budget-friendly retirement destinations that every adventure-loving senior should explore

Escape the sluggish, routine life of retirement and explore the world on your terms! These 15 cities in the US are perfect for active seniors yearning for travel, combining low costs and easy access to transport options.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Known as the hot air balloon capital, Albuquerque boasts quick access to iconic landscapes and major airports like the Albuquerque International Sunport. With affordable housing, transportation, and food costs, your budget will stretch further for exciting adventures. (Housing, food, and transportation expenses are around $200 cheaper than the national average.)
Boise, Idaho: A goldmine for national park enthusiasts, Boise offers two national forests close by and the Boise Airport within seven miles of the city center. Boasting overall living costs slightly above the national median, you'll save in food (around $50 less than the typical American.)
Cape Coral, Florida: Enjoy a paradise of waterways, with over 400 navigable canals. Nearby Southwest Florida International Airport makes it easy to discover Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve and more. With affordable food expenses (around $130 less per month than the national average), you'll have more budget for exotic adventures.
Chicago, Illinois: Take in iconic sights like the lakefront views, deep-dish pizza, and an iconic skyline while being connected to the country with Chicago Union Station and two international airports. Enjoy savings in food (around $130 less per month than the national average.) Cook County's housing is a bit pricier, but transportation is relatively cheaper.
Columbus, Ohio: A city of a million people that maintains affordability, Columbus is an excellent headquarter for travel-loving retirees. Amtrak's John Glenn Columbus International Airport is just seven miles from the city center. Household expenses for housing, transportation, and food are close to the national median, with food being particularly inexpensive (around $180 less monthly than the typical American.)
Detroit, Michigan: From scenic drives around the Great Lakes to charming Canadian day trips, Detroit's affordability makes it ideal for retirees who want to hit the road. While transportation costs are a bit higher compared to the national average, the combined savings in housing, transportation, and food are significant (detroit retirees save around $5,400 a year, thanks to lower housing, transportation, and food costs.)
Florence, Kentucky: Located close to several major cities and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Florence makes for an accessible travel hub. Transportation expenses run high, but housing and food savings can help offset that.
Jersey City, New Jersey: Cross the Hudson River from Manhattan and enjoy fast access to New York City without the same price tag. For air travel, Newark Liberty International Airport is just six miles away. Jersey City has high housing costs but lower transportation and food expenses.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: With connections to General Mitchell International Airport and an excellent central Midwest location, this city offers a variety of travel opportunities. Housing, transportation, and food costs are all below the national average, saving the typical household thousands per year.
Nashville, Tennessee: Known for its music and walkability, Nashville is well-connected with three major interstate highways and the Nashville International Airport within city limits. While life in Davidson County isn't cheap, housing and transportation are only a little more expensive than usual, and food costs are slightly discounted.
Pelham Manor, New York: A quiet, suburban town near the Bronx and Manhattan, Pelham Manor offers quick access to the city and exceptional affordability in transportation (under $600 per month, compared to the national average.)
Platte City, Missouri: This small town near Kansas City International Airport offers easy access to scenic drives, state parks, and historical sites. Housing and transportation can be a bit pricey, but food expenses are below the national median.
Portland, Oregon: For an adventure-filled, urban retirement, Portland offers the convenience of Portland International Airport and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. While housing costs are on the higher side, transportation costs are relatively low, and food expenses are reasonably affordable.
San Antonio, Texas: Affordable, comfortable, and well-connected, San Antonio offers a hub for travel with the San Antonio International Airport providing non-stop flights to over 40 domestic destinations. Household expenses are reasonable with food costs coming in around $550 per month - nearly $300 under the national median.
Tuckahoe, Virginia: This peaceful suburb just nine miles west of Richmond offers easy access to the Richmond International Airport and Revolutionary War landmarks. Housing and transportation are slightly pricier but food expenses are approximately $150 less per month compared to the national average.

Retirees, embrace the dream of exploration! Pick the right base, and you'll reap the benefits of a mobile lifestyle. These cities will help you make the most of your golden years by providing affordable housing, transportation, and food costs alongside excellent travel infrastructure.

Albuquerque, New Mexico offers low costs for housing, transportation, and food, allowing for more budget for exciting adventures and a quick access to major airports like the Albuquerque International Sunport.
Boise, Idaho, with its proximity to two national forests and the Boise Airport, offers affordable living costs, particularly in food, making it an ideal base for traveling.
In Cape Coral, Florida, the affordable food expenses and easy access to Southwest Florida International Airport make it possible to explore Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve and more.
Chicago, Illinois, provides iconic sights such as the lakefront views, deep-dish pizza, and an iconic skyline, along with affordable food expenses, relative to the national average, and easy transport connections.
Columbus, Ohio stands out for its affordability and access to the Amtrak's John Glenn Columbus International Airport, making it an excellent base for travel-loving retirees.
Detroit, Michigan, with its affordability and scenic drives around the Great Lakes, is ideal for retirees seeking travel opportunities and offers significant savings in housing, transportation, and food.
Florence, Kentucky, located near several major cities and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, is an accessible hub for travel, even with transportation expenses running high.
Jersey City, New Jersey offers fast access to New York City without the same price tag, as well as proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with connections to General Mitchell International Airport and an excellent central Midwest location, offers a variety of travel opportunities at affordable costs.
Nashville, Tennessee, known for its music and walkability, is well-connected with three major interstate highways and the Nashville International Airport, offering a range of travel opportunities at slightly discounted food costs.
Pelham Manor, New York provides quick access to the city and exceptional affordability in transportation, making it an attractive base for retirees.
Platte City, Missouri, near Kansas City International Airport, offers easy access to scenic drives, state parks, and historical sites, despite high housing and transportation costs.
Portland, Oregon is an adventure-filled, urban retirement destination, featuring the convenience of Portland International Airport and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, with relatively low transportation costs and affordable food expenses.
San Antonio, Texas offers non-stop flights to over 40 domestic destinations from San Antonio International Airport at reasonable household expenses, with food costs coming in around $550 per month – nearly $300 under the national median.
Tuckahoe, Virginia provides fast access to the Richmond International Airport and Revolutionary War landmarks, offering a peaceful setting for retiring travelers despite slightly pricier housing and transportation costs.