12 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $1,800 or Less

Florida often tops the list of the best places to retire. The sun and sand make it an easy place to live out your days, but it's more than just the weather that draws retirees. The Sunshine State is one of the most tax-friendly states, too, which allows you to keep more of your money in your wallet.

But one of the best money moves as a homeowner is also finding a place to retire within your housing budget. FinanceBuzz looked at 180 cities across the U.S. and evaluated them based on affordability. Here are the best Florida cities to spend your golden years on a monthly housing budget of $1,800 or less. 

Editor's note: All home prices are sourced from Redfin. 

Median monthly mortgage: $1,453

This town from the FinanceBuzz study is located in the heart of central Florida. Sebring offers a lower cost of living than other places in the Sunshine State, and the median home price is just above $200,000. It's known for a tight-knit community and natural beauty, and sports enthusiasts may know the city for its annual 12-hour car race.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,329

Ocala is a popular retirement spot, especially with golf lovers. This quiet community is packed with world-class golf resorts, hiking and biking trails, and plenty of access to water. There are plenty of 55+ communities, and the median home price is around $266,000. This makes Ocala an ideal option for retirees on a budget.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,359

Homosassa Springs is known for its incredible access to wildlife. Whether you're interested in fishing or want to spot local species, the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is your direct access to abundant wildlife. The median home price is $289,000, making this small town affordable for retirees.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,606

The capital city of Florida is a great spot for active retirees. This city offers plenty to do and see, with restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. The median home price is higher in Tallahassee than in some other towns in Florida, but it is still just above $300,000, making it budget-friendly.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,666

Retirees looking to stay active and social will love The Villages. With plenty of amenities, residents can enjoy clubs, activities, and events. Many communities here are all-inclusive, giving residents access to pools and golf courses, which accounts for the higher home cost. The median home price in The Villages is around $359,900.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,678

While many people may not consider a college town an ideal place for retirement, Gainesville offers plenty for retirees to do. The University of Florida hosts an abundance of sporting events, and the city itself offers many parks and museums to keep you busy during retirement. Median home prices hover around $295,000, which is well below the national average.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,712

Ormond Beach residents enjoy a good mix of art and culture, with scenic wildlife as the backdrop. Median home prices are about $380,495, and many communities offer additional perks, such as golf course access and fitness centers. Retirees also have access to shopping centers and restaurants, despite Ormond Beach being a small beach community.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,723

At the end of the panhandle, Pensacola is the perfect spot to enjoy the Florida beaches away from the big city crowds. Despite being farther from the tourist spots, this city still offers plenty of recreation and attractions to keep retirees busy. Median home prices are around $330,000, offering a nice place for retirees to live on a budget.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,730

For those who want access to big cities without having to live there, Sebastian would be a great fit. This town offers a laid-back lifestyle, and residents have access to watersports and fishing. Homes typically go for a median of $342,495, but the location can't be beat.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,732

If you're looking to retire on the white sandy beaches of Florida, Panama City Beach is your dream come true. With 27 miles of beachfront, you can enjoy sun and sand as often as you'd like. The median sale price of a home in Panama City Beach is $384,000.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,750

Located equally between Tampa and Orlando, Winter Haven is a small town with big city access. Residents enjoy a wide variety of activities from antique shopping to award-winning community theater productions. Homes sell for around $289,495, making this scenic city affordable for retirees.

Median monthly mortgage: $1,776

Melbourne is the place for relaxed, coastal living. Not only do you have access to beaches, but there are other entertaining attractions like The Brevard Zoo and The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands. Home prices are around $317,000. While it's not the least expensive city in Florida, that is still well below the national average.

Whether you're looking for beachfront living or want to enjoy an active social life, the Sunshine State offers a budget-friendly option for nearly any type of retirement lifestyle. From affordable monthly housing costs to tax benefits that can stretch your retirement dollars further, Florida is ideal for many.

And if you want to keep a second home in your current city, you only need to reside in Florida for 183 days out of the year to be considered a resident.