Indiana can’t match Florida’s year-round warm weather, South Carolina’s beaches or Arizona’s desert vistas. In terms of affordability, however, the Hoosier State makes a strong case as a retirement destination. A recent GOBankingRates study found numerous Indiana cities well within financial reach for most retiring couples, even if they plan to get by on Social Security alone.
The average Social Security check for a retired worker in 2026 is estimated to be around $2,071 per month, reflecting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) from 2025. The study has determined the top seven Indiana cities with an average overall cost of living within that framework, including the consideration of factors such as monthly expenses and healthcare costs.
