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.

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

Average rent: $1,268

Average home price: $318,206

Located just an hour northwest of Nashville, Clarksville sits along the Cumberland River and is home to Austin Peay State University, which offers discounted courses for those over 65. The cost of living is 7% below the national average, and the college-town atmosphere adds to the appeal.

Average rent: $1,301

Average home price: $311,237

Cleveland is just north of Georgia and offers a cost of living that's 14% below the national average. About 18% of its population is over 65, and the area includes a charming downtown, wineries, and easy access to the Cherokee National Forest.

Average rent: $883

Average home price: $304,997

Nicknamed the Golf Capital of Tennessee, Crossville has nine courses within 20 miles. Health care is accessible, and the cost of living is 10% below the national average. Its small population of just over 12,000 makes it a peaceful place to retire.

Average rent: $750

Average home price: $165,487

This small city on the Forked Deer River boasts low housing and health care costs, helping it come in at 10% below the national average for cost of living. Dyersburg has a laid-back vibe, Victorian architecture, and is just 80 miles from Memphis.

Average rent: $1,418

Average home price: $292,485

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 3% below the national average thanks to low utility, healthcare, and transportation costs.

Average rent: $1,242

Average home price: $254,341

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 9% below the national average and notably low housing and transportation costs, Kingsport is especially affordable.

Average rent: $1,430

Average home price: $229,129

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 16% below the national average, and with the lowest priced rent on this list, it's easy to see why.

Average rent: $1,135

Average home price: $144,710

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: $1,175

Average home price: $213,854

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: $950

Average home price: $167,472

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 12% 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.