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GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years<\/strong> Trusted by<\/strong> Retiring on Social Security alone<\/a> is a tough ask in most of the U.S. The average monthly benefit for retired workers hovers around $2,000, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA)<\/a>, which doesn\u2019t go far in high-cost states like California or New York. <\/p>\n But in some parts of the country, lower housing, healthcare and everyday expenses make it possible for those benefits to cover more of the basics.\u00a0ChatGPT was asked to find the states where Social Security stretches the furthest<\/a>. Here\u2019s what it said.<\/p>\n West Virginia<\/p>\n According to ChatGPT, West Virginia tops the list for affordability in retirement.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cA retiree living on Social Security here will find that lower housing and healthcare costs allow benefits to cover more essentials compared to most other states,\u201d ChatGPT said. \u201cWhen paired with even modest savings<\/a>, retirement income in West Virginia can last the longest in the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n Using data from the SSA\u2019s Elder Index, AARP<\/a> reported that the average monthly retirement benefit in West Virginia is $1,898, while the cost of living is $2,165. Social Security won\u2019t cover everything, but it\u2019ll cover 87.7% of monthly expenses.<\/p>\n ChatGPT pointed out that this gap is small enough that many retirees may be able to manage with Social Security alone, especially in lower-cost areas and for homeowners with no mortgage.<\/p>\n Mississippi<\/p>\n \u201cA retiree living here will benefit from the state\u2019s very low housing costs, which are among the lowest in the country. That means Social Security checks can stretch further than in most other places,\u201d ChatGPT said.<\/p>\n Mississippi\u2019s housing costs are nearly 40% cheaper than the national average, according to the Mississippi Development Authority<\/a>. The average retirement benefit in the state is about $1,814, AARP found.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Kansas<\/p>\n \u201cIn Kansas, everyday costs like groceries and housing fall below the national average, creating more breathing room in a fixed-income budget<\/a>,\u201d explained ChatGPT.<\/p>\n The average retirement benefit is $2,055 in Kansas, which could cover anywhere from 67.3% to 95.9% of monthly basic expenses, according to the AARP report. How far it stretches depends on whether you have a mortgage, have paid it off or rent.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Oklahoma<\/p>\n \u201cWith its relatively low housing and grocery costs, plus the fact that Social Security isn\u2019t taxed at the state level, retirees can stretch their monthly checks more effectively here,\u201d ChatGPT said.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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