15 Best Florida Cities to Retire on a Budget of $4,000 a Month

Want to make the most of your retirement savings? Consider making a move to a place where your money goes further.

Florida is a favorite for retirees, and while some cities have housing prices that reflect the hot demand, others are perfect for older residents looking to spend their golden years basking in the warmth of the Sunshine State.

While you’re assessing your retirement plan, make sure to consider all monthly expenses, including healthcare, groceries, and, of course, activities — after all, isn’t that what retirement is all about?

Ready to start planning out your days in the sunshine? Here are the best Florida cities to retire on a budget of $4,000 a month or less.

Looking for a beautiful yet affordable place to retire? Go to Lake City, which is also known as Florida's Springlands thanks to its abundance of lakes, springs, and rivers.

There are two state parks, multiple golf courses, and countless opportunities to stay active in your retirement. Plus, the median home value is $256,530, and the cost of living is 17% lower than the national average, so you’ll be able to comfortably retire on just $4,000 a month.

With an average home value of $381,610, Oakland Park is liveable on just under $3,000 a month.

This quiet town outside of Fort Lauderdale has its own culture with beaches, shopping, and restaurants, but you’re close enough that you can get into the big cities easily.

While there is a retiree population here, there’s also a strong sense of family-friendliness, so it could be a place to convince the grandkids to move.

If you plan on buying a home in retirement, Edgewater will allow you to buy your own place for around $307,683, which is the average home value.

The cost of living is 5.1% lower than the national average here, and you’ll find a quiet, peaceful life with a small town vibe. One thing you won’t have, however, is proximity to major cities. You’re an hour from several major cities including Orlando and St. Augustine.

Mount Dora has historic charm and small town friendliness, yet you’re just 40 minutes from Orlando, something that’s important to consider if you’re going to have grandkids visiting.

The retirees have definitely discovered Mount Dora, so you’ll be in good company with a built-in community — 33.2% of the population here is over the age of $65. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,561, which leaves you with plenty of room in your budget of $4,000 a month.

The median home value in Deltona is $311,297 and the cost of living is 5.1% below the national average, which makes it an affordable city on a budget of $4,000 or less a month.

This quiet, suburban town in between Orlando and Daytona Beach offers proximity to bigger cities, but without the hustle and bustle. There’s room for boating, swimming, and fishing along Lake Monroe, and the region is also known for some of the best bird watching in the state.

With a median home value of $263,605 and a cost of living that is 13% lower than the national average, Pensacola is a great town for retirees looking to find their retreat in the Sunshine State.

This mid-size city has a richer cultural life than many other affordable Florida cities, with everything from historic sites like Fort Pickens to Big Lagoon State Park to the National Naval Aviation Museum. There’s also a top-ranked healthcare system in Pensacola.

The city of Citrus Park is just outside of Tampa, but it provides a lower cost of living where the median home value is $419,604 and the cost of living is 9% below the national average. 

This quiet suburban area is popular with families and retirees alike, thanks to its serene setting that is just a quick drive to bustling Tampa.

Just under 30 minutes from St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park is an affordable city that’s in a prime Sunshine State location.

Over 20% of the population is over 65, so you’ll be surrounded by peers and in the heart of a vibrant suburban area. From shopping, bars, and restaurants to an equestrian scene, this is the perfect spot for retirees looking for an active lifestyle.

A median home price of $297,741 and a cost of living that’s 5% lower than the national average are why Jacksonville is a hot spot for retirees looking for an affordable place to retire.

There’s the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Riverside Arts Market for those looking to immerse themselves in the arts, and the Mayo Clinic is nearby for top notch healthcare.

Deerfield Beach has a median home price of $286,575, making it an affordable place to buy a home and start your retirement.

This smaller city near Fort Lauderdale has both beaches and a downtown area, giving you the best of both worlds. While one of the more affordable homes probably won’t get you waterfront views, there are plenty of public beaches.

And while there are doctors and hospitals in the area, you can scoot over to Fort Lauderdale or Miami for more intensive healthcare.

You can buy a home for the median home value of $281,275 in Panama City, where the cost of living is 4.6% lower than the national average.

This is where you’ll find a vibrant culture that merges Latin American influences with a laid-back Florida attitude. You can spend days at the beach, afternoons golfing, and all while having access to top-rated hospitals.

The median home value in Gulfport is $384,422 and the cost of living is just below the national average.

This Gulf Coast spot has small town charm, but you’re just a quick drive from the vibrant downtown and amenities of St. Petersburg. You’ll find great golf courses and outdoor activities, including kayaking and boating.

And, nearly 40% of the population here is retired, so you’ll be in good company.

Oldsmar has a median home value of $275,000 and a cost of living that’s 5% lower than the national average.

Just a half hour outside of Tampa, Oldsmar is a charming town that has parks and beaches, but you can drive into Tampa for everything from professional sports to international airports — something that’s important to consider if your retirement plan includes traveling.

Nearly 67% of the population in Sun City is over 65, which makes it one of the best locations for retirees to be surrounded by their peers.

Not only that, but Sun City offers some affordable housing options, with a median home value of $305,348 and a cost of living that’s 2.8% below the national average.

The area also boasts golf, Sun City Center, and a short 40 minute commute to Tampa for any specialists or advanced medical attention you may require.

The cost of living in Brandon is 3% lower than the national average, and the median home value is $360,308. This town near Tampa is a quieter, more affordable alternative that still gives you access to all of the big city amenities and healthcare in Tampa.

When you’re planning for retirement, knowing the cost of living and what it will take you to pay for necessities, as well as a little bit of fun, is key.

You can set yourself up for a stress-free retirement by choosing a new home in a state where there’s no state income tax and housing prices are lower than the national average. 

Many retirees flock to Florida for this very reason, but there are locations across the United States that fit the bill.