8 Warm Weather Cities for Retirees That Are Better Than Florida

Relocating to an affordable state is one of the best ways to stretch your retirement dollars further, and for many sun-loving retirees, Florida fits the bill. But if you aren't as interested in this retirement mecca as others in your cohort, don't stress. There are plenty of similarly affordable retirement locales with just as much sun as the cheapest, cheeriest Florida towns.

Keep reading for our list of warm-weather cities beyond the Sunshine State to explore as potential retirement destinations.

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, all data listed below on home sales prices came from Redfin, and all data on rent came from Apartments.com.

Median home sales price: $199,450

Average rent: $1,104

Most states in the South, not just Florida, have a retiree-friendly low cost of living, comfortable temperatures, and sunny weather.

For instance, residents of Augusta, Georgia, enjoy housing costs that are 18.8% under the U.S. average, according to Salary.com. And while Augusta's temperatures could drop to the high 30s on the odd January day, its average temperature ranges from 70 to 90 degrees most other months.

As one of Georgia's oldest cities, Augusta offers retirees plenty of history, culture, and fine cuisine, not to mention nonstop scenic views of the beautiful Savannah River.

Median home sales price: $455,000

Average rent: $1,303

If you aren't afraid of extreme summer heat, Phoenix could be the perfect place to call home. In July, the average high is a sweltering 106 degrees (though the overall summer average is closer to 98). December highs of 66 degrees make the city a snowbird's paradise.

Fortunately for sun-lovers, Arizona's high desert is beautiful year-round. If you love unique landscapes, make sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden: it showcases 50-foot-high cacti, and you could easily cool off with an ice-cold lemonade or prickly pear tea at the garden's cafe.

Median home sales price: $269,500

Average rent: $1,099

Even during Winston-Salem's coldest winter months, the average daily high is around 56 degrees, which makes it a great spot for anyone who favors spending time outside year-round. The city offers plenty of attractions ideal for retirees living on a fixed income, from scenic outdoor murals to the oldest community garden in the United States.

Plus, thanks to the warm weather, you could always enjoy a round of golf at Tanglewood Park.

Median home sales price: $322,000

Average rent: $1,053

From May to September, Huntsville enjoys average high temperatures of over 81 degrees. Even in chilly January, the average high is around 50.

The climate allows the gorgeous Huntsville Botanical Garden to flourish, enabling the gardens to host the country's biggest open-air butterfly home. If you're interested in developing your green thumb now that you don't have to work, the garden hosts year-long courses for kids and grown-ups alike.

Median home sales price: $320,500

Average rent: $1,322

With average winter highs in the mid-50s and average summer highs of over 82, Rock Hill stays comfortably warm no matter the season.

The city is located just outside of Charlotte if you want to enjoy the occasional night in the big city. But Rock Hill has plenty of home-grown attractions of its own, from historic Civil Rights sites to multiple parks with opportunities to kayak, frisbee golf, swim, fish, or simply enjoy a riverside picnic.

Median home sales price: $485,000

Average rent: $1,206

Located near the state capitol of Salem, Corvallis' sunny skies and year-round high temperatures make it a far cry from coastal Oregon's rainy days and constant clouds. Central Oregon is also far cheaper than the notoriously pricey coast.

Corvallis' cost of living is 13% below the state average, according to Salary.com. The area's climate means it's a well-known wine region dotted with some of the best wineries in the Western U.S.

Median home sales price: $181,000

Average rent: $981

Prefer to steer clear of humidity without sacrificing warm temperatures? At its muggiest, Laughlin has just 8% humidity, and the average high temp during the coldest winter months is around 63 degrees.

The city is home to several outstanding golf courses. And if you need a break from the summer heat, the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreational Area offers plenty of chances to cool off, either in the water or alongside it on sandy riverside beaches.

Median home sales price: $217,000

Average rent: $1,053

During Columbus' warm season, temperatures usually exceed 85 degrees, and during its (relatively short) cold season, the average high is closer to 64 degrees.

The city is a history buff's dream thanks to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center and the National Civil War Naval Museum, which showcases some of the earliest proto-submarines (called ironsides). Botanical gardens, picturesque babbling brooks, and lengthy riverwalks round out the city's appeal to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Although planning for retirement often centers on the need to maximize your senior benefits and save money, don't forget that affordability is just one component of your overall quality of life.

Relocating to a city you genuinely love with perks like good weather, vibrant communities, and proximity to family help make your golden years the best they could be, no matter where in the U.S. you end up living.