- - 9 Charming Florida Cities Where You Can Live on a $1,700 Social Security Check

Melanie DawnJanuary 6, 2026 at 9:35 PM

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In 2024, Florida was ranked the best state in the U.S. to retire by WalletHub, partially due to excellent year-round weather, a lower crime rate than the national average, and no state income tax.

With these benefits, along with beautiful beaches, resorts, and plenty of things to see and do, planning to retire in the Sunshine State on a budget may seem more like a dream than a reality. However, Florida is a large, diverse state with plenty of affordable places to live.

Retiring on a limited monthly income requires careful budgeting, with housing usually one of the largest expenses. The cities on this list offer low rental costs and numerous other attractions that help ensure a higher quality of life.

The following are Florida cities where retirees can live on a $1,700 monthly budget.

Editor's note: All pricing data was sourced from Apartments.com and Zillow unless otherwise noted. All cost-of-living data was sourced from BestPlaces.net.

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1. Winter Haven

winter haven florida

mark/Adobe

Average rent: $1,267

Average home value: $275,051

Winter Haven lies southwest of Orlando in central Florida. It's known for its chain of lakes that offer a wide range of water activities. Approximately 21% of the population is aged 65 and older.

The cost of living in Winter Lakes is 8.4% lower than the national average and 11.2% lower than the state average, making it easier for those on a budget to pay for necessities like groceries, health care, and transportation.

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2. Titusville

indian river near the city of titusville florida

Photoman/Adobe

Average rent: $1,427

Average home value: $266,755

Just minutes from Atlantic beaches, Titusville offers a wide range of things to see and do for active seniors. There are more than 20 golf courses in the region, including the Cocoa Beach Country Club. The Kennedy Space Center offers discounts for seniors. There's also the North Brevard Senior Center that offers members 50+ activities like tai chi, zumba, bridge games, karaoke, and more.

Aside from affordable rent, Titusville has a cost of living that's 4% lower than the national average.

3. Pensacola

Aerial View of Pensacola Florida during Sunset

Jacob/Adobe

Average rent: $1,321

Average home value: $259,839

Pensacola is located in north Florida on the western coast near Alabama. Rent in the city is around 11% lower than the national average, and the cost of living is approximately 14% less than the state average.

While housing makes up the majority of the budget, there's still plenty of free activities for retirees. Spend a day on the beach and enjoy free concerts on Tuesdays from April to October, explore the Edward Ball Nature Trail, or stroll the historic district.

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4. Lakeland

a public botanical garden in Lakeland

Bo/Adobe

Average rent: $1,309

Average home value: $309,366

Lakeland gets its name from the 38 lakes within its city limits. It offers city amenities with a small-town feel. Lakeland has a large retirement population, ensuring there are plenty of activities that cater to retirees, such as birdwatching, museums, and shuffleboard courts.

Rental property is almost 11% less than the state average, making it an affordable place to live in central Florida.

5. Jacksonville

aerial photo Jacksonville Florida

Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe

Average rent: $1,292

Average home value: $280,096

Located along the northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida, Jacksonville offers more than just affordable living. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild, allowing for year-round golf and beach activities.

Costs for food, transportation, and health care are around 7% lower than the state average, allowing you to live close to the water without sacrificing your budget.

6. Ocala

streets of Ocala, FL

mark/Adobe

Average rent: $1,246

Average home value: $267,900

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the number of activities Ocala offers. Located in central Florida. Ocala is near Silver Springs State Park and the famous glass-bottom boats, which allow you to float along with manatees and enjoy the clear waters of the Silver River. There's also a lively cultural scene.

The cost of living is 13% lower than the national average.

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7. Lake City

aerial image lake city florida

Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe

Average rent: $952

Average home value: $257,986

From large farms to cozy townhouses, Lake City offers multiple property options for those on a budget. With just over 12,400 residents, Lake City is one of the smaller places on the list, making it ideal for those looking for a quiet community.

The total cost of living in Lake City is around 17% lower than the state average, so you can expect to pay less to fill your pantry and for medical expenses.

8. Gainesville

gainesville usa downtown

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe

Average rent: $1,258

Average home value: $291,411

Gainesville has a long list of accolades, such as being named one of the Happiest Cities by Gallup and one of the Best Places to Retire by Forbes. Atlantic beaches are about an hour away, and there are over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Rent is around $1,258 a month, which is about 8% less than what you can expect to pay in other cities across the nation.

9. Tallahassee

beautiful modern day buildings in tallahassee florida usa under purple sky

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe

Average rent: $1,195

Average home value: $284,791

Home to Florida State University, Tallahassee is a college town, making for a younger average population. However, mild winters, a low cost of living, and affordable housing make the city an attractive option for retirees.

As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee has a beautiful downtown historic district with museums, bookstores, and sidewalk cafes. There's also a Saturday marketplace and multiple parks for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Bottom line

Retiring in Florida on a fixed income is a reality if you choose your location wisely, even for those relying on $1,700 from Social Security. These nine cities offer an active lifestyle with affordable housing and necessities, and an active community of other retirees.

In addition to affordable housing, Florida also offers state-level programs, such as the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP), designed to lower your financial stress if you're age 60 and older with home energy emergencies.

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Source: “AOL Money”