5. Topeka, Kansas
- Average 1-bedroom rent (2022): $704
- Cost of living index: 79
- Livability score: 61
Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, two hours northeast of Wichita is known for its spectacular garden areas full of flowers. It is also close to Kansas City, Missouri. This city has one of the lowest costs of living — surprisingly, you can expect to spend only 79 cents for every national dollar.
However, if you compare Topeka to other cities in this list, it’s smack in the middle. When it comes to housing costs, rent is one of the lowest you can find on this list, which means you won’t have any trouble living on just your monthly Social Security check.
There are quite a number of folks in the upper Midwest that enjoy the seasons that provide the variety and beauty it is famous for. Even winter has beauty. If you want, like so many choose, you can leave the cold behind for a few weeks or months, and find a sweeter spot to live. As for tornadoes, it seems other parts of the U.S. have been more affected than N.D. or MN. So, I think that concern is limited. As for heart attacks, you were very likely a candidate before shovelling snow, it was only brought about sooner. As humans, we can find ways to adapt, and we must use the resources available to us for that purpose.
Not a grumpy old folk however cold and bad weather and dinky old run down apartments may not be what most retirees want ! U just keep on living and don’t judge happy Seniors!
no thanks – came from the mid-west – – way toooo cold, and too much crime. some of the very cities mentioned are the very cities that appear on cop shows regularly and it’s due to the criminal activity. we’ve migrated to south Texas – – yes, it’s hot this year, but sure beats the cold winters up north. cost of almost everything – rent, groceries, gas – are much more reasonable down here and crimes are not so “random” – mostly between family members or groups. as for immigration – heck they head north asap. they don’t want to hang around down here. we’re lov’in it down here and best of all, feel safe.
Whole-Lee-Smokes**!!
A majority of the people in THIS comment section are giving rise to the stereotype “grumpy old folks”
L Ö L
**not gonna break
Commandment III
Apartments are cheaper in Detroit, Michigan
Too cold for too long, stuck inside. If you live alone that is the worst with the grey skies and snow.. People have heart attacks shoveling snow. What is the point of living if you live like that? I bet the suicide rate is high.
Sorry, notinterested in living in the Midwest. No thanks to super cold weather, flooding or tornadoes!
Most of these look like they’re in tornado zones.
OK, but who wants to live in Kansas or North Dakota?? Fishing and canoeing in Williston, ND? What, for maybe 4 months of the year?
You do not mention anything about utilities. North Dakota gets very cold in the winter. What are the cost of utilities in this town during winter. Can a person on SSI still be able to live afford to there?