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10 Towns Where You Can Retire Comfortably on $40,000 a Year

June 24, 2026 · By Retirees in USA Editorial Team · RETIREES' TOP CHOICES
A retired couple strolling down a shaded historic cobblestone path in Old Salem, Winston-Salem.
A smiling senior couple walks arm in arm down a historic cobblestone street in Winston-Salem.

10. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Rounding out our list is Winston-Salem, a city that perfectly blends historic charm with modern innovation. Known for its thriving arts district and the historic Old Salem museums, the city provides a rich cultural backdrop for your retirement years.

The cost of living in Winston-Salem sits comfortably below the national average. Because North Carolina does not tax Social Security, your baseline income goes further. The crown jewel of retiring here, however, is the healthcare.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a premier academic medical center, meaning retirees living in this affordable town have direct access to some of the most advanced medical care and clinical trials in the nation.

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