10 Tennessee Towns Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Conventional financial wisdom tells us that one of the savviest ways to avoid wasting money in retirement is to live somewhere affordable. If you're relying solely on social security, that means you have to make it work with $1,976 for an individual or $3,014 for a couple per month.

Ideally you can combine affordability with desirability by selecting a town with local color, attractive amenities, and the services and resources you rely on. With no state income tax and a relatively mild climate, we've set our sights on Tennessee for this mission.

All rental data used in this article has been pulled from RentCafe, and all home price data is from Zillow.

Average rent: $1,091

Average home price: $304,551

About an hour northwest of Nashville lies this city of 180,000 souls on the banks of the Cumberland River. At its heart is Austin Peay State University, which lends a college town vibe to the town and offers discounted courses to people over 65.

The cost of living in Clarksville is low at 10% below the national average.

Average rent: $1,023

Average home price: $294,126

Nearly 50,000 people call this city just north of the Georgia state line home. The cost of living is 17% below the national average thanks to housing, utilities, and grocery prices. Not only that, but 18% of residents are 65 or older, so community awaits you.

The quaint downtown with restaurants, shops, wineries, and more is great for exploring after enjoying outdoor activities in the Cherokee National Forest.

Average rent: $773

Average home price: $292,242

With nine golf courses within a 20-mile radius, it's easy to see why Crossville is the Golf Capital of Tennessee. Hiking is also popular in this small city of over 12,000, where quality healthcare is accessible or available in nearby larger cities.

The cost of living is 11% below the national average, with affordable housing, utilities, healthcare, and transportation leading the charge.

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Average rent: $559

Average home price: $152,594

Housing and healthcare are especially affordable in Dyersburg, with an overall cost of living 10% below the national average. Nearly 16,000 people call the self-proclaimed Gateway to Everywhere home, which sits on the Forked Deer River.

Retirees will appreciate the lack of traffic and Victorian architecture, all while knowing Memphis is only 80 miles away.

Average rent: $990

Average home price: $279,301

This city of 73,000 is nestled in the Appalachian Highlands, and anchored by East Tennessee State University. Naturally, outdoor activities are king in this mountain town, as is exploring the cute downtown featuring independent businesses, giving Johnson City a vibe that is both small town and bustling.

The cost of living is 4% below the national average thanks to low utility, healthcare, and transportation costs.

Average rent: $986

Average home price: $241,090

Near the Virginia state line is Kingsport, a city of 56,000, where almost a quarter of the population is 65 or older. The senior center offers abundant classes, activities, and programs. Additionally, the area offers ample outdoor recreation, which has made this city a bit of a retirement hub.

With a cost of living 17% below the national average and notably low housing and transportation costs, Kingsport is especially affordable.

Average rent: $307

Average home price: $213,103

Only 7,200 call this small mountain city home, but that can be a draw for those seeking a smaller town feel. Popular Lake Norris is nearby for outdoor enjoyment, and when you need big city amenities, Knoxville is only 40 miles away.

The cost of living is nearly 10% below the national average, and with the lowest priced rent on this list, it's easy to see why.

Average rent: $1,035

Average home price: $144,131

Easily the largest city on this list with nearly 620,000 residents, Memphis has it all. From Beale Street and Graceland, to live music venues and world-famous BBQ, there is no shortage of things to ensure your retirement is an active one.

Healthcare is high-quality and abundant, as are services for older adults. And, despite its size Memphis is affordable across the board, with a cost of living 10% below the national average.

Average rent: $451

Average home price: $187,843

It's not shocking to learn that this city of 10,000 does indeed have an Eiffel Tower that stands 70 feet high. It also has a good culinary scene, a commitment to the arts, and a welcoming community including many older adults.

Like Memphis, Paris is affordable from housing and transportation to utilities and healthcare, 10.8% below the national average.

Average rent: $649

Average home price: $140,241

Just south of the Kentucky border and east of the border of Missouri is Union City, population 11,000. More than 16% of the population of this town is made up of older adults, and services for them are abundant. The downtown provides shopping, recreation, and dining for entertainment.

Housing, utilities, and healthcare are especially affordable in Union City, with a cost of living 13% below the national average.

A stress-free retirement starts with having your bills paid, but there's more to it than financial stability. You also need a like-minded community, adequate services, attractive amenities, and fun things to do — and you'll find those in each of these Tennessee cities.

Tennessee's location also makes it a great place to live for road trip enthusiasts, as there are many tourist destinations located just a car ride away. That ensures you'll never run out of affordable things to do in your retirement.