How Your State's Social Security Check Measures Up Against the National Average

Core Insights - Approximately 75 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, averaging just over $2,000 each, primarily benefiting retirees [1] - This year, recipients received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, which is expected to increase the average benefit figures [1] State Variations in Benefits - Benefit amounts do not directly depend on location, but average payments vary by state due to income differences [2] - The states with the highest average monthly Social Security benefits for retirees are primarily located in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, with Connecticut having the highest at $2,196 and Mississippi the lowest at $1,814 [4][11] - The average retired worker received $2,012 in monthly benefits in 2025 [4] Cost of Living Considerations - States with higher Social Security benefits often have higher costs of living, making it challenging for retirees to manage expenses [8] - For instance, Connecticut's average rent is $2,121, which is $384 more than the national average, consuming nearly the entire average Social Security benefit in the state [6] - Other states like New York and California have high living costs but relatively low Social Security benefits, complicating financial management for retirees [7] Low Benefit States - States with the lowest average Social Security benefits include Arkansas ($1,852), Louisiana ($1,818), Mississippi ($1,814), Kentucky ($1,866), and New Mexico ($1,865) [11] - These states generally have below-average household incomes but also lower costs of living, allowing Social Security checks to stretch further compared to high-cost states [10]