Retirees Can Live On Social Security Alone In This Pennsylvania Town Just 7 Miles From Pittsburgh

If you are retired or close to retiring, you might have your sights set on living somewhere like Miami, Phoenix, or another metro with a reputation for attracting those who have permanently said goodbye to the workforce. No offense to any of those cities — each has a lot to offer, but perhaps lacks when it comes to cost of living. If you are fond of the East Coast and want a slice of Americana that blends country and city life together, check out Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Not only is Homestead a cute little hamlet located just seven miles away from Pittsburgh, it is also a town where many retirees are able to make ends meet with only their Social Security benefits. Maybe you are like many Americans who fell behind on saving for retirement or are worried about your expenses that come with aging, which makes Homestead a great option to consider moving to as a retiree.

Retirees are able to live off of Social Security alone in cities like Homestead because of the ability to make their budget stretch. When it comes to the cost of living — including expenses like healthcare, transportation, and food – Best Places found that Homestead comes in 8.2% lower than the national average, with a single person being able to live on $2,767 a month.

In 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit payment is $1,976, meaning that if two retirees renting a home together combined their earnings each month they would have a budget of $3,952, giving them about $1,185 in budget flexibility by living in Homestead. Those looking to purchase a home instead of rent during retirement will also be pleased to find that the average housing cost in Homestead, according to Zillow, is a very affordable $85,990.

For retirees who are looking for a home with history that isn't too crowded or overwhelming, Homestead fits the bill. At just 0.6 square miles, Homestead was an integral part of the Steel Valley community for decades. Now that the steel mills are gone, the residents have filled the neighborhood streets with shops, restaurants, and community centers. Outdoor lovers will have plenty of hiking and exploring to do, as well as biking along part of the Great Allegheny Passage – a 150 mile path winding through the mountains of Pennsylvania to Maryland.

Though the population consists of only 2,885 residents according to the Census Reporter, nearly a third are 65 years of age or older, meaning that retirees can find company in neighbors their own age. Like Lewisburg, a Pennsylvania college town that's affordable for retirees, those living off Social Security as their primary source of income will find that in Homestead they are able to meet their needs and be in good company with other retired professionals in a similar financial situation.