10 Affordable Florida Cities Perfect for Retirees on a Fixed Income

If your retirement plan includes living on a fixed income as you age, you're not alone. According to the Senior Citizens League, 27% of Americans are living off social security payments alone, which averages about $2,000 per person or $4,000 per couple per month.

A fixed income can also be drawn from your retirement savings, which may be all you need to enjoy your golden years in Florida, if you choose the right place to settle down.

Take a look at this list of 10 cities that are perfect for retirees relying on a fixed income.

All data on average mortgage prices and cost of living was provided by the Economic Research Institute and all data on average rental prices was provided by Zillow, unless otherwise noted.

Median house price: $290,900

Average rent: $1,850

The cost of living is 15% below the Florida average in this small city with abundant outdoor adventures. The "Manatee Capital of the World" invites you to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard alongside gentle giants as you start your day. Free activities abound, too.

Local shops and restaurants sell affordable fresh seafood and other sundries. Gulf beaches are close by, and Tampa and Orlando are 90 minutes away.

Median house price: $244,300

Average rent: $1,600

The overall cost of living in Daytona Beach is slightly over the national average, despite its proximity to gorgeous Atlantic Coast beaches. Enjoying said beaches won't cost you much beyond your provisions and the gas to get there.

Tourism is king here, but you can also enjoy local historic sites, mom-and-pop shopping, and local cuisine. Latitude Margaritaville attracts retirees of all stripes.

Median house price: $235,000

Average rent: $1,650

Anchored by the prestigious University of Florida, Gainesville keeps retirees active and stimulated with programming from the Institute for Learning in Retirement. The bustling college town is also a gateway to stunning natural springs and top-tier outdoor recreation.

The cost of living is 10% below the national average, thanks to low transportation, grocery, and utility costs.

Median home price: $266,100

Average rent: $1,615

On the banks of the St. Johns River is Jacksonville, which has a cost of living 8% below the national average. The balance of outdoor activities and the arts and culture scene makes it appealing to retirees.

Florida's aptly named "Shrimp Capital" promises plenty of fresh seafood for dining, and nearby Atlantic beaches are all they're hyped up to be.

Average monthly mortgage: $316,100

Average rent: $2,000

Arguably the most expensive city on this list (though still below the national average), Mount Dora is the quaint, walkable, lakeside town you dream of retiring to. Stroll the downtown full of cute shops, paddle the waterways, and enjoy the town's community-oriented vibe.

48% of the population of Mount Dora is over age 50, according to Censusreporter.com, and Lake County in general has excellent, accessible healthcare.

Median home price: $219,900

Average rent: $1,725

If your idea of the perfect retirement is riding horses on sunlit trails, spending afternoons hiking and swimming in pristine nature, and having a local dinner downtown, Ocala is for you. Here, 55+ communities are common, and many retirees snowbird in this small yet popular inland city.

Plus, the cost of living is 11% below the national average, giving you room to breathe easy when it comes time to pay your bills.

Median home price: $243,200

Average rent: $1,700

The Florida panhandle is home to some incredible beach towns, and Panama City is one of the relatively affordable ones. In addition to beach life, residents can enjoy waterfront strolling and dining, and outdoor activities galore.

Plus, Tallahassee and Pensacola are both only a car ride away if you're looking for major services beyond what's in town.

Median home price: $175,000

Average rent: $1,600

Arguably the most affordable locale on this list, this inland city sits on Lake Jackson (among other lakes), making it a water activity enthusiast's paradise. The City on the Circle is close-knit, thinks golf carts instead of cars, is fairly insulated from hurricanes, and is close to historic parks.

Downtown Sebring is great for strolling and dining, and local health care ranks well.

Median home price: $276,000
Average rent: $1,500

Florida's capital is home to Florida State University, home of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for older adults. Retirees who are kids at heart will enjoy this college town, which skews younger than many Florida cities, though all the services and amenities you need are here.

The cost of living in Tallahassee is 6% below the national average, with housing and utilities leading the charge.

Median home price: $394,010 (according to Zillow)

Average rent: $2,700

A true retirement community in every way, The Villages is a census-designated place where 54% of the population is older adults. Talk about community! If there's something you need, chances are it's here, whether an amenity, service, activity, or class.

The cost of living has a reputation for being high, but you can still manage on a relatively affordable budget here.

A stress-free retirement is synonymous with one that's within your budget, especially for those on a fixed income. And, when your goal is to spend your golden years living in the Sunshine State, the dream is still within reach.

Just remember that Florida also has many rural areas that remain affordable to folks on a fixed income. So if you're open to exploring something outside of city centers, you may be able to locate even more homes within your budget.