10 Best Florida Cities Where You Can Live on a $1,600 Social Security Check

If your retirement dream includes warm weather year-round, but your monthly payment is around $1,600 a month, you may think Florida is out of reach.

Several Florida cities are still affordable enough to fit within a modest Social Security budget. These communities offer low housing costs with small-town charm, and many are within driving distance of larger cities.

Here are 10 low-cost Florida towns where you can stretch your Social Security dollars further than you might expect.

Editor's note: All rental figures are pulled from Apartments.com, and all housing prices are pulled from Zillow. Cost of living figures are pulled from AreaVibes.

Average rent: $467

Average home value: $232,694

Residents of DeFuniak Springs enjoy a low cost of living among historic buildings. This city is tucked away from major tourist corridors, which helps keep the cost of living 9% lower than most of Florida.

Known for its walkable historic district, you don't have to drive to get out and about. However, it is about an hour's drive to the nearest large hospital in Fort Walton Beach.

Average rent: $485

Average home value: $171,471

If you love Victorian-era architecture and Southern charm, consider Quincy, where prices are 16% lower than most of Florida.

About a 30-minute drive to Tallahassee, this Panhandle city has a storied past, which includes tobacco farms and Coca-Cola riches. So, while today it's a small town with affordable restaurants and shops that cater to residents, it retains the air of an earlier majesty.

Average rent: $742

Average home value: $299,740

Just about a 40-minute drive to historic downtown Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres offers access to coastal attractions with affordable inland pricing.

Residents have plenty to do, including sporting events, fishing, and wildlife viewing at nearby Hickey Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area. Golf-lovers have their choice of exceptional courses between the Westminster Golf Club and the Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club.

Lehigh Acres is family and retiree-friendly and offers resort-style recreation.

Average rent: $533

Average home value: $156,351

Bonifay calls itself "a quaint little town." Halfway between Pensacola and Tallahassee, it is an easy place to stop for travelers heading to the Florida Gulf Coast from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Home prices are very affordable, but rentals are rare. If you're in a position to buy and enjoy a small town, Bonifay hosts an annual rodeo, festivals, and the World's Largest All-Night Sing.

Average rent: $936

Average home value: $261,699

From fishing to a famous folk festival to a monthly growers and makers market, Lake City has plenty for budget-conscious retirees.

Called "Florida's Springlands," this north-central Florida town is near six state parks. Cave divers come to explore 33,000 feet of underwater passages in Wes Skiles Peacock Springs.

Unlike many small towns with limited health care and housing options, Lake City provides plenty of both.

Average rent: $585

Average home value: $202,284

Looking for small-town allure, vintage buildings, antique treasures, affordable local produce, scenic waterways, and warm hospitality? You may find your retirement home in Waldo. There are not many rental options, but housing prices are low if you're in a position to buy.

This rural north-central Florida town operates on small-town economics, with farmers' markets, flea markets, and antique villages.

It's also near Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation and Lake Alto Park.

Average rent: $743

Average home value: $240,793

Cattle, citrus, and watermelon make up the backbone of this working agricultural community. Restaurants serve comfort food at local prices, and the authentic cowboy culture keeps things real.

Don't think it's all ranches and farms, though! The area has lots of little parks, and the 4-square-mile Arcadia City Center draws antique lovers from all over.

Average rent: $858

Average home value: $244,352

Surrounded by over 100 lakes and known for the Sebring International Raceway, Sebring has an unusual mix of excitement, plenty of outdoor activities, and small-town warmth.

The influx of motorsports tourists is seasonal, which means there are plenty of shops and restaurants that cater to residents with local pricing. Highlands Hammock State Park is close by, as are the towns of Avon Park and Lake Placid.

Average rent: $801

Average home value: $211,142

Scenic views, tree-lined streets, fishing, golfing, and hiking all welcome you in Florida's "City of Charm."

Residents of Avon Park enjoy small-town pricing at local businesses on the mile-long Main Street mall. South Florida State College provides affordable cultural opportunities, like the performing arts center. Local agriculture means fresh produce at farm stand rates.

Average rent: $741

Average home value: $230,771

Do historic buildings make you happy? As the oldest city in Polk County, Fort Meade has over 150 landmark buildings. Plus, the annual Battle of Bowlegs Creek Heritage Festival commemorates Polk County's only Civil War action.

On the Peace River, Fort Meade offers outstanding kayaking, fishing, golfing, and conservation land with a peaceful, shady archway perfect for hiking. There's also an Antique Engine club that puts on antique tractor pulls.

By selecting your location carefully, you can retire in Florida on a $1,600 Social Security check and enjoy a low-stress retirement. Florida's tax advantage for retirees makes living in the Sunshine State more affordable. It's one of nine states that doesn't collect personal income tax, including no state taxes on Social Security or investment income.

As you narrow down your options, consider whether you prefer small-town charm or coastal amenities, the availability of rental housing versus buying opportunities, and proximity to health care facilities that meet your needs.