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14 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $950 a Month (or Less)

These Southern cities offer an excellent blend of affordability and entertainment.

By Sarah Sharkey

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Jan. 11, 2026

Retiring somewhere warmer might be at the top of your wish list. But not every warm spot is easy on the budget. Luckily, some Southern cities offer relatively cheap rental prices, and it's even possible to find places for less than $950 in certain locales.

Here are several Southern cities with homes or apartments for rent for less than $950 per month, according to data from a recent FinanceBuzz study, which could help you make the numbers in your retirement plan work.

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Bristol, Tennessee

Median rent: $917

On the border between Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol sits in an idyllic mountain setting. With beautiful mountain views and hiking opportunities easily accessible, retirees will have access to peaceful surroundings without breaking the bank.

As the 'birthplace of country music,' you'll find plenty of live music located in the town's walkable historic downtown. Plus, the city's famous speedway offers racing events full of adrenaline.

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Enid, Oklahoma

Median rent: $940

On the plains of Oklahoma, you can stake your own claim. It's possible to find a rental for less than $950 per month. But that's not all Enid offers.

You'll also find an arts district, complete with a local theater and symphony. In the spring, you can venture out to a pick-your-own tulip farm and enjoy access to local museums year-round.

Florence, Alabama

Median rent: $877

On the bank of the Tennessee River, Florence and nearby Muscle Shoals offer relatively affordable rental options. The towns are known for their strong connections to the music industry, with plenty of hits recorded there. Naturally, this has left a legacy of continuous live music options, which you'll get to take advantage of as a resident.

A bustling downtown offers lots of dining options, and you'll have easy access to the surrounding outdoor activities.

Hickory, North Carolina

Median rent: $934

Hickory has been named as one of the cheapest places to live by multiple metrics. As one of the most affordable places to live in America, it's not surprising that you can find a great deal on a rental in the area.

But cheap rent isn't the only thing that Hickory has going for it. It also offers easy access to multiple parks, with hiking and mountain biking trails, and a quaint downtown with highly-rated eateries.

Monroe, Louisiana

Median rent: $928

Monroe offers residents quick access to nearby wildlife refuges, making it a perfect spot for active retirees looking to go for a hike anytime. And for the size of the town, you might be surprised to uncover several museums that delve into the area's history. The affordable rental costs are just the cherry on top.

Anniston, Alabama

Median rent: $915

Anniston sits at the edge of the Talladega National Forest, making it a perfect option for retirees looking to spend lots of time in nature. Nearby Talladega also offers the infamous racing events, which would be sure to get your blood pumping as you watch races at the track.

In town, you'll find several museums, including the Berman Museum of World History, along with restaurants tucked into the charmingly classic Southern buildings.

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Fort Smith, Arkansas

Median rent: $906

Fort Smith is nestled into a bend of the Arkansas River. With affordable rental costs and nearby outdoor access, it makes for a peaceful place to call home.

In addition to the great outdoors, Fort Smith boasts a casino, an art museum, and a lively downtown filled with highly-rated restaurants.

Decatur, Alabama

Median rent: $899

Decatur sits on the Tennessee River with a historic downtown packed with restaurants to make for fun evenings spent out on the town.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby access to multiple wildlife management areas, one of which serves as a winter habitat for the endangered whooping crane. All of which adds up to low-cost entertainment to complement the affordable rental rates.

Owensboro, Kentucky

Median rent: $853

As the most affordable spot on this list, Owensboro might pique your interest right away. Tucked on the banks of the Ohio River, this small town has a lot to offer.

The Bluegrass music capital of the world is home to several festivals, which fill the calendar throughout the year. With multiple museums and a theme park nearby, you'll never run out of things to do here.

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Alexandria, Louisiana

Median rent: $899

Located in Central Louisiana, in Alexandria, you'll have easy access to the natural beauty that makes the Bayou State a 'sportsman's paradise.' In town, you'll find a lovely farmers' market and plentiful restaurants with outstanding food options.

Texarkana, Texas

Median rent: $939

Texarkana sits below the Texas-Arkansas border, and according to the FinanceBuzz study, it offers relatively cheap rent. The lack of a state income tax in Texas could also help resident retirees stretch their incomes even further.

The town boasts a busy Arts & Historic District, complete with interesting shops and restaurants. For residents, a full community events calendar could make it easier to make new friends in town.

Dothan, Alabama

Median rent: $897

In the Southeast corner of Alabama, Dothan sits not too far above the Florida border. That puts the occasional beach vacation on the Gulf Coast within reach without paying the higher prices that often come with coastal living. The relatively affordable housing costs make it relatively peaceful for retirees on a fixed income.

You'll find plenty of dining options and a series of festivals throughout the year to get a taste of the local culture.

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Morristown, Tennessee

Median rent: $876

Morristown is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Beyond ample hiking and mountain biking options, the town is near a large recreational lake, which opens access to plenty of water-based activities, like kayaking and fishing. It's also Tennessee's disc golf capital, which could make picking up this game a fun and convenient option.

You'll also find a historic downtown with shops and a farmer's market.

Jonesboro, Arkansas

jonesborough with beautiful homes during day

Median rent: $870

Home to Arkansas State University, this college town offers a lively downtown and sports scene for retirees who crave excitement. Foodies will find many top-tier restaurants, and the endless outdoor activities make it easy to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Plus, with affordable rentals, you might have space in your retirement budget to splurge in other areas.

Bottom line

Finding a new place to call home might help you make ends meet in retirement, especially if you choose an affordable Southern city. But before you jump into a new destination, consider making a trip to make sure you like the place. And for retirees hoping to make the most of their retirement savings, making certain smart money moves can set you up for success.

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