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Your email address will not be published.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

  • reduce State Tax Refund Delays in 2026: Why Some Americans Are Still Waiting for Their Money
  • Social Security changes coming in 2024 IRS to Stop Mailing Checks: What Every American Needs to Do Before It's Too Late
  • tax-saving strategies Could a New Billionaire Tax Plan Mean $3,000 for You?
  • An adult daughter and elderly mother sharing a happy moment in a bright, modern kitchen. What Happens to Your Taxes When Mom or Dad Moves In?
  • A retired couple reviews a US map on a tablet while sitting on a scenic porch, symbolizing geographic retirement planning. Which States Rely on Social Security the Most - and the Least - in 2026?
  • A happy retired couple looking at a tablet in a bright, modern kitchen, representing Medicare financial planning. 18 Medicare Benefits That Won't Cost You a Dime
  • A group of well-dressed retirees enjoying happy hour drinks and appetizers at a sophisticated steakhouse bar. 10 Steakhouse Chains in America With the Best Happy Hour Deals
  • A senior couple shopping for fresh produce in a sunlit, modern grocery store. These 10 States Still Tax Groceries - Find Them Here!
  • A happy retired couple walking on a sunny coastal path during golden hour. 5 Warm-Weather Cities Where Retirement Costs Under $1,750
  • A senior couple looking concerned while reviewing financial information on a laptop in a sunlit kitchen. AI-Generated Tax Mistakes Everyone Should Know About

Newsletter

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

Related Articles

retire comfortably

Retire Comfortably as a Middle Class American in 5 Easy Ways

A woman in a blue cardigan enjoys a quiet moment in her bright home, reflecting…

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 →
retirement income tax

10 Types of Retirement Income and Their Taxes

It’s true that the best part of planning your retirement usually circles around traveling, rounds…

Read More →
Things Seniors Should Always Get from Costco

8 Things Seniors Should Always Get From Costco

The weekly Costco run is all about jam-packed parking lots, families loading carts with bulk…

Read More →
million

Retirement: How Far $1 Million Can Last You on The West Coast

So if you want to live in California, your money won’t last more than 13.83…

Read More →
identity

Has Your Identity Been Stolen? Here Are 9 Things You Need to Do ASAP

How to check to see if someone is using your Social Security number In reality,…

Read More →
downsides Biden

7 Downsides of Social Security People Aren’t Talking About

#2 Time related downside: It is not fully funded Unfortunately, the Social Security program is…

Read More →
money Ways to Make Extra Money in Retirement, reason, sign, reduce

7 Ways to Make Extra Money in Retirement

Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you want to stop working. You may want to…

Read More →
safe, moving money credit score home

8 Smart Ways to Make A Home Safe for a Retiree

A thoughtful senior woman reviews her notebook in a sunlit hallway, ensuring her home 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.