Retirees Can Live On Social Security Alone In This Rural Pennsylvania Town Just Minutes From Downtown Pittsburgh

Are you looking to retire soon, and if so, did you save up for your golden years post-full time career? If the answer to those questions is both yes and no — in that order — then there's a place you might want to consider enjoying your retirement where you won't have to sweat about making ends meet. Millvale, Pennsylvania can be added to the list of American cities where retirees can live on Social Security alone.

Not far from downtown Pittsburgh, Millvale boasts a fairly low cost of living, and a decent amount of older adults to share a community with. In fact, GOBankingRates found that residents 65 years of age or older make up about 14.1% of the population, while the total annual cost of living comes to about $30,900 each year. If you are worried about Social Security being your only form of income during retirement, it could be worth investigating Millvale as a potential new home complete with a built in community of older adults who can introduce you to all that the town has to offer.

$100 in Pennsylvania has some unexpected value, making it one of the few places in the United States where you can live comfortably and affordably because your money goes further. This applies to housing as well. As of May 2025, Zillow listed the average home price in Millvale at $131,036, having gone up 5.2% since the year prior. However, this is still hundreds of thousands of dollars below the United States overall housing median, which was $367,969 in May 2025. 

Retirees looking to use some of their Social Security money to pay rent will find that, according to Payscale, the average renter in Millvale pays about $938 each month, helping to keep the cost of housing in Millvale 40% lower than the rest of the country. U.S. News and World Report also compiled a list of the six best assisted living facilities in Millvale, conducting surveys from retired residents in all 74 senior living communities within the city limits, based on value, safety, meals, and caregiving.

It is important to understand exactly how your Social Security retirement benefits are going to work, so you can be aware of just how much money you'll be able to spend on activities in your golden years. Luckily, for those who retire to Millvale, there is plenty to do, even if you are watching your bank account closely.

Visit Pittsburgh noted that Millvale is a neighborhood filled with great food, local stores, and plenty of entertainment options. Events like the Millvale Music Festival and Millvale Days Festival are perfect options for retirees on Social Security to take in the sights and sounds of their city without having to pay an exorbitant entry fee. Riverfront Park is another great option for free things to do outside, including biking, hiking, and picnicking with friends and family. In short, Millvale is the ideal place to live for anyone looking for a place with a low cost of living that's still close to a big city.