15 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $2,800 or Less

If you want to retire to the sunny beaches of Florida without breaking the bank, this is the list for you. These Sunshine State cities offer all the advantages of Florida — including warm weather, no income tax, and close proximity to healthcare facilities — without the high price tag you’d expect in such a high-demand state.

Ready for a stress-free retirement? Here are the 15 best Florida cities where you can retire on a budget of $2,800 a month or less.

With an average monthly rent payment of $1,675 and a cost of living that’s 5% lower than the national average — including $381 per person monthly on groceries — Jacksonville is one of the most affordable cities for Florida retirees.

You’ll find everything from arts and culture to sports in this major city, and the golf courses and parks make it perfect for retirees who want to stay active in their later years.

Gainesville is known as a college town, which means it’s filled with vibrant restaurants, a charming downtown, and plenty of opportunities to check out collegiate sports.

The average monthly rent payment in Gainesville is just $1,600, and the cost of living is 7.8% lower than the national average, which means your dollars will go further no matter whether you choose to enjoy a more urban retirement in the city or decide to take advantage of the quiet of the lush Gainesville suburbs.

The average monthly rent in Lake City is only $1,400, so you’ll have half of your $2,800 left over every month for groceries and disposable income.

There’s no shortage of stuff to do in Lake City, from hiking to biking to checking out local breweries. That means you’re likely to find plenty of ways to spend that leftover monthly budget in this city, so if you want your golden years to be full of adventure, this is where you’re going to want to spend them.

If you have grandkids that love Disney, they’ll be sure to visit when you move to Mount Dora.

And with an average monthly rent of $1,561 and a cost of living that’s 6% lower than the national average, you’ll have plenty of money left each month to hit the theme parks with them. Plus, 33.2% of the population is above the age of 65, so when the grandkids aren’t around you’ll still have plenty of good company.

The average rent in Citrus Park, which is located near Tampa, is $1,936, but the cost of living is 9% below the national average.

While the Tampa area is not known as a hotspot of retirees, there are countless activities to occupy your days, including golf courses, the Dali Museum, and the hummingbird gardens.

You’ll pay an average of $1,800 for rent in Lakeland, but your overall cost of living is 8.4% lower than the national average.

In addition to the appealing low expenses, Lakeland also has great access to healthcare thanks to its proximity to Tampa, and an abundance of golf courses for those who’ve taken up the sport.

The average monthly rent in Brandon is $1,683, and the cost of living is 3% below the national average.

Just 15 minutes outside of Tampa, you’ll get all the amenities of city living but with a quieter pace of life that is just a bit farther inland.

In Pensacola, you’ll pay an average of $1,799 monthly for rent, but the cost of living is 13% below the national average.

You’ll also only shell out $321 monthly for groceries per person, something that leaves you a bit of wiggle room for hobbies, hitting the white sand beaches, or visiting one of the many museums in the area.

The cost of living in Deltona is 5.1% lower than the national average, and residents will only pay around $1,900 of their monthly budget on rent.

This Orlando-area city is fabulous for retirees thanks to its access to Lake Monroe, its expansive Vann and Campbell Parks, and its art center. Also, the proximity to Disney continues to make this spot attractive for many grandparents.

Living in Largo is going to cost you 11% less than the national average cost of living, and the average monthly rent is $1,730.

This city offers easy access to both golf courses and beaches, making it a perfect spot for a retiree looking to spend their golden years living the good life. Largo has plenty of walkable neighborhoods and shopping areas to choose from, as well as 400 acres of parkland, which makes this spot the place to be if you want to live a charming life of leisure.

Average monthly rent will cost you $1,869 in Panama City, and the cost of living is 4.6% less than the national average.

If the savings aren’t enough to sway you, the fact that Panama City experiences an average of 320 days of sunshine a year should do the trick. This is also a great city for those who love to get out on the water, whether that’s boating or kayaking.

Add in access to a strong healthcare system, and it’s easy to see why retirees love this Florida town.

The cost of living is 8.4% lower than the national average in Bartow, and the average monthly rent is $1,825.

This town near both Lakeland and Tampa is known for its historic charm and its easygoing, quiet atmosphere. You’ll want to put Bartow at the top of your list if you’re looking for a relaxing retirement where there’s nothing to do but sit a spell.

Average monthly rent in Altamonte Springs is $1,629, and the cost of living is 8% lower than the national average.

Located close to Orlando, this lively suburb puts you close to all the action of the theme parks while also serving up a town that has its own identity, restaurants, and shops. It is a fabulous place to put down roots in retirement, especially if you’re hoping younger relatives will want to visit.

The average monthly rent in Pinellas Park is $1,862, and the cost of living is 10% lower than the national average.

Located near Tampa Bay, you’ll have quick access to all of the restaurants, golf, and recreation of the Tampa area, but in a quieter, suburban town. It’s not yet known as a retirement destination, but it has everything active retirees need, including parks, access to shopping, and healthcare.

You can’t beat the average monthly rent in Temple Terrace of $1,569, and the cost of living is 5% lower than the national average.

This laid-back Tampa Bay-area town is located on the Hillsborough River — if you love the quiet of the outdoors, this is the place to retire.

While beach towns might not seem like they’re within reach for those who are living on social security, many spots have more affordable enclaves where you can retire on a fixed income.

And for those who are willing to move a bit farther from the water, you can maximize your retirement savings all while getting that laid-back Florida lifestyle without the big Florida price tag.