10 Alaska Cities Where You Can Live on Nothing but Social Security Roxana LoomesNovember 30, 2025 at 8:33 PM 0 If your retirement budget is restricted to your Social Security benefits or roughly $2,008 per month on average, you may think of Alaska as an outofreach dream destination. Still, as long as you steer clear of expensive locations like Anchorage or Juneau, this modest monthly check can easily let you enjoy the rugged beauty of lesserknown cities in the Last Frontier.
- - 10 Alaska Cities Where You Can Live on Nothing but Social Security
Roxana LoomesNovember 30, 2025 at 8:33 PM
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If your retirement budget is restricted to your Social Security benefits or roughly $2,008 per month on average, you may think of Alaska as an out-of-reach dream destination. Still, as long as you steer clear of expensive locations like Anchorage or Juneau, this modest monthly check can easily let you enjoy the rugged beauty of lesser-known cities in the Last Frontier.
To stretch your retirement dollars further, check out one of these 10 Alaskan cities that offer peace, nature, and an affordable lifestyle, even on a tight budget.
Editor's note: Home prices are taken from Apartments.com and Zillow.
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1. Sitka
sitka
Sherman Thomas/Adobe
Median home price: $697,500
Median rent: $1,143
Moving to Alaska is synonymous with living close to nature, and there's no better place to experience the Great Outdoors than Sitka. Its milder climate and location in the mountains of Southeast Alaska ensure there will be no shortage of outdoor activities that healthy seniors can enjoy.
While home prices are on the higher end in Sitka, renting is surprisingly affordable. Pair this with low property crime, and you have a must-see destination for your retirement.
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2. Wrangell
alaskas oldest and most historic island towns
bummi100/Adobe
Median home price: $375,000
Median rent: $1,949
Wrangell is a safe, beautiful, and affordable Alaskan city that promises seniors a comfortable, semi-rural life. This town's quaint, history-rich look is a throwback to its fishing and logging past.
It's the best spot in Alaska to fish for your favorite seafood, in addition to trying out one of the world-class restaurants nestled in the old, charming wooden buildings all over downtown.
3. Palmer
alaska during summer
Jacob/Adobe
Median home price: $514,900
Median rent: $1,950
Living in Palmer will give you access to the beautiful shoreline of the Alaska coast. Located in the Anchorage Metro Area, this town has big-city amenities and an incredible natural setting.
More importantly, its housing costs are affordable, unlike in Anchorage proper. Pick Palmer as your new home to take advantage of its excellent health care facilities and public transportation.
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4. Wasilla
alaska during the summer
Jacob/Adobe
Median home price: $406,421
Median rent: $1,900
Wasilla is another affordable city in the Anchorage Metro Area. It's an ideal spot for seniors who want to learn more about their new home, with places like the Iditarod Museum, where Alaska's history shines in a beautiful coastal setting.
While winters in Wasilla can be harsh, the city makes up for it with its amenities and festivals like the Annual Winter Carnival, which lifts the mood during the dark, cold season.
5. Kenai
welcome to alaskas kenai peninsula
Caleb Foster/Adobe
Median home price: $305,340
Median rent: $1,865
Kenai doesn't just offer seniors the opportunity to save on housing costs. It also has lower transportation costs than the national average, making it an affordable city in which to establish roots during retirement.
While Kenai summers are milder than elsewhere in Alaska, so are winters, making outdoor pursuits like wildlife spotting, hiking, and fishing a treat year-round. During breaks from outdoor fun, residents can participate in various festivals that this city holds every season.
6. Soldotna
alaska during the summer
Jacob/Adobe
Median home price: $455,000
Median rent: $1,800
Soldotna is another gem nestled in the Kenai Peninsula. It sits on the Kenai River and is surrounded by several parks and trails. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor activities in this small, tight-knit community.
While groceries are more expensive in Soldotna than in the contiguous U.S., the same is true across Alaska. However, the city's affordable housing costs make up for it.
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7. Homer
homer alaska during summer
Jacob/Adobe
Median home price: $530,500
Median rent: $1,800
This small town has a population of 6,000. Because of its small size, retirees can support local businesses and entertainment, and give back to the economy that sustains them.
Homer has its own airport and ferry service, making it easy to stay connected to larger communities. It's a paradise for seniors who enjoy camping during the summer and catching their own delicious seafood.
8. Delta Junction
district in south athens
moofushi/Adobe
Median home price: $338,000
Median rent: $1,700
Delta Junction makes it easy to stretch your budget with below-average housing, health care, and cost of living expenses, and low property crime.
Want another incentive?
Delta is close to both the North Pole and Fairbanks, making it easy to enjoy the holiday spirit of the former and access the big-city amenities of the latter year-round.
9. Craig
sea lions on rocks in cape addington
Danita Delimont/Adobe
Median home price: $327,500
Median rent: $1,160
This tiny fishing village is true to its humble beginnings, yet it also offers a taste of what big cities can offer in terms of health care, shopping, and entertainment.
Craig is a haven for seniors who want to spend some time exploring pristine, untouched nature in areas like the Kootznoowoo Wilderness. It also offers low housing costs and peace of mind as one of the safest small towns in the state.
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10. Kalifornsky
anchorage in the bloom of spring
Struan/Adobe
Median home price: $430,000
Median rent: $1,800
In addition to affordable housing, this small city on the Kenai Peninsula welcomes retirees with low property crime and a cost of living that is 12.8% below the Alaska average.
Kalifornsky has a small-town vibe, yet offers seniors a city lifestyle with all the amenities they may expect. Its picturesque natural setting means avid hikers and fishing enthusiasts won't run out of things to do for fun.
Bottom line
Living in a small community like Kenai, Palmer, or Craig is a great way to make retirement affordable and lower your financial stress during your golden years.
To stretch your budget further, check if you qualify for subsidized housing and Alaska-specific senior benefits that may reduce the impact of heating and grocery costs.
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Source: "AOL Money"
Source: Money
Published: November 30, 2025 at 05:18PM on Source: SHOWBIZ MAG
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