Affordable Retirement Destinations in the United States for Seniors Living on Social Security Income, Costing Less than $2,000 Per Month

According to a new report from GOBankingRates, there are 25 affordable cities in the United States where retirees can live comfortably on approximately $2,000 a month or less. The report takes into account various factors such as cost of living, housing costs, and livability scores.

Florida dominates the ranking as the cheapest places to retire, with eight cities in the top 25. Tallahassee, Florida, takes the top spot as the cheapest city to retire, with a livability score of 85 and a cost of living that is nearly 10% lower than average for older Americans. Retirees who rent in Tallahassee can expect a monthly cost of living around $995, while the average cost of living for homeowners is $1,248.

Jacksonville, Florida, comes in at number four with a livability score of 84. Here, retiree homeowners average $1,197 per month, while renters spend $1,073. Fort Myers ranks number two on the list with a livability score of 85 and one of the largest retiree populations in the nation at 22%.

Texas also appeals to retirees with low housing costs, a warm climate, and no state income tax. Dallas, Texas ranks tenth on the list with a livability score of 82, while homeowners spend about $1,000 a month and renters spend around $1,150. El Paso, Texas is the ninth cheapest place to retire, with a livability score of 82. Homeowners spend about $1,000 a month and renters about $1,100.

The Carolinas and Georgia have several cities on the list, besides Florida and Texas. Greenville, South Carolina is the sixth cheapest place to retire, with a livability score of 85. Homeowners spend about $1,000 a month and renters about $1,200. Savannah, Georgia is the twelfth cheapest place to retire, with a livability score of 84. Homeowners spend about $1,100 a month and renters about $1,200.

The Southeast, besides Florida and Texas, has several cities on the list. North Carolina has Raleigh and Charlotte, South Carolina has Greenville and Columbia, and Georgia has Athens and Savannah.

The only Western city to crack the list is Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas is the seventh cheapest place to retire, with a livability score of 83. Homeowners spend about $2,089 a month and renters about $1,203.

The South leads when it comes to affordable retirement living, with only three Northern cities making the cut: Providence, Rhode Island, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and New Haven, Connecticut. Providence ranks eighth on the list with a livability score of 81, while homeowners spend about $1,100 a month and renters spend around $1,200. Milwaukee, Wisconsin ranks twentieth on the list with a livability score of 81, with homeowners spending about $1,000 a month and renters spending around $1,100. New Haven, Connecticut ranks twenty-fourth on the list with a livability score of 79, with homeowners spending about $1,050 a month and renters spending around $1,150.

Orlando, Florida is the thirteenth cheapest place to retire, with a livability score of 83. Homeowners spend about $929 a month and renters about $1,136. San Antonio, Texas is the fourteenth cheapest place to retire, with a livability score of 81. Homeowners spend about $1,000 a month and renters about $1,100.

The average Social Security check in the U.S. hovers around $2,000 per month. The cities on this list offer retirees a chance to live comfortably within their means, making them attractive destinations for those looking to retire on a budget.