One Of The Best Places For Retirees Is An Affordable College Town Out West

According to the Social Security Administration, the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment gave just a 2.5% increase to beneficiaries — the smallest since 2021. That's about $50 extra a month for the average retiree. Meanwhile, groceries, insurance, and utilities keep going up. Things only get tougher for those living in the western region of the U.S. While the landscapes are stunning, so are the prices. Per Q1 2025 Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) data, many Western states fall on the expensive end when it comes to the cost of living index — California is 141.6, Washington is 112.0, and Oregon sits at 112.7. All of these are way above the national baseline of 100.

Luckily, neighboring Idaho is different, with the state's capitol, Boise, offering a place where retirees can actually afford to enjoy their golden years. A lot of this appeal comes from being a college town — with Boise State University students helping to keep local businesses competitive. Plus, C2ER puts Idaho's cost-of-living index at 102.0, just 2% over the national average. Meanwhile, RentCafe lists housing costs at just 1% above the national average, and utilities at 22% below the national average. What makes Boise stand out among other great college towns for retirees isn't just the city's manageable costs, but also Idaho's generous tax policies. The state doesn't tax Social Security benefits, according to SmartAsset, with income taxes staying flat at 5.69% as of 2025.

While major healthcare expenses can be significant in retirement, Boise has several options such as St. Luke's Health System and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center – offering everything from routine checkups to specialized care. Plus, RentCafe found that healthcare is about 2% cheaper in Idaho than the national average with an eye exam averaging $145.10, and a dental visit averaging around $102.77.

Boise also offers many opportunities for seniors wanting to stay active and social. According to the City of Boise's Summer 2024 Activity Guide, the Dick Eardley Senior Center charges just $2 per visit for drop-in activities including bridge, canasta, cribbage, mahjong, billiards, and fitness classes. Day trips through their Lifetime and Leisure program range from $5 for bocce games to around $24 for miniature golf. They also do weekday lunches via Meals on Wheels for a $5 suggested donation if you're 60 and over.

Saving money on necessities is also easier in Boise with local grocery stores, like competitive WinCo, offering reasonable prices on items like milk ($4.75 per gallon), eggs ($3.63 per dozen), and bread ($3.18 per loaf). Plus, another benefit of being a college town is that the restaurant scene offers a wide variety of options with high competition helping to keep prices down.