Kansas Social Security: One of the primary topics of discussion when it comes to retiring is the financial element. To put it plainly, how will people who are out of work pay for their retirement? One well-liked choice for elderly individuals who have worked in the private sector is the employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
The individual laws and practices of each state determine how the pension of a former public employee is computed. In particular, Kansas’ retirement plan has recently been under intense criticism and discontent from the public employee and legislative communities. According to Insider Monkey, under the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System or KPERS, state employees are eligible to apply for retirement benefits.
This retirement system is currently in its third iteration, called KPERS 3. New public employees employed in 2015 and later are automatically assigned to KPERS 3, even if there are older employees who are still registered in the earlier version of the system.
KPERS 3 appears to have regressed, despite the possibility that a more recent version may offer greater benefits more in line with the US’s current economic situation.
Top 15 Affordable Retirement Locations in Kansas for Social Security Couples
15. Haysville
Livability Score: 73
IM Cost of Living: 84.9
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $895
The city of Haysville in Sedgwick County, Kansas, is the first on our list of the greatest areas in Kansas for a couple to live off of Social Security alone. Retirement couples will find that their Social Security benefits go a long way, with a cost of living that is more than 15% lower than the national average and a typical rental amount that is less than $900. Known as the “Peach Capital of Kansas,” Haysville is home to several recreational venues, such as Riggs Park and the Haysville Hometown Market.
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14. Topeka
Livability Score: 69
IM Cost of Living: 82.2
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $825
The state capital of Kansas, Topeka, located in Shawnee County, is our next choice. The Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court case, which was heard in this historic city, essentially outlawed racial segregation in public schools. There are many things to do in the city nowadays for the inhabitants, such as going to Gage Park, the Combat Air Museum, and the NOTO Arts Center.
13. Liberal
Livability Score: 71
IM Cost of Living: 75.6
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $1,150
The city of Liberal in Seward County, which is in southwest Kansas, is ideal for retirees seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle. Slightly under 19,300 people called the city home as of the most recent US Census, making it the perfect blend of urban and rural lifestyle. The Adventure Bay Family Water Park, the Baker Arts Center, and Southgate Cinema 6 are accessible to locals.
12. Pittsburg
Livability Score: 65
IM Cost of Living: 76
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $775
According to the most recent US Census, Pittsburg, a college town served by Pittsburg State University, has 20,600 residents in its Crawford County. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities are available for residents to unwind at, among other places, the Crawford County Historical Museum, Schlanger Park, and the Pittsburg Aquatic Center.
11. Lawrence
Livability Score: 88
IM Cost of Living: 88
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $995
Another college town on our list is Lawrence, which is located in northeastern Kansas’ Douglas County. One of the larger cities on our list, Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas and has a population of around 96,000 as of the most recent US Census. In addition to taking advantage of a rather low cost of living, residents can visit the Lawrence Public Library, the Prairie Park Nature Center, and the Spencer Museum of Art.
10. Osage City
Livability Score: 67
IM Cost of Living: 79
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $750
Osage City is the tenth location in Kansas on our list of the greatest places for a couple to live on Social Security alone. Osage City, which is located in the county of the same name, is a little community of less than 3,000 people. It is ideal for retired couples seeking some quiet time in their golden years. Eisenhower State Park, Marilynn’s Place for dinner, and Jerry’s Thriftway for a late-night grocery run are all options for retirees.
9. Wellington
Livability Score: 66
IM Cost of Living: 80.8
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $495
Wellington, a city in Sumner County, is well-known for the attractions it provides for locals. The Panhandle Railroad Museum, the Chisholm Trail Museum, and the NDGA National Glass Museum are a few of the city’s most visited attractions. Locals can also enjoy dining out in the city; two of Wellington’s greatest restaurants are Fabiola’s Restaurant and Penny’s Diner.
8. Winfield
Livability Score: 71
IM Cost of Living: 74.7
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $950
Winfield, a city situated beside the Walnut River, offers its citizens breathtaking views of the river. When retiring in this college town in Cowley County, seniors will have the advantage of a comparatively low cost of living. In addition to enjoying delicious food across the city, residents can engage in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
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7. Fort Scott
Livability Score: 65
IM Cost of Living: 74.8
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $725
The city of Fort Scott, named for General Winfield Scott, is located in Bourbon County. Despite being a small city, Fort Scott has all the facilities a person could need, including a post office, food stores, and a medical facility. In the community, there is The Artificers art gallery, the Gordon Parks Museum for historical exploration, and the Woodland Hills Golf Course for recreational activity.
6. Manhattan
Livability Score: 81
IM Cost of Living: 86.5
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $850
Manhattan is a community situated on the Big Blue and Kansas rivers. According to the most recent US Census, the city has about 54,000 citizens. When retirees decide to relocate to the city, they can benefit from several factors, such as its high livability score and affordable cost of living. Manhattan residents have access to a variety of activities nearby as well as time spent in the great outdoors.
5. Independence
Livability Score: 68
IM Cost of Living: 70.1
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $787
The Montgomery County city of Independence is the first location on our list of the top five locations in Kansas for a couple living only on Social Security. Seniors living off of Social Security benefits will be able to stretch their money further because this community has the lowest cost of living on our list—nearly 30% less than the national average. They might even have more money to spend on treats like gourmet meals or trips. The yearly Neewollah festival is held in the city as well.
4. Arkansas City
Livability Score: 68
IM Cost of Living: 73.2
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $750
Next is Arkansas City, another choice from Cowley County. Arkansas City is a great place for those who enjoy the outdoors because it has lots of parks and trees all over the place. In addition, residents can occupy themselves with indoor pursuits like going to the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, the Redwood Village Shopping Center, and the Burford Theater Arts performing arts theater.
3. Hays
Livability Score: 78
IM Cost of Living: 79.7
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $800
The city of Hays is located in Ellis County and is another college town connected to Fort Hays State University. The city is the largest in the area and is situated in the northwest part of Kansas. The Defiance Brewing Co. Downtown microbrewery, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and Hays Aquatic Park are accessible to locals.
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2. Great Bend
Livability Score: 68
IM Cost of Living: 74
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $650
Great Bend, a city in Barton County, is ranked number two on our list. The SRCA Dragstrip racetrack, the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum, and Barton Community College are all located in the city. In addition, Great Bend has a bustling dining scene, with eateries including Mizumi Sushi & Steak, HandleBar And Grill, and Los Cabos Fajita House dotting the area. Naturally, the additional advantage of retiring in the Great Bend is the comparatively low cost of living in the area, which lessens some of the financial strain associated with retirement.
1. Hiawatha
Livability Score: 75
IM Cost of Living: 79
Median Two-Bedroom Rental: $650
The city of Hiawatha, which is located in Brown County, is ranked as the greatest place in Kansas for a couple to live solely on Social Security. Seniors who decide to retire to Hiawatha will benefit from several factors, including a high livability score, a cost of living that is far lower than the national average, and a fair median rental amount. For a fun day out, residents can visit Bruning Park, Windmill Lane, and the Brown County Historical Society Ag Museum.
