15 Best Places in Montana for A Couple to Live On Only Social Security

Published on May 10, 2024 at 9:32 pm by Ghazal Ahmed in Lists, News, Retirement

This article takes a look at the 15 best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on “Un-retiring” and choosing the Big Sky Country, you may go to 5 Best Places in Montana for A Couple to Live On Only Social Security.

On “Unretiring”

It is no secret that the retirement landscape for today’s retirees has drastically changed. Changing retirement realities indicate that seniors no longer have the luxury of retiring to their dream abode at a predetermined age. In fact, a recent survey conducted by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG) reveals that 44% of US retirees or former retirees have either returned or are considering returning to work. Moreover, 64% of those who haven’t yet retired are considering or have already taken action toward a retirement delay.

“Many retirees either choose to work or need work to be included in their retirement lifestyle. The decision can have many powerful positive effects, not least of which is financial well-being.”

– Judith Ward, CFP®, a thought leadership director at T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW).

The primary concern for retirees today is how inflation is lessening the value of their savings and how rising prices have been making it difficult for them to save altogether. A retirement study by Schroders, an asset management company, reveals how only 44% of Americans believe they have saved enough for retirement. The more pressing revelation, however, is that 24% of respondents are “unsure” and 32% are convinced that they do not have adequate savings. 89% of the respondents in the Schroders 2024 US Retirement Survey are also concerned that inflation has lessened the value of their assets, 85% are worried about the higher-than-expected healthcare costs, while 76% fear that a major market downturn may significantly reduce their assets.

“Whether it’s a trip to the gas station, grocery store, or pharmacy, prices in the U.S. have increased noticeably in recent years, and that is particularly challenging for retirees living on fixed income sources”.

– Deb Boyden, Head of U.S. Defined Contribution at Schroders

What we gather from these findings is simple: retirees have little to their names and are scared for their future. A study by T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) affirms this notion, stating that 64% of baby boomers have moderate to high levels of stress regarding their retirement savings. Sadly, the T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) study also reveals how more than 38% of these respondents over 50 don’t have enough money saved, the most prominent obstacle towards their journey in starting retirement planning.

“Amid inflation, changing workforce dynamics post-COVID, and overall generational shifts, Americans are rethinking retirement and extending their time working or, for some retirees, unretiring altogether

-Chris Blunt, President & CEO of F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG)

Choosing The Big Sky Country

Whether it’s BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK), F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG), or T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW), findings revolving around retirement paint a picture that is more or less the same. Many retirees are in turn choosing a new kind of retirement, the kind where they receive their Social Security checks and work either part, or full-time. Retirement settings like these are increasingly helping retirees settle down to their dream destinations or places where they can be close to friends and family. In turn, sound financial planning and adequate homework can even help them retire to places on their Social Security checks. Yes, it is possible to live on just Social Security, provided you’ve done your homework.

For couples who are solely reliant on their social security checks, some of the best states to retire on Social Security include Mississippi, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Iowa. These states offer the best combination of tax-friendliness and cost of living, which is why it’s easier to survive on a smaller retirement income. You can live comfortably on your Social Security checks in most cities and towns of these states, stretching your retirement income even further.

While the above are all promising options to choose for a sound retirement, not everyone has the heart or resources to move to these states. In turn, they choose to retire to where they’ve lived their entire lives, a process known as “Aging in Place”. One such state many retirees are choosing for their retirement is that of Montana. In our previous study, Montana came at number 17 in our list of worst states to retire for cost of living and taxes. While the cost of living isn’t that crazy high in the state, a mere 3% higher than the national average, it is the taxes that are one of the cons of retiring to Montana. The moderately tax-friendly state of Montana is one of the few states that still tax Social Security in 2024.

However, retiring to Montana isn’t all bad news. The Treasure State is one of the few states that doesn’t have a general sales tax. Other pros of retiring to Montana include its natural beauty, featuring breathtaking landscapes, forests, and national parks. Retirees who wish to lead active lives will love it here for the countless recreational activities it offers them. The state is also regarded for its good quality healthcare, an important prerequisite for retirees when choosing a destination to settle.

