11 Affordable Retirement Cities That Deliver Florida-Like Perks for Much Less

Moving to a state with friendlier taxes and a lower cost of living is one of the smartest ways to avoid retirement money mistakes, and Florida has long been a favorite destination. Even so, the Sunshine State is no longer the retirement magnet it once was.

Older residents are still arriving, but many people age 65 and up left the state in 2025, according to HireAHelper relocation data, and the net increase in senior residents was only 815 for the year. Rising home insurance costs likely played a part. According to a 2025 Consumer Federation of America report, Florida homeowners pay an average of $9,462 a year for a home with a $350,000 replacement value.

With home prices climbing and uncertainty over whether properties can even be insured, many retirees are looking beyond Florida. The 11 cities below offer similar advantages at a much lower cost.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from an independent FinanceBuzz study, unless otherwise stated.

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Mobile, Alabama

Average rent: $1,221

Median home price: $191,493

Retirees who were attracted to Florida for its beaches and warm climate may find a far cheaper Gulf Coast alternative in Mobile, which has its own history and culture.

Social Security benefits are fully exempt from state income tax, and Alabama also has some of the lowest property taxes in the country.

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Average rent: $1,367

Median home price: $250,339

Jacksonville offers natural beauty and convenient access to some of North Carolina's best-known beaches while remaining relatively affordable. Rent and home prices are moderate, and Social Security income is not taxed by the state.

Other retirement income is taxed at North Carolina's flat 3.99% rate.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Average rent: $1,387

Median home price: $285,037

New Mexico does tax all forms of retirement income, but Las Cruces still has a lot to offer, including warm weather, easy access to national parks, and home prices that are lower than average.

Property taxes are generally low, and average insurance for a home with a $350,000 replacement value was under $3,000 in 2024 — less than one-third of Florida's average.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Average rent: $1,065

Median home price: $193,250

Pennsylvania is often overlooked by retirees seeking a beach lifestyle because it is not a coastal state and lacks Florida's southern warmth. But Erie sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie, giving residents easy access to attractive Great Lakes beaches.

The state also does not tax Social Security or withdrawals from other retirement accounts.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Average rent: $1,430

Median home price: $216,242

Like Florida, Texas has no state income tax, which is a major reason many retirees choose it. Insurance costs are higher than in many states, according to CFA data, but they still average only about half of Florida's.

Corpus Christi is a strong Gulf Coast pick for retirees who want waterfront living without Florida's price tag.

Wilmington, Delaware

Average rent: $1,740

Median home price: $317,710

Wilmington does not have Florida's heat or its own coastline, but it sits on the Delaware River and is within easy driving distance of many Jersey Shore beaches.

Delaware does not tax Social Security and is one of the few states with no state or local sales tax.

Gulfport, Mississippi

Average rent: $1,340

Median home price: $195,959

Mississippi is another budget-friendly choice for retirees who want Southern weather without Florida's rising costs. Gulfport is a Gulf Coast city known for outdoor recreation, seafood, and casinos.

All forms of retirement income are tax-exempt in the state, and property taxes are generally low.

Savannah, Georgia

Average rent: $1,752

Median home price: $321,796

Savannah offers coastal living, Southern charm, and several financial advantages that are harder to find in Florida.

Home prices remain moderate, and average annual insurance for a $350,000 home was just over $3,000 in 2024, according to CFA data — less than a third of the Florida average.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Average rent: $1,105

Median home price: $197,799

Located in southern Louisiana near the Texas border, Lake Charles combines low home prices with one of the nation's lowest property tax burdens. Louisiana also does not tax Social Security benefits.

Insurance is still expensive, though not as costly as in Florida. CFA data puts the average annual premium for a $350,000 home at nearly $7,000.

Baltimore, Maryland

Average rent: $1,720

Median home price: $183,339

Baltimore may not be the first place that comes to mind for coastal living, but residents have plenty of waterfront access and activities around the city's Inner Harbor. Home prices remain relatively low, and the average insurance premium for a $350,000 home in 2024 was $1,716 a year.

North Charleston, South Carolina

Average rent: $1,660

Median home price: $303,938

North Charleston gives retirees access to pleasant weather, good food, and plenty of Southern charm. CFA data shows average annual home insurance costs of less than $3,000 for a $350,000 replacement-value home.

In addition, the state does not tax Social Security and only partially taxes other retirement income.

Bottom line

If you're planning a move, it pays to look beyond average home prices and rent and consider other costs, including state taxes and insurance.

These cities are cheaper than many popular Florida retirement destinations in housing, insurance, or both, though everyday expenses such as groceries and entertainment can still vary. Before choosing a place to settle, it helps to spend some time there and compare insurance quotes.