25 U.S. Cities Where Retirees Can Live Well On Social Security—For Under $2,000 A Month
For millions of Americans, the dream of a comfortable retirement often runs into one big problem: cost. The average Social Security check is just under $2,000 per month, which doesn’t always stretch far enough in big coastal metros. But here’s the good news—according to a new report, there are 25 U.S. cities where retirees can live well on Social Security—without spending more than $2,000 a month.
This study, released by GoBankingRates, highlights the best affordable retirement cities in the U.S. where seniors can enjoy warm weather, low housing costs, and a good quality of life without the need for a second income. By analyzing factors like rent, homeownership costs, healthcare expenses, population over 65, and livability scores, researchers pinpointed cities that prove you don’t need to move abroad to find an affordable retirement lifestyle.
Why These Retirement Cities Stand Out
Most retirees depend on Social Security as their primary source of income. That’s why knowing where you can actually make that monthly check go the distance matters. The 25 U.S. cities where retirees can live well on Social Security all keep average monthly expenses well below the national average. The majority are located in warm Southern states like Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas, but a few Northern gems also make the list.
Florida dominates, with eight cities featured, thanks to its lack of state income tax, retiree-friendly climate, and affordable housing options. Texas also shines with five cities in the ranking, while the Carolinas, Georgia, and even Nevada round out the best affordable retirement destinations.
The Best Affordable City to Retire in the U.S.
Tallahassee, Florida takes the No. 1 spot on the list of best places to retire in the U.S. on Social Security. With average monthly living costs of $995 for renters and $1,248 for homeowners, Tallahassee is well below the $2,000 Social Security benchmark. The city also boasts a livability score of 85 out of 100, a strong retiree community, cultural attractions, and mild winters.
Florida Leads the Way
No surprise here—Florida dominates the ranking with cities like Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, and Lakeland all making the cut. Retirees are drawn to the Sunshine State for its year-round sunshine, no state income tax, affordable healthcare, and abundance of beaches and golf courses.
The South and Southwest Shine
Texas proves itself as a retiree haven with El Paso, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Midland all ranking as top affordable retirement cities. Georgia also makes a strong showing with Athens, Savannah, and Atlanta, while the Carolinas add Greenville, Columbia, Charlotte, and Raleigh to the list.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas, Nevada earns a top-10 spot with a unique mix of entertainment, healthcare affordability, and retirement-friendly living costs.
Only a Few Northern Cities Made the List
The majority of affordable U.S. retirement cities are located in the South, but a few Northern locations broke through—Providence, Rhode Island; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and New Haven, Connecticut. These cities offer cultural richness, historic charm, and surprisingly affordable living for retirees on Social Security.
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Table: 25 U.S. Cities Where Retirees Can Live Well on Social Security
| Rank | City & State | Avg Monthly Cost (Homeowner) | Avg Monthly Cost (Renter) | Livability Score | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tallahassee, FL | $1,248 | $995 | 85 | Affordable, mild winters, cultural activities |
| 2 | Fort Myers, FL | $1,746 | $1,468 | 85 | Beaches, large retiree population |
| 3 | Raleigh, NC | $1,312 | $1,097 | 84 | Thriving city with southern charm |
| 4 | Jacksonville, FL | $1,197 | $1,073 | 84 | Coastal living, low cost of living |
| 5 | Pensacola, FL | $929 | $1,136 | 83 | White-sand beaches, arts scene |
| 6 | Greenville, SC | $1,302 | $1,118 | 83 | Affordable Southern lifestyle |
| 7 | Las Vegas, NV | $2,089 | $1,203 | 82 | Entertainment, cheaper healthcare |
| 8 | Providence, RI | $1,784 | $1,215 | 82 | Historic, cultural, affordable Northeast living |
| 9 | El Paso, TX | $1,122 | $985 | 81 | Low housing costs, warm climate |
| 10 | Dallas, TX | $1,459 | $1,240 | 81 | Big city amenities, no state tax |
| 11 | Norfolk, VA | $1,344 | $1,129 | 81 | Coastal city with cultural appeal |
| 12 | Savannah, GA | $1,389 | $1,172 | 81 | Southern charm, history, affordability |
| 13 | Orlando, FL | $1,512 | $1,298 | 80 | Entertainment hub, sunny lifestyle |
| 14 | San Antonio, TX | $1,287 | $1,101 | 80 | Rich culture, affordable housing |
| 15 | Corpus Christi, TX | $1,365 | $1,147 | 80 | Coastal lifestyle, low costs |
| 16 | Daytona Beach, FL | $1,310 | $1,118 | 79 | Oceanfront city, affordable rents |
| 17 | Athens, GA | $1,238 | $1,045 | 79 | Vibrant college town for retirees |
| 18 | Charlotte, NC | $1,499 | $1,272 | 79 | Growing metro with retiree appeal |
| 19 | Tampa, FL | $1,482 | $1,276 | 78 | Coastal hub, big retiree population |
| 20 | Milwaukee, WI | $1,412 | $1,169 | 78 | Affordable Northern option |
| 21 | Columbia, SC | $1,214 | $1,042 | 78 | Warm weather, cultural mix |
| 22 | Midland, TX | $1,361 | $1,153 | 77 | Energy hub, affordable housing |
| 23 | Atlanta, GA | $1,544 | $1,310 | 77 | Big city lifestyle at affordable rates |
| 24 | New Haven, CT | $1,565 | $1,289 | 76 | Ivy League charm, affordable Northeast option |
| 25 | Lakeland, FL | $1,322 | $1,116 | 76 | Quiet Florida lifestyle, affordable |
Bottom Line
Retirees don’t have to move abroad to find affordable living. The 25 U.S. cities where retirees can live well on Social Security prove that with the right location, a monthly check of $2,000 or less can go surprisingly far. From Florida’s sunny coasts to Texas’s big cities and even a few Northern surprises, these destinations show that affordable retirement is still possible in America.
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