8 Southern Towns Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

With Social Security Income at $1,976 for an individual and $3,014 for a couple as of 2025, it’s hard to live on that alone. 

But, it is possible if you maximize your retirement savings and implement strategies for saving money or living frugally. Where you live can also contribute to how affordable your retirement lifestyle is.

Southern towns sometimes offer perks that make your dream of living off of Social Security alone possible, including a lower cost of living. 

Not only can you afford to live in these locations, but you can choose a town with your preferred weather, unique history, amenities, and other factors that are important to you. 

Take a look at these eight towns to see if any of them sound like your dream retirement location.

Average Rent: $850

Median Home Price: $225K

This town is tiny, with only 14 rentals available throughout. Despite limited inventory, both rental prices and housing costs are low. But, if too many people catch word of this hidden Tennessee town, rentals could become hard to come by.

One of the best parts of Paris is that they have a 70-foot Eiffel Tower replica. The replica is near Kentucky Lake, so you can visit the Eiffel Tower before boating, fishing, swimming, or strolling the lakeshore.

There is also no state income tax in Tennessee either, allowing you to stretch your retirement budget further than in other states.

Average Rent: $1,950

Median Home Price: $157,123

If you want to live affordably on a lake, you can do so in Eufaula. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the water and a relaxed pace while surrounding yourself with a quaint town of historic homes.

One of the reasons retirees would love it is that there isn’t much tourism, so the town stays peaceful most of the year. Plus, let’s not forget that the cost of living is 25% lower than the national average in the U.S., so you’re sure to stretch your budget a little more.

Average Rent: $1,400

Median Home Price: $208,226

With a 2024 population of 4,874, Abbeville is a small town with plenty of character and charm. It’s a historic town offering an opera house, a town square, and welcoming neighbors.

Abbeville's cost of living is also 25% lower than the national average, so you can cut costs on food, transportation, and other necessities.

Average Rent: $1,872/month

Median Home Price: $373,945

With a population of only 840, Blairsville is a quiet, small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Retirees may quickly come to rely on the picturesque mountain landscaping and natural beauty as their home, knowing they always have something spectacular to look forward to and see when they’re in their space.

Residents also love that they get four seasons in Blairsville and endless options for outdoor recreation year-round. Plus, the cost of living is over 8% less than the national average.

Even better than that is the affordable cost of living in Blairsville, and the low mortgage prices. The housing costs aren’t as low as in other towns, but making frugal choices and stretching your budget can allow you to comfortably live in this beautiful location.

Average Rent: $2,400

Median Home Price: $307,260

Burnsville offers stunning sights of the Blue Ridge Mountains and other scenic landscapes, and it’s only home to 1,614 people. This town is great for those who want a strong arts community, because it’s filled with galleries and studios.

It’s also an ideal location for those who enjoy nature, with plenty of trails nearby and a dark sky observatory.

Average Rent: $500-3,400

Median Home Price: $232,422

With a cost of living more than 20% lower than the overall national average, you’ll have more money for rent, making memories, travel, or growing your investments in Tellico Plains.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring Tellico Plains to experience the waterfalls, trails, skyway, and so much more. Plus, it’s worth mentioning that part of the outdoor exploration can include fishing and hiking, so keep it in mind if those are your hobbies.

Average Rent: $1,200

Median Home Price: $163,005

Jefferson is a well-preserved 1800s historic town famous for its bed-and-breakfasts and ghost tours. Its downtown is filled with stores, boutiques, restaurants, and activities, so you can stroll anytime and always find something to do.

Retirees might consider this location for an affordable historic home without having to travel too far from healthcare.

Average Rent: $1,879

Median Home Price: $414,512

If you’re looking for a quirky but affordable town to retire to, you might want to consider Bell Buckle. It’s a tiny town with a population of only 422 people. Bell Buckle has Victorian architecture and plenty of antique shops, and they host the RC Cola & MoonPie Festival if you’re into making memories with your community.

Living in Bell Buckle could be expensive, but if you make the right moves financially, you can live comfortably on your Social Security payments here.

Plus, renting in this town could cost you less than it would elsewhere with a cost of living that is more than 15% less than the national average.

Living on your Social Security requires strict budgeting and often planning for the least expensive options. By going this route, you can ensure you won’t run out of retirement funds or wind up living in an expensive location.

If you need or want to supplement your monthly Social Security payment, you can learn about ways to earn extra income, including purchasing a home in a southern town to use as an investment. There are plenty of ways to make a little extra cash on the side, so don’t be afraid to try something new if you find your Social Security payment isn’t stretching as far as you’d like it to.