You Can Live Well in Nevada on Just Your Social Security, If You’ve Paid Off Your Mortgage

Nevada makes the list of states where retirees can survive on Social Security benefits alone—if they’ve paid off their mortgage.

According to a Realtor.com® analysis of median Social Security benefits by state and the Elder Economic Security Standard Index,, retirees in Nevada have an annual surplus of $432, or about $36 per month, after covering essential living expenses.

While not a huge chunk of change, it's still a quite a bit more than seniors get in other parts of the country.

Modest housing costs make the difference

Seniors in Nevada face average monthly living costs of $1,805, with housing expenses of $423 per month. With a median monthly Social Security benefit of $1,841, retirees manage to come out ahead, even if only by a narrow margin.

In Nevada, retirees spend just over $420 monthly on housing-related expenses such as property taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance—well below the $900 to $1,300 housing costs typical in deficit states like Massachusetts or New Jersey.

This relatively low housing burden keeps Nevada in the black for retirees relying solely on Social Security, though the cushion is thin. At only $432 annually, Nevada’s margin is one of the smallest on the top ten list, making it especially sensitive to shifts in costs.

Nevada’s retirement landscape

Nevada has long been a magnet for retirees, thanks to its warm desert climate, no state income tax, and retirement-friendly communities. Popular destinations such as Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson attract older adults seeking affordability paired with entertainment and amenities.

One of Nevada’s strongest draws is its tax structure. Without a state income tax, retirees avoid an expense that can weigh heavily in nearby states like California. Property taxes are also relatively low compared to the national average, which helps keep ongoing housing costs in check.

However, retirees must navigate challenges as well. Insurance premiums, particularly in areas prone to wildfires or drought, can be higher than expected. Utility bills also rise during peak summer months, when air conditioning is a necessity. These factors make Nevada’s already slim surplus more vulnerable to erosion.

How Nevada compares nationally

On a national scale, retirees relying solely on Social Security face an average annual shortfall of $2,762, or about $230 per month. Against that backdrop, Nevada’s $432 surplus is significant—even if it’s modest compared to the top-performing surplus states.

Delaware leads the nation with a $1,764 surplus, followed by Indiana ($1,392) and Arizona ($1,224). Nevada, by contrast, sits near the bottom of the surplus list, only slightly ahead of Michigan, which squeaks by with $132 annually.

The outlook for retirees on Social Security

For now, Nevada offers retirees a workable balance of costs and benefits. But the margin is fragile.

Compounding the uncertainty, Social Security itself faces long-term solvency issues. Without intervention from Congress, benefits may be reduced to about 77% of current levels starting in 2033. For Nevada retirees, that would turn today’s $432 surplus into a deficit.

Still, Nevada remains appealing for many older adults, particularly those relocating from California or other high-cost states.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo, Gabriella Iannetta, and Allaire Conte.