Although having a million-dollar nest egg waiting for you when you retire would be ideal, that’s not the reality for a majority of Americans. In fact, many retirees depend greatly on their Social Security income every month — and rent usually takes out a huge chunk of that.

The average Social Security check comes out to $1,781.63, whereas the average rent in the country costs almost $200 more at $1,976 per month, according to Zillow’s February 2023 figures. That’s why seeking out the most affordable places to live should be part of your retirement strategy. Instead of rent devouring your check each month, you could actually have some money left over.

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To help retirees — and soon-to-be retirees — determine 25 cities where the average Social Security benefit will cover rent, GOBankingRates analyzed median rent costs in 300 of the largest U.S. cities. These are the best places to retire in the U.S. when you’re on a budget.

25. Roanoke, Virginia

• Average monthly rent in 2023: $1,211.95

• Difference between Social Security and rent (February 2023): $569.68

• Livability score: 75

After paying rent each month, Roanoke retirees will have about $570 left over from their Social Security check, and they won’t have to spend a dime of it for entertainment. Roanoke has plenty of free things to do, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to playing disc golf to viewing public art to stargazing and to traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is known as “America’s Favorite Drive.”

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24. Lincoln, Nebraska

• Average monthly rent in 2023: $1,196.53

• Difference between Social Security and rent (February 2023): $585.10

• Livability score: 78

Lincoln has the highest livability score in the study, perhaps owing to its mix of being an urban community with a rural feel. If retirees want to gather with people their own age, Lincoln has a network of senior centers offering classes, camaraderie and other activities. Or go to a University of Nebraska football game, stroll along the brick streets of the Historic Haymarket District or enjoy the peace of the Sunken Gardens.

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23. Birmingham, Alabama

• Average monthly rent in 2023:…