8 Oregon Towns Where a Couple Can Live on Nothing but Social Security
- - 8 Oregon Towns Where a Couple Can Live on Nothing but Social Security
Michelle SmithJanuary 1, 2026 at 6:10 AM
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When you think of the Pacific Northwest, the word "affordable" might not be the first one that comes to mind. But depending on where you look, you may be able to enjoy a temperate climate, excellent cuisine, and affordable housing that should work perfectly for senior couples living solely off of Social Security benefits.
In 2026, the average Social Security benefit for a couple is around $3,208 a month. Take a look at these eight Oregon towns where that amount is more than enough to get by on.
Editor's note: All rental data comes from Apartments.com, and all home median prices from Redfin.
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1. La Grande
Grande Ronde Valley in northeastern Oregon
Jesse/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $522
Median home price: $342,000
Affordable housing is all Le Grande has to offer. Home to Eastern Oregon University, La Grande is constantly buzzing with community activities that appeal to the young and young at heart.
For instance, during the annual Ladd Marsh Bird Festival, families, couples, and individuals can explore birding areas typically off-limits to the public, learning about the region's unique birds from info stations at community hubs like the Union County Senior Center.
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2. Madras
view of Jefferson from Madras Oregon
James S. Cowan/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $1,234
Median home price: $356,000
Madras is an outdoor-centric city located in central Oregon. Here you'll find easy access to a local waterfall along a mostly flat, mile-long trail. If hiking isn't your speed, you can enjoy a lazy day of lakeside camping and fishing at Lake Billy Chinook and the Cove Palisades State Park.
As an extra treat, retirees who move to Madras will have plenty of money left over each month to splurge on the region's burgeoning authentic Mexican food scene.
3. Klamath Falls
view of Klamath Falls city center
Zenstratus/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $756
Median home price: $319,000
Are you uninterested in the Pacific Northwest's stereotypically gloomy skies and rainy winters? Klamath Falls, also known as Oregon's City of Sunshine, will boost your mood with its sunny summer skies and vibrant downtown community.
Not only that, but the low housing costs and abundant free activities — from the trail along Link River's rapids to seasonal downtown celebrations — will boost your bank account as well.
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4. Sheridan
waterfall in the forest
Marco/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $1,750 (Zillow)
Median home price: $385,000
With around 6,000 inhabitants, Sheridan is a far cry from bustling cities like Portland and Vancouver. But at just over 50 miles away from Portland, Sheridan is a top spot for seniors who prefer spending most of their time at home while indulging in the occasional weekend trip.
Plus, the Willamette River Greenway stretches across Yamhill County and gives residents easy access to beautiful riverside walks.
5. McMinnville
Museum showing a drone and two traditional jet fighters
Goldilock Project/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $1,263
Median home price: $442,500
If you want to maximize your spending opportunities, McMinnville is a much better choice for frugal renters than it is for would-be homebuyers, thanks to the area's sky-high home prices.
But, it doesn't matter whether you buy or rent, you'll save money on energy costs when you move here, because they are almost 5% lower in McMinnville compared to the rest of the country.
Not only that, but you can save even more by taking advantage of senior and veteran discounts at the popular Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, where you can learn about hundreds of vintage aircraft from around the world.
6. Hermiston
Columbia River close to Hamilton Island
Hanjo Hellmann/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $1,135
Median home price: $389,000
A flourishing city along the Columbia River, Hermiston is a budget-friendly population center whose dry Eastern Oregon climate makes it an agricultural hub. It's particularly well-known for its watermelon, which is good news for couples who enjoy buying fresh produce at local farmers' markets.
As an added bonus, you're in the perfect place to leave town for a weekend jaunt if adventure strikes, because Hermiston is located right at the junction of I-84 and one of the crucial state highways.
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7. Medford
Southern Oregon, Table Rock Medford
jessica/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $1,650 (Zillow)
Median home price: $415,000
Based in the heart of Southern Oregon's wine country, Medford has plenty to offer wine enthusiasts.
But if you'd rather spend all that money you save on rent on something other than the region's 80 wineries, you're in luck. You and your partner can enjoy one of the region's nine golf courses, spend quiet afternoons at Rogue River fishing spots, or participate in free events at the city's annual classic car show.
8. North Bend
McCullough Bridge, North Bend
Randy King/Adobe
Average monthly rent: $1,709
Median home price: $320,000
If your favorite part of Oregon has always been the coast, there are plenty of options to choose from. Despite its name, North Bend is located in the picturesque southern half of the state, where you get the perks of Portland-style temperate weather and scenic waterscapes without the downsides of sky-high rent and exorbitant food prices.
You'll also be close to plenty of senior-friendly entertainment options at nearby Coos Bay, including $4 senior discounts at the Egyptian Theater and social events with the county's Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Bottom line
When you're looking for ways to maximize your senior benefits, there's no harm in making small, budget-friendly changes like cooking at home more often than eating out.
But to save more, you might have to make a bigger change, like relocating to one of these affordable Oregon towns where you have more spending power.
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