All in all, many retirees live quite happily in the state of Montana and are making it work. If you have a small retirement income and wish to live here, continue reading to find out some of the best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security.

Pixabay/Public Domain

Methodology

To compile the list of best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security, we have used several lists of our own including best places to retire in Montana, external sources such as Movoto and World Atlas, and forums such as Reddit and Quora. A consensus approach was used to list down all the best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security. Next, these places were ranked on their cost of living index, livability scores, average rents (2 bedrooms), and median home prices. Livability scores have been taken from Area Vibes, rents are from Zillow and Zumper, while home prices are from Redfin and Realtor. Places were scored and summed up to generate a unique Insider Monkey score. The top 15 places are presented below.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Here are the best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security:

15. Townsend

Insider Monkey Score: 12

IM Cost of Living Index: 96.1

Livability Score: 72

Average Rent: $1,719

Median Home Price: $645,000

The welcoming community of Townsend offers retirees a cost of living 3.9% lower than the national average. While home values are expensive, seniors living on their Social Security checks can choose to rent here.

14. Troy

Insider Monkey Score: 18

IM Cost of Living Index: 91.5

Livability Score: 65

Average Rent: $1,322

Median Home Price: $589,000

Troy isn’t just a retiree-favorite for its affordability, but also entices retirees with its scenic beauty. This hidden gem is located in proximity to the Kootenai River and surrounding natural forests, offering everything from fly fishing to camping for seniors.

13. Helena

Insider Monkey Score: 26

IM Cost of Living Index: 98.6

Livability Score: 80

Average Rent: $1,116

Median Home Price: $625,000

Next on our list of best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security is Helena. Helena offers retirees a good quality of life owing to its low population density, laid-back atmosphere, and affordable cost of living.

12. Billings

Insider Monkey Score: 27

IM Cost of Living Index: 95.8

Livability Score: 77

Average Rent: $1,356

Median Home Price: $454,900

Situated in southern Montana on the Yellowstone River, Billings is best known for its good quality healthcare system, affordable cost of living, and access to recreational areas in proximity.

11. Big Timber

Insider Monkey Score: 29

IM Cost of Living Index: 92.4

Livability Score: 78

Average Rent: $1,400

Median Home Price: $587,000

This senior-friendly town is one of the most affordable places to retire in Montana. Seniors can explore the historic Crazy Mountain Museum or unwind amidst the natural beauty of Natural Bridge Falls.

10. Dillon

Insider Monkey Score: 31

IM Cost of Living Index: 87.0

Livability Score: 70

Average Rent: $1,041

Median Home Price: $469,000

Also featured on our list of best places to retire in Montana, Dillon is the ideal place for seniors looking to live a laid-back, slow-paced life.

9. Lewistown

Insider Monkey Score: 34

IM Cost of Living Index: 84.5

Livability Score: 67

Average Rent: $918

Median Home Price: $589,000

Next on our list of best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security is the agricultural community of Lewistown. Living in Lewistown means having access to mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams that offer abundant activities for seniors.

8. Libby

Insider Monkey Score: 36

IM Cost of Living Index: 92.0

Livability Score: 73

Average Rent: $950

Median Home Price: $368,000

Huddled in the heart of the Kootenai National Forest, having the Kootenai River running through it, the city of Libby is another sight for sore eyes. Couples can manage to live on their Social Security checks due to its affordable rents and cost of living.

7. Havre

Insider Monkey Score: 44

IM Cost of Living Index: 86.4

Livability Score: 71

Average Rent: $804

Median Home Price: $295,000

This Montana gem has been nicknamed the crown jewel of the Hi-Line. Serving as its gateway, seniors love Havre for its mountains and plains, and all the year-round activities they bring along.

6. Roundup

Insider Monkey Score: 44

Cost of Living Index: 86.1

Livability Score: 74

Average Rent: $900

Median Home Price: $385,000

This city in Musselshell County is a close-knit community offering numerous recreational activities for seniors. The cost of living here is 13.9% lower than the national average, placing it at number six on our list of best places in Montana for a couple to live on only Social Security.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Places in Montana for A Couple to Live On Only Social Security.

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Published on May 1, 2024 at by Inan Dogan, PhD

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