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A published ranking names five lower-cost candidates across the West Coast states it covers: Burns, Oregon; Boron, California; Pomeroy, Washington; Willow, Alaska; and Mountain View, Hawaii. Its estimates use data collected in 2024, so they are starting points—not current retirement budgets or proof that any place is affordable for a particular household. The available evidence does not support a defensible list of 12 cities and towns.
What the published ranking found
GOBankingRates selected one location in each of five states it defines as the West Coast. It reported modeled annual living costs and average single-family home values for the locations below. The ranking collected data on November 4, 2024; its Zillow home values were from September 2024. These are estimates from that ranking, not observed household budgets or current home-price quotes. See the ranking and its figures.
| Place | State | Modeled annual living cost | Average single-family home value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burns | Oregon | $33,609 | $173,523 |
| Boron | California | $35,186 | $168,063 |
| Pomeroy | Washington | $37,104 | $236,356 |
| Willow | Alaska | $45,150 | $226,844 |
| Mountain View | Hawaii | $54,314 | $339,573 |
The annual-cost estimates combine regional cost indexes with national spending data and housing assumptions. The model used a 10% down payment and a national average 30-year mortgage rate. It therefore does not represent what a specific retiree would spend, and the home values should not be read as current prices. GOBankingRates’ methodology.
Why five places are not a reliable list of 12
The ranking offers five candidates, not evidence for 12. It also does not establish that these towns suit retirees or remain affordable today. Before treating any location as a recommendation, compare current, locally relevant housing and everyday expenses for the kind of household that would move there. The Census Bureau released 2025 population and housing-unit estimates for places on May 14, 2026; those figures can update demographic context, but do not establish affordability on their own. Census place estimates and comparison guidance.
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How to judge affordability for your retirement
“Affordable” depends on whether you rent, own outright, or carry a mortgage, as well as your income and spending. A home-value estimate alone omits recurring costs, and an annual cost-of-living model may not match an older adult’s healthcare, transportation or housing needs.
Build a housing budget
- For renters, include rent, utilities, renters insurance, and any recurring fees.
- For homeowners, include mortgage payments if applicable, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, maintenance, and fees.
- Check insurance availability and cost directly for the specific property; the ranking does not provide a complete, current household quote.
Add everyday and retiree-specific expenses
- Estimate groceries, healthcare, transportation, and other routine essentials using your own likely spending.
- Consider whether you will need a car, how often you expect to travel for care, and what services are available locally.
- Evaluate climate and hazard exposure, and account for state and local taxes that affect your retirement income and expenses.
The Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey reported median monthly owner costs of $2,035 for U.S. homeowners with a mortgage, $3,001 in California, and $2,937 in Hawaii. National median gross rent was $1,487 per month. These are national and state context figures, not estimates for Burns, Boron, Pomeroy, Willow, or Mountain View. Census Bureau 2024 housing figures.
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For mortgaged householders, the Census Bureau reported that selected owner costs accounted for a median 21.4% of income in 2024. Census Bureau economist Jacob Fabina explained: “One way we measure housing affordability is based on how much households spend on selected costs such as mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, utilities, and various fees.” That measure underscores why a home’s price by itself does not settle whether a retirement location is manageable. Census Bureau explanation of housing affordability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to verify before choosing a town
- Decide whether you would rent, buy with a mortgage, or buy without one; price the relevant housing scenario rather than relying on a generic average.
- Use current local figures for rent or ownership costs, insurance, taxes, utilities, and fees.
- Estimate food, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials based on your own needs.
- Check access to healthcare and transportation, climate and hazard exposure, and state and local tax effects.
- Compare the resulting monthly budget with your reliable retirement income and savings, leaving room for irregular expenses.
The five ranked locations can be leads for further comparison, but the 2024 estimates do not establish present-day affordability, and the available figures do not substantiate 12 recommendations.
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