The average monthly Social Security benefit is just about $1,620 -- double that for a couple. For couples who rely solely on Social Security funds for their support, their benefits won't be enough to live in some U.S. cities without a secondary income source.
Related: 20 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check
Also See: 15 Worst States To Live on Just a Social Security Check
However, for retirees who live in Texas, or for those looking in the state for an affordable place to live and play when their work years are done, there are some options.
GOBankingRates compiled a list of the 15 best cities in Texas for a couple to live off just Social Security. The study factored in the cost of living, livability and the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment and combined the scores to determine the cities where you can support yourself on your monthly benefits.
See the best places in Texas for a couple to live only on Social Security.
15. Austin
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Cost of Living Score: 119.3
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Livability Score: 72
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Average Rent: $1,440.40
With a cost of living nearly 20% higher than the United States average, Austin is the most expensive Texas city for retirees on the list. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment, also the highest in the study, contributes to that.
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14. Sherman
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Cost of Living Score: 80.3
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Livability Score: 65
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Average Rent: $902.60
The 20% below-average cost of living sounds attractive, but the 65 livability score -- the second lowest on the list -- drags down Sherman.
13. Corpus Christi
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Cost of Living Score: 83.1
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Livability Score: 69
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Average Rent: $975.33
The thought of living near the waters of the Gulf of Mexico probably draws some retirees to Corpus Christi. But they'll pay for it. At a tick under $1,000 a month, the average rent in the city is the fourth highest in the study.
12. Tyler
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Cost of Living Score: 82.8
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Livability Score: 70
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Average Rent: $1,063.40
The soils of Tyler, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas, are ideal for growing roses, and the city hosts the annual Texas Rose Festival. Despite the second-highest housing costs on the list, many Texas retirees find it a rosy place to live.
11. Odessa
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Cost of Living Score: 88
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Livability Score: 62
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Average Rent: $526.20
At just $526 per month, Odessa's average apartment rental is dirt cheap. But its overall rating is dragged down by its livability score, which is the lowest in the study.
10. Killeen
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Cost of Living Score: 78.5
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Livability Score: 67
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Average Rent: $747.67
Killeen has housing costs and a cost-of-living score in the lowest five among the 15 ranked cities. Unfortunately, its livability score of 67 is among the lowest, too.