Even if you diligently save for retirement, it can be easy to come up short. If you're looking for the best bang for your buck while living out your golden years, geography can have a big impact. GoBankingRates.com analyzed monthly expenditures for all major U.S. cities and compiled a list of cities where it's possible to live for under $1,000 a month. The findings are based on the assumption that you own your home, making your only housing expenses property taxes and maintenance costs. The budget also includes utilities, groceries and health care. Check out these top 10 cities from around the country where you can afford to retire on $1,000 a month or less. The list also factors in livability data from AreaVibes.
10. Lubbock, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $846.91
Livability Score: 69
If you're looking for an area that's up-and-coming, Lubbock is the place for you. With a current population of 237,000, it's expected to grow by 7 percent growth rate. As more people of all ages flock to this northwest Texas town, amenities are also likely to increase, making it an even more attractive option.
9. Lexington, Kentucky
Total Monthly Expenditures: $996.91
Livability Score: 74
Lexington is another city on the rise, with younger families flocking to the north-central Kentucky town that is home more than 100 public parks. If you're an equestrian or just like horses, you're in luck because Lexington is filled with both horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks.
8. Montgomery, Alabama
Total Monthly Expenditures: $878.92
Livability Score: 71
If you're looking for an affordable waterfront town, Montgomery is situated on the Alabama River. You probably know that the city played a large role in the civil rights movement, which is reflected in a number of attractions to commemorate that time period.
7. Laredo, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $899.16 Livability Score: 72 Laredo is connected to Mexico, so living there means you can take advantage of the culture, including authentic Mexican restaurants, handmade pottery and an annual Jalapeno Festival. https://www.instagram.com/p/BKrckyohyhN/?taken-at=243517456
6. Corpus Christi, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $945.38
Livability Score: 74
Located just off the Gulf of Mexico, this warm-weather city is great for water enthusiasts to enjoy swimming, boating and fishing.
5. Amarillo, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $860.40 Livability Score: 72 The largest city in the Texas panhandle, Amarillo is filled with all the things for which the lone star state is famous: rodeos, horses, the cattle industry and Tex-Mex cuisine. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbX5DVcjVEK/?taken-at=222409773
4. Pasadena, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $892.87
Livability Score: 73
Located near Houston, Pasadena's economy is dominated by the petroleum and petrochemical industry. The city offers a number of cultural and entertainment options, including art, music, museums, restaurants and major league sports teams.
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Total Monthly Expenditures: $822.17 Livability Score: 74 You may associate the Midwest with cold weather, and while winters in Fort Wayne can be on the chilly side, mild spring and summers are perfect for outdoor activities on the area's rivers. Fort Wayne is also rich in cultural amenities, including symphonies, Broadway shows and galleries. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbF3ukkh9X6/?taken-by=visitfortwayne
2. Brownsville, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $812.03
Livability Score: 76
Located on the southernmost tip of Texas on the Rio Grande, this warm-weather town is big on water activities. You'll definitely need a car here as the town is big and spread out.
1. El Paso, Texas
Total Monthly Expenditures: $893.25
Livability Score: 79
Also located on the Rio Grande, El Paso has a crime rate 23 percent lower than the national average and is perfect for the active outdoorsman, offering hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing and bouldering.
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
