This is a tough one as you know. Alabama like Texas has a lower cost of living, but that's not the only factor. Medical costs are not simple. We have to pay for our insurance even though we are under Obama care. Not yet on Medicare. That's our biggest cost. We own our home and have always been frugal. $200every 2weeks for groceries and that goes up each time. We use about $5000 a month for utilities, insurance,etc I live in the county so no city taxes, but do pay school etc. Our meds run into $70 a month. Before we paid more for insurance we paid about $500 monthly. There are ways to cut costs. Kroger digital coupons. Aldi's for basics,bread milk eggs,. Kroger drugs are cheaper too. Buying bulk when on sale. Having a freezer helps even a small one to get meat veg's saved. I have discovered that some restaurant supply stores will let you shop. Gordon's is one near us. Like all places you have to watch for sales. Went there to help hubby but for a church function. Found thick Bacon for $ 6.99 for 3lbs. It's like a full time job to save these days. I hope I've been helpful.

Not just for utilities. For all expenses. That's food,car ins, house ins, windstorm ins,flood ins, utilities, medical insurance and drugs, and any other expense.

Same in the 80’s...coupons and several stores to save

Woooohhh,
Life is expensive. Does anyone know what the old 'poor houses' were like which I understand used to exist before social security? 🤔 That's what my mom said her parents and people they knew called the places that old folk who had no family went when they got too old or poor to have their own place.

We are both seniors and have chronic illnesses. Early on, my husband invested very wisely and so we do pretty well. He gets pension and ss and I get ss.We have excellent health insurance that helps with my diabetic supplies. We travel twice a year. I use coupons whenever I can. We don't drive new cars so that's a help. It all depends on priorities.