The “key word” here is “comfortably” which means different things to different people.

Millions of boomers and beyond are perfectly happy with retiring in a house is SD County that is worth $250-$400K today (no matter how much THEY paid for it).

Millions of “retirees” are also perfectly happy:

-driving a 15+ year-old vehicle

-spending $200 or less mo per person for food

-spending their vacations in an RV or in relative’s houses (no hotel bills)

-using an HMO for health plan or their Medicare Part B or using an HDHP for their health plan

-going to Mexico for the dentist and prescriptions

They’re happy basically just living the life they ALWAYS did, even while raising children.

That’s why the vast majority of them will be fine. Most don’t have the “expectation” of retiring in 3000 sf+ with HOA/MR … or in a condo with golf privileges

There is a such a thing as a having a good mechanic, being active in one’s church, going to the the farmers market, gardening and growing one’s own food, joining local dog-walking groups and other clubs, watching one’s grandchildren during the business day, having and visiting garage sales, etc.

Lots of “seniors” (incl “boomers”) have always lived a simple life … and they’re still up and outside every early a.m. to tell everyone about it.

It doesn’t take “millions of dollars” to retire simply. Not even in SD.