Former President Jimmy Carter Spent His Last 43 Years in a $167,000 House—Cheaper Than the Secret Service Cars Outside

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, was known for his simple and modest way of life. Carter, the first U.S. president to reach 100 years, will be remembered in a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2025. President Joe Biden has declared that day a national day of mourning.

After leaving the White House in 1981, Jimmy Carter chose to live simply in the same two-bedroom ranch house in Plains, Georgia, that he built himself back in 1961. This home is about two and a half hours south of Atlanta and was valued at just $167,066 a few years ago, which is much less than other homes owned by former presidents.

Today, Carter’s house is estimated to be worth $239,700, still far below the average home price in Georgia of $326,280. Carter’s everyday life included small, down-to-earth actions like eating meals on paper plates with cheap wine and buying clothes from a local Dollar General store.

Jimmy Carter also made money from writing books, with 66 titles to his name, including children’s books and works reflecting on his presidency. He received a yearly pension of $246,400, which all former presidents get, and he also got about $118,000 last year for expenses like travel and office space.

Unlike other former presidents, Carter often traveled on commercial flights and usually turned down fees for speaking at events, often donating any money he did make to charity.

In contrast, other former presidents have lived more lavish lifestyles. Donald Trump lives at his $325 million resort in South Florida, Barack Obama owns an $8.1 million mansion in Washington, D.C., and a nearly $12 million estate in Martha’s Vineyard, and Bill Clinton owns several expensive homes.

Jimmy Carter’s choice to live simply and focus on helping others rather than gathering wealth makes him stand out. His approach shows his belief that true richness comes from making a positive difference in the lives of others, not just from having a lot of money.