Retirement Social Security

How Far the Average Social Security Check Goes in Florida’s 5 Largest Cities

What a typical check covers, from Miami to Jacksonville.

By David Maina

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Nov. 11, 2025

Where you live determines how far your Social Security check really goes. Florida gets a lot of attention for affordability, warm weather, and a large retiree community.

In fact, more than 5.1 million Floridians, over one in five residents, receive Social Security. With that many people relying on benefits, it pays to compare day-to-day costs.

GOBankingRates analyzed census and cost-of-living data for Florida's five largest cities to estimate how far the average check stretches.

Here's what that typical monthly benefit can cover in each city and where retirees can retire comfortably with more spending room.

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Jacksonville

If you want lower costs with big-city perks, Jacksonville usually makes a strong case. The city stretches along Florida's Atlantic coast and has become a steady draw for retirees.

The city's overall cost of living is equal to the national average, and housing costs are lower than in most major Florida metros. GOBankingRates puts a typical annual budget near $42,954. An average single Social Security check covers about half of that, leaving roughly $20,500 to fund from savings, part-time work, or other income.

For retirees, the lifestyle adds to the appeal. Winters are mild, rainfall peaks in summer, and the city's outdoor options are nearly endless. The St. Johns River, nearby Atlantic beaches, and local state forests also offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, biking, and golf.

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Miami

Miami is sunny, global, and packed with things to do. You get warm weather all year, miles of beaches, a deep arts and food scene, and some of Florida's best hospitals.

The trade-off, though, is price. Miami's cost of living runs about 21% above the national average, and housing costs are nearly 60% higher. Rents and home prices rank near the top in the state, with a median home around $560,000.

GOBankingRates estimates annual living costs at roughly $68,259, so an average single Social Security check covers a bit over one-third, leaving roughly $45,800 to fund each year.

For retirees with limited savings, daily costs, especially groceries, dining, and transportation, can stretch budgets thin. Miami rewards those with higher retirement income or substantial savings, but it can be difficult for middle-income retirees to find affordable communities close to the city center.

Tampa

Tampa sits on Florida's Gulf Coast with a laid-back vibe, big-league sports, and plenty of culture. It's smaller than Miami but still a major metro, and many retirees come for the warm weather and year-round outdoor life.

On the financial side, Tampa is moderately priced. According to GOBankingRates, annual living costs average about $49,453. After the average Social Security benefit of $22,453, a single retiree would need roughly $27,000 more per year from savings or other income sources. That gap is larger than Jacksonville's or St. Peterburg's, but far smaller than Miami's.

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Orlando

Orlando may be the theme-park capital, but it's also a full-fledged city that draws many retirees for its sunshine, strong healthcare, and lack of state income tax. Housing is relatively affordable for a major metro, with a median price in the mid-$300,000s, often lower than on the coasts.

GOBankingRates estimates $50,489 in annual living expenses. With an average Social Security income of about $22,453 a year, a single retiree would need roughly $28,000 from other income to close the gap. Many retirees stretch their dollars further by living in 55+ communities or affordable suburbs just outside the city limits.

In all, Orlando delivers a balanced retirement value: warm weather, affordable living, and good healthcare. A single retiree's average Social Security income covers about 40% of local living costs, making Orlando one of Florida's more manageable big cities for retirees aiming to retire comfortably without sacrificing amenities.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg sits across the bay from Tampa and delivers plenty of sun, art, and Gulf beaches. For retirees, the appeal is strong. In fact, about 21% of residents are 65 or older, which shows in the city's walkable waterfront, galleries, and golf-cart-friendly streets.

The cost of living remains moderate for a coastal city. According to GOBankingRates, annual expenses average about $49,632. An average Social Security check covers a large share, leaving roughly $27,200 to fund from savings or other income.

Your check covers around 45% of typical costs here, better than many big coastal cities and not far behind budget-friendlier Jacksonville. For retirees who want sunshine, beaches, and an active downtown without Miami-level prices, St. Peterburg strikes a solid balance between cost and quality of life.

Bottom line

Florida's no state income tax can give your Social Security check a head start, but how far it goes depends on where you live. The same $22,000-a-year benefit stretches very differently across the state.

You'll get the most breathing room in Jacksonville and St. Petersburg, where lower costs and beach access make everyday spending easier.

Orlando offers a balanced mix of affordability, healthcare, and recreation, while Tampa combines coastal living with moderate prices and solid hospitals. Miami delivers excitement and sunshine, but costs far more, leaving the biggest gap for retirees to cover.

The key is matching your budget and priorities with the city that fits best. When you plan carefully and make the right moves, you can build a lifestyle in the Sunshine State that fits your income and goals.

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