15 Charming Southern Cities Retirees Can Live on a Monthly Rental Budget of $920 or Less

When it comes to planning for retirement, finding the right balance between affordability and quality of life is key. If you're living on a fixed income, you don't have to give up community, atmosphere, or Southern charm. In fact, a recent FinanceBuzz study ranked 180 U.S. cities to highlight the best cities for retirees, factoring in affordability measures like average monthly rent.

For less than $920 per month, these 15 destinations offer mild weather, a low cost of living, and numerous activities.

Median monthly rent: $916

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Georgia, Dalton is known as the Carpet Capital of the World due to its numerous carpet manufacturing facilities. The cost of living in Dalton is 17% lower than the national average, making it easy for retirees to live within a budget.

Dalton is known for its hiking trails and historic sites.

Median monthly rent: $916

Elizabethtown lies in the center of the state of Kentucky near Fort Knox, which makes it a popular place to live for military families. The overall cost of groceries, housing, transportation, and health care is about 17% lower than the national average, which makes it an affordable place to live in the Bluegrass State.

The city offers plenty of shops and restaurants, combined with rolling hills and lush farmland.

Median monthly rent: $904

If you prefer to live in a bigger city, Brownsville has a population of over 192,000. Located along the Texas and Mexico border, Brownsville offers rich cultural experiences at budget prices. Attractions include birdwatching at the Resaca de la Palma State Park and several historical parks and museums.

The average rent is less than $900 a month, and the cost of living is 25% lower than the national average.

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Median monthly rent: $903

Morganton is a city in the western portion of Tennessee at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The population is around 21,193. With rent averaging $903, retirees desiring low rent and affordable services may find it a reasonable place to live.

The city also has a strong senior population with 26% over the age of 60. Residents enjoy driving through the Appalachian Mountains, hiking, train rides, a botanical garden, and an equestrian center.

Median monthly rent: $884

The cost of living in Rocky Mount is 19% lower than in most cities across the U.S. Summers are warm and humid, and winters are mild with little to no snow, making it a comfortable place for retirees to live. There are plenty of trails and parks for those who enjoy being outdoors. Downtown also offers multiple restaurants and shopping centers.

The Rocky Mount Senior Center also offers free exercise classes for those 50 and older.

Median monthly rent: $883

Owensboro is a thriving city with plenty of cultural activities, shops, and restaurants for residents. Referred to as the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, the city is home to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and multiple music events throughout the year.

Rent is around $761 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Health care, groceries, and transportation also tend to cost less compared to most cities across the state and country.

Median monthly rent: $858

Located in the southwest part of the state of Georgia, Albany is located along the Flint River, which provides plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers.

The cost of living in Albany is approximately 27% lower than the U.S. average. Combined with rent that averages less than $763, Albany residents can live comfortably with an income of around $32,000 a year.

Median monthly rent: $857

Fort Smith is an affordable city located in the Ozark Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a lively art scene to keep retirees busy. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild with very little snow.

The average rent is less than $700 a month, and residents can expect to pay 23% lower than the national average for health care, groceries, and transportation.

Median monthly rent: $854

Known as the River City, Decatur lies along the banks of the Tennessee River. Attractions include the Cook Museum of Natural Science, outdoor concerts at Point Mallard Park, and walking tours in the historic district.

The cost of living is low, with utilities and groceries both costing less than in most cities across the United States.

Median monthly rent: $828

The average rent in Lenoir is $730 a month, meaning a single person can live comfortably on around $26,000 a year.

The city has multiple shops and restaurants, and there are many parks and recreation centers for active retirees, including Wilson Creek, the Tuttle Educational State Forest, and Greenway and Trails.

Median monthly rent: $810

Located along the border of Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol is part of the Tri-Cities region along with Johnson City and Kingsport, Tennessee. With rent below $800 monthly and no state income tax, the city provides retirees with an affordable place to live.

Residents enjoy multiple museums, a historic downtown with restaurants and live music, and the Bristol Motor Speedway.

Median monthly rent: $782

Oxford is a college town that's home to the University of Alabama Oxford campus. The cost of living is 15% lower than the national average, with things like groceries and transportation more affordable than in other parts of the country.

Residents enjoy the Oxford Performing Arts Center, the historic Main Street, and multiple antique stores.

Median monthly rent: $760

In Gadsden, the average rent is around $760 a month, and property taxes are significantly lower than the national average. The city is home to Noccalula Falls Park, which has a free botanical garden, waterfalls, and a lively historic downtown.

Wallace State Community College also offers free college credit courses for those 60 and older.

Median monthly rent: $758

With a population of 17,800, Muscle Shoals is the largest city in Colbert County. The city has a number of attractions, including the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Ivy Green Home of Helen Keller.

Residents enjoy affordable groceries, transportation, and health care costs, with a cost of living that's approximately 16% lower than the national average.

Median monthly rent: $758

Florence is located along the Tennessee River about 70 miles west of Huntsville. With rent around $758 a month and groceries 5% less than the national average, the city provides an affordable atmosphere for retirees.

Residents enjoy free concerts at the Wilson Dam Park and hikes along scenic riverfront trails.

If you're looking for a Southern city to relocate and retire, these 15 locations prove you don't have to sacrifice charm for affordable living. Mild climates, a low cost of living, and areas rich with cultural activities allow seniors to focus on relaxation, family, and friends while enjoying a stress-free retirement.

To further reduce expenses, it's good to check out local senior housing assistance programs to stretch your retirement income.