8 Southern Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Want to maximize your retirement savings? The most impactful way to make a difference in your monthly bottom line is to move to a lower cost-of-living area where your dollar will go further.

Consider this: In 2025, the average monthly Social Security payment is $1,976 for an individual and $3,014 for a couple. And, in the South, there are places where that's enough money to get you through the entire month. 

Here are some Southern cities where you can actually live on nothing but Social Security.

Average Rent: $950

Median Home Price: $57,513

The cost of living in Selma is nearly 30% below the national average, which means you'll save a pretty penny moving to this town in the deep South.

This city may be small, but it is rich in history, and it played a critical role during the civil rights movement. There's also a strong population of seniors in the area.

Average Rent: $550

Median Home Price: $70,288

You'll find a cost of living that's 34.1% lower than the national average in the town of Greenwood. While this is a small, close-knit community, there are also things to do for retirees.

You can explore the Yazoo River Trail, take a class at the Viking Cooking School, or hit the Main Street Farmers Market on the weekends.

Average Rent: $1,350

Median Home Price: $144,131

Want a big city way of life without the big cost of living? Head to the Home of the Blues, where you'll find a cost of living that's 10% lower than the national average.

This is a city where you'll find music, culture, barbecue, and top-ranked healthcare, all at an affordable price.

Average Rent: $1,100

Median Home Price: $70,846

The cost of living in Jackson is 11% lower than the national average, yet you'll enjoy all the big city amenities of living in this hub in the South.

Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi, and it has restaurants, music, and historic charm throughout its storied streets.

Average Rent: $1,243

Median Home Price: $167,624

Want to retire to the Lone Star State? Corsicana has a cost of living that's 16% lower than the national average, and you'll be less than an hour away from more expensive Dallas.

The city is full of lakes and twelve gorgeous parks, making it the perfect spot for retirees looking for a more active way of life.

Average Rent: $800

Median Home Price: $159,608

The cost of living in Batesville is 20% lower than the national average, but you'll get both small town charm and access to all of the beautiful nature of the Natural State.

If you're interested in history, the Old Independence Regional Museum is here.

Average Rent: $1,150

Median Home Price: $146,185

Not only is the cost of living in Danville 30.8% lower than the national average, but when you move here, you'll be in a central location where you're just a short drive to both Roanoke and Greensboro, North Carolina.

This small city is filled with history, and it won't get quite as hot as some of the affordable cities further South.

Average Rent: $985

Median Home Price: $111,358

You can find an affordable home in the hills of West Virginia in Clarksburg, where the cost of living is 22.8% lower than the national average. You'll find lots to do here, whether you love the outdoors or restaurants and shopping.

There are two major parks — Veteran's Memorial Park and Watters Smith Memorial State Park — as well as beloved restaurants, a concert amphitheater, and a farmers market.

Whether you're looking to get ahead financially by living in a low cost of living area, or you're ready to earn extra money to help boost your savings account, there are plenty of ways to keep a little more money in your wallet at the end of each month.

Consider your financial goals so you can decide if relocating somewhere that allows your monthly Social Security payment to stretch a little bit further will help you reach them.