too? Whether you rely on Social Security to…

Read More →
Costa Rica

Costa Rica: 5 Enchanting Reasons Retirees Should Move Here

A smiling woman treks across a suspension bridge, surrounded by the lush greenery and golden…

Read More →
seniors

Seniors Can Unlock These Great 10 Perks in Any State!

A happy senior couple smiles while reviewing their retirement plans on a tablet in their…

Read More →
beach

Top 4 Beach Towns to Retire: Sun, Surf, Relaxation

Relaxed lifestyle Beach towns generally have a much slower, relaxed pace of life that could…

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.