Been doing some research on the cheapest place to retire with good healthcare, and honestly there are some solid options I didn't expect to find.

Most people think you have to choose between affordable living and decent medical care, but that's not really the case anymore. I looked at a bunch of mid-sized cities and some of them actually nail both. Here's what stood out to me.

Pittsburgh keeps coming up for East Coast retirees. Pennsylvania's cost of living runs about 5% below the national average, which adds up fast over retirement. The real win though is UPMC—it's a legit healthcare system with multiple hospitals and specialty centers. They rank really well in national hospital rankings, so you're not sacrificing quality for affordability.

If you're thinking Southeast, Greenville is worth serious consideration. It's roughly 7% cheaper than the national average thanks to lower housing and utility costs. They've got two major health systems there—Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis—with a Level I trauma center and geriatric programs. That's the kind of infrastructure that matters when you're managing chronic stuff.

Sioux Falls surprised me. South Dakota has no personal income tax, and the city's got Sanford Health and Avera running things on the healthcare side. These are solid hospital networks. Plus the senior care costs there run way below what you'd pay elsewhere in the country.

Out West, Boise has become popular for a reason. It's only 2% above the national average for cost of living, and you get St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus providing full-service hospitals and specialty care. If you want mountains and an active lifestyle without paying coastal prices, this checks the boxes.

Albuquerque is another option if you want sunshine and affordability. It's 5% below the national average, and they've got three healthcare systems with eight hospitals. Presbyterian Healthcare Services and UNM Hospital's dedicated Senior Health Center give you plenty of choices without traveling far.

The thing is, none of these are perfect for everyone. But if you're trying to figure out the cheapest place to retire with good healthcare, these five are genuinely worth exploring. Before you move, compare your Medicare options, check local housing prices, and actually visit. That's the real test.