9 Stunning U.S. Cities to Retire In That Are as Cheap as Mexico

Retiring in Mexico is famously affordable. Many couples live comfortably for around $2,500 per month, complete with housing, utilities, food, transportation, and even a housekeeper. You can also find charming homes for about $150,000, which explains why so many Americans dream about heading south for their golden years.

But what if you could enjoy similar savings without leaving the country, dealing with visas, or giving up the comforts of your own language and home? Yes, a stress-free retirement can exist without a passport stamp.

Here are nine stunning U.S. cities where your dollar stretches surprisingly far, almost "Mexico far", and the scenery is just as jaw-dropping.

Editor's note: Cost-of-living data is sourced from PayScale and Bestplaces. Housing prices come from Redfin and Rent Cafe.

With a cost of living 8% below the national average and a median home price of $295,000, Jacksonville gives retirees major value in a sunny coastal package. The median rent of $1,505 also makes it far more affordable than most waterfront cities.

While you may not be able to replicate Mexico's full $2,500 monthly lifestyle here, Jacksonville comes close thanks to lower housing costs and budget-friendly essentials. Add excellent healthcare, miles of beaches, and year-round warmth, and it is a standout choice for spending your golden years.

Duluth offers a cost of living that is 15.3% lower than the national average, plus a median home price of $300,000 that beats the U.S. norm by a wide margin. The city sits along Lake Superior, giving retirees stunning water views without coastal prices.

While day-to-day expenses run slightly higher than in Mexico, housing savings help keep overall costs manageable. With four-season beauty, a robust medical network, and endless outdoor recreation, Duluth offers an affordable, peaceful retirement lifestyle.

Chattanooga is one of the South's best-kept retirement secrets, with a cost of living 11% below the national average and housing 18% below. Homes hover around $350,000, and the median rent is $1,288 for a one-bedroom, keeping monthly expenses well below big-city levels.

Scenic mountain views, a bustling riverfront, good hospitals, and mild seasons make Chattanooga a smart pick for retirees seeking beauty and value. It's not quite Mexico cheap, but its low taxes and budget-friendly groceries help narrow the gap.

Gulfport's cost of living is about 15% below the national average, and housing is a striking 31% lower, with median home prices at just $175,600 and rent around $1,000. Those numbers put Gulfport closer to Mexico-level affordability than most U.S. coastal cities.

Retirees enjoy warm weather, Gulf beaches, and a relaxed way of life that keeps monthly expenses under control. Add low property taxes and easy access to healthcare, and you get a coastal retirement that feels surprisingly attainable.

With a cost of living 10% below the national average and utilities 21% lower, Las Cruces helps retirees stretch their budgets in a major way. Homes average $299,900, and the median rent is $1,060, keeping housing well under the national median.

Mexico still wins for ultra-low living costs, but Las Cruces offers sunshine, desert mountain scenery, and U.S. healthcare convenience at a reasonable price. Its mild winters and relaxed lifestyle make it ideal for retirees seeking beauty on a budget.

Roanoke delivers mountain-town charm with a cost of living 9% below the national average, plus a median home price of $239,500 and a median rent of $1,198. That low housing cost creates a lifestyle that can come surprisingly close to Mexico-level affordability, especially for couples who want to keep monthly bills low.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers hiking trails, scenic views, and strong healthcare access. It is a peaceful and budget-friendly place to settle into retirement.

Corpus Christi pairs affordability with Gulf Coast beauty, coming in 11% below the national cost of living. With median home prices around $267,000 and rent at $993, retirees get ocean breezes without the steep coastal price tag.

Living costs come close to Mexico's $2,500 comfortable lifestyle benchmark and are also well below many other major seaside cities. Warm weather, excellent fishing, walkable beaches, and Texas-sized healthcare access make this an appealing retirement spot for sun seekers.

Idaho Falls boasts a cost of living 17% below the national average and housing that is an impressive 41% lower. The median home price sits at $389,900, which is still below the national average, and many neighborhoods are even cheaper.

It is not quite as inexpensive as Mexico overall, but its low taxes and low housing expenses narrow the gap. With riverfront scenery, mountain access, and a reputation for safety and healthcare quality, Idaho Falls is a calm and scenic retirement choice.

Pensacola offers coastal charm with a cost of living 4% below the national average, a median home price of $330,000, and a median rent of $1,329. Though not as inexpensive as Mexico, lower taxes and moderate housing prices keep monthly costs manageable for retirees.

The city offers white-sand beaches, warm weather, access to military-grade healthcare, and a relaxing coastal lifestyle. For retirees who want stress-free retirement living by the water without passport issues, Pensacola fits the bill.

Choosing the right city can make all the difference when planning for retirement, especially if you want beauty, comfort, and affordability without crossing international borders. These nine U.S. destinations prove you do not need to move abroad to enjoy a lifestyle that feels nearly as affordable as Mexico.

As you weigh your options, remember that many of these cities also offer tax advantages, senior programs, and low-cost healthcare networks that can stretch your savings even further.