8 South Carolina Small Towns Retirees Are Picking Over Florida to Live on Nothing But Social Security

While Florida has been the default choice for generations of retirees, new migration data suggests seniors are rethinking their stress-free retirement destination.

According to HireAHelper's 2026 retirement migration study, South Carolina led the nation in net retiree migration gains in 2025, adding 5,427 residents age 65 and older. Florida still attracted the largest number of incoming retirees overall (45,696), but nearly as many left. The Sunshine State was left with a net gain of just 815.

One detail stands out even more: Florida ranked as the second-largest source of retirees moving to South Carolina, with 1,862 people making the switch. Rather than simply heading south, many retirees appear to be moving one state north in search of a better balance between affordability and lifestyle.

The shift makes financial sense for retirees living primarily on Social Security, which averages to $2,071 per month in 2026. South Carolina doesn't tax Social Security benefits, and many communities remain significantly more affordable than Florida's coastal retirement markets. In addition, qualifying homeowners over 65 receive a homestead exemption that reduces their property tax bill.

Here are eight South Carolina towns where affordability shows up in real housing costs.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from Zillow, unless otherwise stated. All cost-of-living data comes from bestplaces.net.

Average home price: $283,665

Aiken is located close to Augusta, Georgia, making it a great spot for retirees who need proximity to a larger metro hub and the amenities it has to offer. Still, the city has enough on its own to attract seniors: from historical sites and museums to a large concentration of hospitals and specialists.

More importantly, Aiken's cost of living is 15% lower than the U.S. average, driven primarily by lower housing and transportation costs.

Average home price: $254,266

Was coastal living your main draw to Florida? Georgetown is all about waterfront living at a lower cost than many beach communities in both South Carolina and the Sunshine State.

It has the added benefit of being roughly one hour away from Charleston. On the affordability side, it has a sales tax rate 8% below the national average and low utilities and transportation costs.

Average home price: $168,812

Orangeburg is easily the most affordable option on this list. Its below-average home prices mean you're likely to have money left in your pocket even if Social Security is your only source of income.

In addition to solid health care offerings, Orangeburg welcomes retirees with 25% lower cost of living than the national average, largely due to affordable grocery and utility costs, which are 8% and 11% cheaper than the U.S. average, respectively.

Average home price: $191,052

Some retirees don't enjoy the limited services of a small town, so a larger regional hub like Greenwood, which feels like a small town but boasts a major regional health care center, may be their perfect choice.

Greenwood's main draw is its low housing cost. In addition, groceries and other everyday expenses are less likely to drain fixed incomes than in similar hubs.

Average home price: $173,249

With home prices and property taxes well below state and national averages, Newberry helps retirees fend off one of the biggest expenses they could face on a fixed income.

Beyond home prices, this charming small town also offers affordable utilities (12% below the national average) and a cost of living that's 21% lower than the U.S. average.

Average home price: $208,060

St. George is a lower-cost alternative to communities closer to Charleston. Retirees willing to live a bit farther from the city often save substantially on housing while remaining within driving distance of major services and medical care.

Health care costs are also among the reasons many retirees choose St. George as their home base. They're 14% lower than the national average, helping seniors stay in good health and maintain a high standard of living without breaking the bank.

Average home price: $296,839

If you'd like easy access to the Charlotte area without paying North Carolina prices, Lancaster is an easy pick. With home values under $300,000, it's a more affordable option than many suburbs across the state line.

While the cost of living is on par with the national average, you only need an annual income of $26,000 to live comfortably in this charming South Carolina town.

Average home price: $215,040

Walterboro is another community in the Charleston region that avoids the city's high housing costs. Home values are below those in many South Carolina and Florida markets, so fixed-income households keep more of their monthly budgets for everyday expenses.

Being inland also means lower wind and flood insurance costs than living directly on the coast. Additionally, Walterboro saves you on transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

For decades, Florida dominated retirement migration. However, the latest numbers show the picture is changing. South Carolina is attracting more retirees, and it's keeping them. With the nation's largest net gain in residents aged 65 and older and housing costs that often undercut Florida's best-known retirement destinations, the Palmetto State has become the preferred choice for many retirees.

If moving south is part of your retirement plan, consider South Carolina's favorable tax treatment for Social Security and senior tax relief to stretch your fixed income without missing out on a retirement haven.