15 States Where You Can Retire on $1.5 Million and Social Security for Up to 54 Years

A lot of people worry about what retirement will really look like. Most of us imagine a future where our savings and Social Security carry us through the years comfortably—but making that dream a reality isn’t always easy. If you don’t have a huge retirement fund, the idea of your money lasting for decades can feel out of reach.

The good news is that in some parts of the U.S., it’s entirely possible. In fact, there are states where a $1.5 million nest egg—paired with Social Security—could support a relaxed, worry-free lifestyle for 50 years or more. These places stand out for one simple reason: they’re affordable, and they don’t eat away at your savings with high taxes or living costs.

If you're looking to stretch your retirement dollars without sacrificing comfort, these states are worth a closer look.

West Virginia - 54 Years, Cost of Living $27,803

Retiring in West Virginia means stretching your money longer than anywhere else. Low housing prices, cheap healthcare, and minimal taxes help turn $1.5 million and Social Security into a 54-year cushion. You don't have to downsize your life—simply your expenses. With costs 14% below the national average, this state quietly gives retirees the longest financial runway in America.

Kansas - 52 Years, Cost of Living $28,945

Kansas doesn't ask you to compromise but to spend less. The yearly expenses are nearly 12% below the national average, so retirees can stretch $1.5 million and Social Security across five decades with two years to spare. Affordable homes and low healthcare costs do the heavy lifting. It's practical, quiet, and might be the smartest financial move you've ever considered.

Mississippi - 51 Years, Cost of Living $29,426

Mississippi offers low costs and high comfort. Property taxes are among the lowest in the country, and housing stays affordable. The expenses are around 17% below the national average, and $1.5 million plus Social Security lasts an impressive 51 years. Retirees here enjoy long stretches of peace, space, and savings without trimming down their standard of living to make it happen.

Oklahoma - 51 Years, Cost of Living $29,666

You don't need a fancy ZIP code to retire well. Oklahoma delivers low housing prices, affordable groceries, and healthcare that doesn't drain your wallet. With $1.5 million and Social Security, you're looking at 51 solid years of financial breathing room. Living here means fewer money worries and more years spent enjoying the freedom you worked for.

Alabama - 50 Years, Cost of Living $30,207

Stretching your retirement fund in Alabama is effortless. The state skips income tax on Social Security and keeps property taxes among the lowest in the U.S. That kind of financial friendliness lets $1.5 million go the distance—50 years, to be exact. Add in warm weather and low costs, and "Cotton State" starts sounding like an easy yes.

Missouri - 50 Years, Cost of Living $30,327

Missouri flies under the radar, but your money sure doesn't. Retirees get to hang on to more of their cash thanks to affordable housing and the cost of living nearly 12% below the national average. The $1.5 million income plus Social Security holds strong for 50 years and gives you plenty of time to enjoy a laid-back, budget-friendly lifestyle.

Arkansas - 49 Years, Cost of Living $30,327

Nothing is fancy in Arkansas other than reliable savings year after year. It keeps retirement costs low without making life feel stripped down. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare stay affordable, and housing is comfortably priced. That balance helps your $1.5 million and Social Security cover 49 years with room to spare. It's steady, no-fuss living that still gives you space to breathe.

Tennessee - 49 Years, Cost of Living $30,928

No state income tax, low property taxes, and expenses that stay under control–Tennessee gives you a 49-year runway for your $1.5 million retirement budget, backed by Social Security. You're not squeezing pennies here but living comfortably without overspending. For retirees who want value without cutting corners, the "volunteer state" hits the mark again and again.

Iowa - 48 Years, Cost of Living $31,168

Retirees in Iowa benefit from manageable daily costs, stable healthcare rates, and home prices that won't balloon. That combination keeps $1.5 million and Social Security rolling for 48 years. It's the kind of quiet consistency that turns a good retirement into a long one—without the stress of chasing savings.

Indiana - 47 Years, Cost of Living $31,709

Indiana has affordable living across the board, and no Social Security tax, meaning $1.5 million, and those monthly checks carry you through 47 years. Housing stays within reach, and basic expenses rarely creep up. It's a straightforward option for retirees who want their dollars to keep working effortlessly.

Georgia - 47 Years, Cost of Living $31,829

Georgia keeps things comfortable without draining your wallet. Its cost of living is around 9% below the national average, $1.5 million, and Social Security lasts 47 solid years. Groceries, housing, and transportation stay manageable, so your money covers more ground.

North Dakota - 47 Years, Cost of Living $32,190

This northern gem lets $1.5 million and Social Security cover 47 years with breathing room. The cost of living hovers at $32,190 a year—stable, manageable, and refreshingly straightforward. There are no big swings in prices or budget drama.

Michigan - 46 Years, Cost of Living $32,310

There is plenty to love in Michigan. With yearly expenses around $32,310, the $1.5 million and Social Security go the distance for 46 years. Affordable housing and lower-than-average utility costs help stretch every dollar.

South Dakota - 46 Years, Cost of Living $32,310

You won't wrestle with retirement math in South Dakota. Life stays affordable, the pace feels easy, and taxes don't chip away at your savings. The cost of living of $32,310 carries you 46 years. South Dakota proves you don't need flash when financial stability speaks for itself.

Texas - 46 Years, Cost of Living $32,490

The average annual cost of living in Texas sits at $32,490, which keeps things predictable without feeling tight. An income of $1.5 million and Social Security gives you flexibility in how you spend with no limits. You’ll be looking at 46 years of solid ground in a state that moves at your pace.