12 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,550 a Month (Or Less)

To set yourself up for retirement, your first priority should be making sure your largest monthly expense fits squarely within your budget. For many, that's housing. Just as important is choosing a location that meets your lifestyle needs, from climate and community to access to health care, services, and everyday conveniences.

If relocating to a quaint Southern city sounds like a smart and fulfilling next step for you, we've crunched the numbers to find the best options. Using data sourced by our in-house finance experts, this list of locales strikes an ideal balance of affordability and amenities.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,544

With a population of 155,000, Burlington is growing — and with good reason. The medium-sized city between Greensboro and Raleigh remains affordable compared to its neighbors, mainly due to housing. The cost of living is 9% below the national average.

Burlington also boasts a small-town vibe, and its artsy, spirited downtown (with renovated brick facade buildings) is a big part of that.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,542

Roanoke flies under the radar of beautiful cities with mountain backdrops, according to locals. About 100,000 folks call this midsized city home, where walkable neighborhoods and outdoor adventures await in equal measure.

The cost of living is 9% below the national average, cheaper in every way except utilities. If you want all four seasons but with mild winters, you're in luck.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,504

Dubbed The Hub City for its proximity to New Orleans and other bigger metros, Hattiesburg is a college town with nearly 50,000 residents. The quaint downtown buzzes with eateries and breweries, and live music is easy to find.

The cost of living in this underrated gem is 10% below the national average, anchored by housing, while only health care costs trend higher.

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Monthly median mortgage: $1,489

With a population of 206,000, Mobile is one of the larger cities on our list. A blend of French and deep South energy, Mobile loves a good party, showcasing its festive spirit. Locals appreciate that it's diverse, safe, and growing.

Transportation, food, and especially housing costs are all below the national average (overall 8% lower). However, health care expenses are higher.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,489

The cost of living in Arkansas' capital is 6% below the national average, with housing, health care, and utilities leading the way. Residents (205,000 total) enjoy strolling through SoMa, dining out in the burgeoning culinary scene (try the cheese dip), and living on the riverfront.

Historical destinations are popular stops in Little Rock, as are trips to Pinnacle Mountain State Park for outdoor recreation.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,467

While Athens gets the attention as Georgia's premier college town, Valdosta has just as much to love. For one, the overall cost of living is 8% below the national average. Valdosta also has a downtown humming with shops, murals, and green spaces. About 55,000 individuals call the city home.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,471

About 35,000 folks live in Goldsboro, a city with small town vibes that is less than an hour from Raleigh. The overall cost of living is 8% below the national average. Breweries and coffee shops dot the downtown, while good BBQ is easy to find.

The air force base gives the town a strong military presence, and jets are a common sight (and sound).

Monthly median mortgage: $1,443

Cited by Southern Living as a city on the rise, Spartanburg is growing with gusto, thanks to economic and artistic investment. With 42,000 residents, the small metro has a thriving downtown with unique businesses and restaurants. Minor league baseball games are popular with sports fans.

The cost of living is 10% below the national average, including 25% lower housing costs.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,440

The cost of living is an impressive 14% below the national average in Cleveland (population 51,000), which isn't far from Chattanooga if you need bigger city services. Locals love living in the historic district, which has shops, eateries (try the Cleveland hot slaw), galleries, and museums to explore.

The nearby Cherokee National Forest has abundant outdoor activities for nature lovers.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,439

Close enough to Nashville for big city excitement, Bowling Green is a college town with 81,000 residents. The city is growing thanks to an influx of students and retirees alike, both of whom enjoy a cost of living 11% below the national average.

Corvette manufacturing will interest car enthusiasts, while Cave Country has natural wonders for outdoorsy types to explore.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,431

Monroe, a college town on the banks of the Ouachita River with a thriving culinary scene, is home to 47,000 residents. Residents enjoy minor league hockey games, paddling, and golfing, as well as fun festivals year round

The cost of living in Monroe is 9% below the national average, with housing and utility costs sitting 25% lower.

Monthly median mortgage: $1,407

Hot Springs is popular with tourists for a reason. It has lakes, bathhouses, and gardens, as well as a quaint downtown surrounded by natural beauty. The arts have a strong presence here in the form of murals and galleries, and local breweries and distilleries have celebrated libations.

The cost of living is 7% below the national average, anchored by housing affordability.

It's never too early to start planning for retirement, from contributing to your 401(k) in your early working years to deciding where you'll live once you step away from your career. Choosing a city that's both affordable and welcoming is another smart move, and these charming Southern cities offer exactly that.

Beyond these urban options, the South is also filled with smaller towns known for warm communities, historic architecture, and distinctive local amenities. If you don't need big-city conveniences, your retirement possibilities expand even further.