10 North Carolina Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Moving to an area with a lower cost of living is one key way to avoid wasting money in retirement, especially if you’re living mostly off of Social Security benefits. Fortunately, there are plenty of states where you won’t have to trade beautiful weather, relaxing beaches, or bustling local scenes for affordability. 

That includes North Carolina, where you can find all of the above at a price your budget can accommodate.

According to the Social Security Administration, the average Social Security benefit amount was $1,976 per individual in January 2025. 

Below, we’ve listed North Carolina cities where the median rent and home payments fit well within those parameters, leaving you with the opportunity to maximize your retirement savings.

Unless otherwise noted, all rental and home sale price information comes from Redfin and is based on data from December 2024.

Median rent: $1,218

Median home sale price: $295,000

Gastonia is just a half-hour away from Charlotte, one of North Carolina’s biggest cities, so you can enjoy city perks and amenities without paying city prices for your home.

If you’d rather stay closer to home, you’ll find plenty of entertainment at your front door, and public parks, local pools, and ice cream shops ensure you won’t run short of affordable activities.

Median rent: $1,150

Median home sale price: $270,000

Compared to the rest of the country, Greensboro has a remarkably low cost of living — especially in terms of housing costs, which are nearly 40% lower than the national average.

The city’s parks and gardens, including the 7.5-acre Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, showcase North Carolina’s natural beauty and offer endless entertainment at next to no cost.

Median rent: $1,076

Median home sale price: $223,000

If you’re interested in American history, Fayetteville is a must-see destination — and maybe even the perfect place for retirees to call home.

The city’s Airborne and Special Operations Museum is a top spot for military buffs (plus, admission is free every day of the week), as is the Veterans Park memorial. And the Museum of Cape Fear gives you a wider overview of the southern half of the state beyond military history.

Median rent: $1,121

Median home sale price: $225,000

Jacksonville is a waterfront town located just off of Morgan Bay. The city prides itself on its international food trail, a list of local restaurants and coffee shops that showcase incredible foods from all over the world.

Working your way through the entire list takes time, which makes it a worthwhile goal for any food-loving retirees.

Median rent: $1,177

Median home sale price: $275,000

Burlington’s community-centric town is a good fit for anyone who worries about making friends outside the workforce once they retire. The city is home to six community centers, many of which host unique activities for individuals over 55 like pottery classes and group trips.

Median rent: $1,050

Median home sale price: $241,450

Reidsville is a smaller city just outside of Greensboro where life is a little slower and home prices are a little cheaper. The city’s two public lakes provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, kayaking, or simply sunbathing.

If you prefer to stay dry, the Reidsville Greenway is the perfect place to walk, jog, or sit and enjoy North Carolina’s lush foliage.

Median rent: $1,100

Median home sale price: $169,000

Lumberton is home to the state’s first certified retirement community, so if you’re looking for a built-in group to socialize with and a variety of amenities tailored toward seniors, this small city is a good place to start.

Whether you live on your own or in a community, you’ll reap the benefits of being surrounded by parks, vineyards, antique shops, and family-friendly spaces like a bowling alley and children’s museum.

Median rent: $1,105

Median home sale price: $320,000

New Bern is one of the oldest settled towns in North Carolina. Although its housing prices are higher than those of most cities on our list, its low median rent makes it enticing to retired couples and individuals looking to rent rather than own.

The city is near the coast and sits at the confluence of two rivers, ensuring the downtown area enjoys beautiful waterfront views.

Median rent: $1,096

Median home sale price: $274,000

Winston-Salem is located in the north of the state away from the coast, so if you love North Carolina’s weather but aren’t interested in beachside life, it’s worth considering. The city hosts a variety of lively festivals, from the Gears and Guitars racing and music festival over Memorial Day Weekend to the Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors held every September, ensuring you’ll have plenty to do in your retirement.

Median rent: $992

Median home sale price: $189,000

Asheboro is home to the biggest largest natural habitat zoo in the world, which means visitors can explore five miles’ worth of trails to view more than 180 animals in their natural habitats.

Other retiree-friendly attractions in the area include golfing, a variety of historical museums, and recreational activities in the nearby reservoir.

Finding the right retirement city in the right state — and at the right price — can require a lot of research and planning, which is why it’s important to get an early start if you want to make a big move.

But the stress-free retirement waiting for you at the end of your move is well worth the time and effort it takes to find a retirement location that fits your budget and your dreams for your golden years.