A survey by Economy.com showed the following cities as being the most affordable:

• Elmira, Jamestown, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and Binghamton in New York;
• Springfield, Illinois;
• South Bend and Fort Wayne, Indiana; 
• Topeka, Kansas.

Read Retire in Style: 50 Affordable Places across America by Warren Bland for more information. This book offers val­uable tips including which states have no personal income taxes (Alaska, Nevada, Texas, etc.) and which states, like Texas, freeze school-district property taxes for homeowners at age 65. William H. Frey analyzed census data to come up with cities with the greatest percentage growth in popula­tions for people age 65 and over.

Many retirees choose to move north of the border as hous­ing and the cost of living in most areas are less expensive, and there is a favorable exchange rate. However, Canada has stringent requirements for establishing residency. You must show good-sized net worth, pay a great deal of taxes, and, if you are intent on emigrating, a substantial amount of paper­work and up to three years waiting time.