This U.S. Retirement Spot Is Just as Affordable as Mexico and Portugal

Moving abroad for retirement garners a lot of hype. And sure, there’s plenty to love about expanding your horizons in your golden years by moving to a new country. However, there are plenty of other fantastic spots to consider right in the U.S. — especially if the cost of living is a determining factor of where you live out your retirement. 

U.S. News and World Report recently shared its analysis of more than 150 of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation to determine which presents itself as the best and most affordable option for retirees. According to the publication’s methodology, it factored in data on housing, happiness, the desirability of a destination, taxes for retirees, the job market for retirees who aren’t quite ready to give up work just yet, and access to health care. 

After looking at all the data, it named Youngstown, Ohio, the most affordable spot. The city also ranked highly in its overall 2024 Best Places to Retire ranking. 

“Youngstown is located within about an hour’s drive of both Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and it also marks the midpoint between New York City and Chicago,” U.S. News and World Report shared. “Retirees might enjoy a stroll through Mill Creek Park, which has two golf courses that provide discount rates to seniors and a ‘Cinderella’ iron link bridge.”

It noted that a median-priced home in Youngstown is $137,546, while retirees can rent an apartment for a median price of $706 per month. (In comparison, GoBankingRates.com reports that the average rent in Mexico for a one-bedroom apartment is between $442 and $652, and monthly rent in Portugal is around $862.

But it’s not the only great place to consider. Coming in second is Hickory, North Carolina, a spot with more than 100 miles of shoreline for retirees to explore on foot or by boat, along with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not to mention the fact that Hickory’s median home price is just $219,950, and the median rent is $743 per month.

Other destinations that U.S. News and World Report found to be the most affordable include Springfield, Missouri; Brownsville, Texas; Huntington, West Virginia; and Ashland, Kentucky and Ashland, Ohio, tied for fifth.

See all the other destinations where you can retire around the U.S. that are just as affordable as moving abroad at realestate.usnews.com.