It’s Not Retirement: Retired Truckers Are Returning to Live in Their Trucks Full-Time (2026)

This video looks at why experienced drivers may consider truck living when Social Security has to compete with rising rent, utilities, deposits, and everyday expenses. We break down the basic economics of apartment living versus a paid-off sleeper, along with the realities of fuel, idling, mobility, CDL rules, and the practical challenges that come with living in a truck after retirement. It’s not the right solution for everyone, but for someone who spent decades living on the road, the truck may offer something a traditional apartment doesn’t: lower fixed housing costs and more control over where the money goes. **Sources & References** - **Social Security Administration — 2026 COLA Fact Sheet:** Average retired-worker benefit is about **$2,071/month** in 2026. [Social Security](https://www.ssa.gov/cola/factsheets/2026.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet](https://www.ssa.gov/cola/factsheets/2026.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Apartments.com — September 2026 Rent Report:** National average **one-bedroom rent was about $1,665/month**. [Apartments.com](https://www.apartments.com/blog/apartments.com-national-rent-trends-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [September 2026 National Rent Report](https://www.apartments.com/blog/apartments.com-national-rent-trends-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **U.S. Department of Energy — Long-Haul Truck Idling:** Heavy-duty trucks use roughly **0.8 gallon of fuel per hour while idling**. [Alternative Fuels Data Center](https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/hdv_idling_2015.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [DOE Long-Haul Truck Idling Report](https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/hdv_idling_2015.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Classes:** Federal definitions and requirements for **Class A, B, and C CDLs**. [FMCSA](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [FMCSA CDL Requirements](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov