Many Americans dream of retiring in another country where living costs are lower. But what if you could live a happy retirement right here in the U.S. without spending more than your Social Security check? A new report by GoBankingRates proves that you don’t need to go abroad.
Full List: 25 Best U.S. Cities for Affordable Retirement
There are 25 U.S. cities where retirees can live well on under $2,000 a month, enjoying warm weather, safety, and good quality of life.
| Sr. No. | City | Sr. No. | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tallahassee, Florida | 14 | San Antonio, Texas |
| 2 | Fort Myers, Florida | 15 | Corpus Christi, Texas |
| 3 | Raleigh, North Carolina | 16 | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| 4 | Jacksonville, Florida | 17 | Athens, Georgia |
| 5 | Pensacola, Florida | 18 | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 6 | Greenville, South Carolina | 19 | Tampa, Florida |
| 7 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 20 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 8 | Providence, Rhode Island | 21 | Columbia, South Carolina |
| 9 | El Paso, Texas | 22 | Midland, Texas |
| 10 | Dallas, Texas | 23 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 11 | Norfolk, Virginia | 24 | New Haven, Connecticut |
| 12 | Savannah, Georgia | 25 | Lakeland, Florida |
| 13 | Orlando, Florida |
Why Affordable Retirement Matters
The average Social Security payment is around $2,000 per month, but living costs for seniors are much higher. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, seniors above 65 spend about $4,345 monthly on housing, food, healthcare, and other needs.
This makes it tough for retirees to survive in big, expensive cities. That’s why GoBankingRates studied different cities across America to find the most affordable retirement destinations.
How the Best Cities Were Chosen
Researchers looked at several factors before ranking the top 25 cities:
- Population size
- Percentage of retirees living there
- Cost of living (rent, groceries, healthcare, transport)
- Weather and climate
- Livability score (safety, healthcare, entertainment, walkability)
Data was collected from trusted sources like the U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow, and the Social Security Administration.
The Best City to Retire on a Budget: Tallahassee, Florida
At the very top of the list is Tallahassee, Florida. It’s the state capital and offers an affordable lifestyle with sunshine, cultural spots, and outdoor fun.
Tallahassee at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Average cost (renters) | $995 per month |
| Average cost (homeowners) | $1,248 per month |
| National average housing cost | $1,787 per month |
| Livability score | 85/100 |
| Retiree population | 11% |
Why it’s great for retirees: Housing is almost 30% cheaper than the national average, winters are mild, and there are plenty of activities like parks, museums, and trails.
Florida Dominates the List
It’s no surprise that Florida leads with eight cities in the top 25. The reasons are clear:
- No state income tax – saves thousands yearly
- Warm climate
- High livability scores
Top Florida Cities for Retirees
- Fort Myers – 22% of population are retirees, monthly costs under $1,746 for homeowners.
- Jacksonville – Coastal living, renters spend around $1,073 monthly.
- Pensacola – 11% cheaper than national average, great beaches.
- Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Lakeland – All affordable with strong healthcare and entertainment options.
Affordable Retirement Spots Beyond Florida
Texas
Five Texas cities made the list, including El Paso, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Midland. With no state income tax, lower housing costs, and warm weather, Texas is a top choice.
Southeast States
- Raleigh, North Carolina (No. 3) – Modern city with lower costs.
- Greenville, South Carolina (No. 6) – Affordable and scenic.
- Savannah, Georgia (No. 12) – Historic and charming.
Other Regions
- Providence, Rhode Island – Affordable for a Northern city.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Good livability at lower prices.
- Las Vegas, Nevada – Entertainment plus cheaper healthcare.
Retiring in America doesn’t have to mean struggling with bills. Cities like Tallahassee, Fort Myers, El Paso, and Raleigh show that you can live well, enjoy good healthcare, and stay active for under $2,000 a month on Social Security.
With smart planning, retirees don’t need to leave the country to find affordable comfort—the U.S. already has great options.
FAQs
Which U.S. city is the cheapest for retirees in 2025?
Tallahassee, Florida is the cheapest city, with monthly costs under $1,250 for homeowners and less than $1,000 for renters.
Why is Florida popular among retirees?
Florida has no state income tax, affordable housing, warm weather, and senior-friendly communities, making it very attractive.
Can retirees live on Social Security alone?
Yes, but only in low-cost cities. Retirees need to choose wisely, as living costs in big cities like New York or San Francisco are much higher.