6 Florida Beach Towns Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Living on Social Security alone can be daunting, and in 2025, the average monthly benefit is $2,005. With inflation, rising health care costs, and an uncertain economic outlook, many seniors are looking for ways to maximize senior benefits like Social Security. 

Moving to Florida may be just what the doctor and the financial planner ordered. Mild winters, plenty of outdoor activities, and vibrant senior communities make the Sunshine State a powerful retiree magnet. Here are some of Florida's most affordable lakefront and oceanfront cities.

Editor's note: All rental and mortgage data pulled from Zillow unless otherwise noted.

Average Rent: $1,600

Median Home Price: $249,670

Lake Wales, located in the heart of peninsular Florida, is a short drive from both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, as well as major attractions like Disney World. It's home to its namesake Lake Wales, as well as Tiger Creek Preserve and other natural gems, offering residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

With affordable housing and access to health care facilities in nearby Winter Haven, Lake Wales is truly a peaceful yet lively retirement spot.

Average Rent: $1,600

Median Home Price: $286,699

Located near the Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg residents enjoy abundant boating and fishing opportunities.

About 65 miles from the Gulf Coast, retirees can enjoy day trips to the beach. Additionally, the area has excellent health care services and a growing number of 55+ communities, blending natural beauty with convenience.

Average Rent: $1,200

Median Home Price: $211,142

Known as the "City of Charm," Avon Park offers retirees a classic small-town feel while also giving beach-like access thanks to its proximity to Lake Lulane Park. Attractions like Maxwell Groves Country Store and the South Florida State College Performing Arts Center bring added cultural enrichment.

Health care services are plentiful, with Avon Park Medical Center, Royal Care, and AdventHealth Sebring nearby. Plus, with one of the lowest home prices on this list, you may be able to keep more cash in your wallet when it comes to real estate. 

Average Rent: $1,500

Median Home Price: $243,237

Minutes from Atlantic beaches, South Daytona boasts a blend of coastal access and affordability.

Senior living options are abundant, from Westminster Canterbury to Magnolia Manor. With nearby attractions like Reed Canal Park and Daytona Ice Arena, retirees (and their guests) won't run short of ways to stay active.

Average Rent: $1,757

Median Home Price: $264,718

Pensacola Beach's sugar-white sands and mild temperatures are hard to beat. Retirees can explore Quietwater Boardwalk or snorkel at Park East.

The city also offers extensive senior living options, including assisted, independent, and wellness activities tailored for older adults.

Average Rent: $1,650

Median Home Price: $250,765

Beyond the famed speedway and boardwalk, Daytona Beach is home to AdventHealth Daytona Beach, recognized nationally for its health care excellence.

Retirees can also take in attractions like Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Daytona Aquarium.

Living on Social Security alone doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your beachy dreams. Cities like Pensacola and Avon Park show that affordable, vibrant Florida living is still within reach.

To enjoy the experience of beach-adjacent living, you should start planning your retirement readiness journey early. You can begin by thinking about how your priorities will shift in the coming decades, including your desire to have access to other amenities like health care and walkable towns, and then plan from there.