25 Cities Where You Can Retire in Great Weather for $2,000 a Month
Find Out:
Check Out:
To find the best locations where homeowners could retire for around $2,000 or less, GOBankingRates looked at several sources to analyze factors such as population data, age demographics and cost of living.
Here are the top 25 cities where retirees can soak up the sunshine without stretching savings too thin.
Also see cities that retirees might want to avoid due to extreme weather.
1. Tallahassee, Florida
Livability: 85
Population 65+: 11.4%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,248
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $995
Tallahassee, the state's capital city, is the ideal mix of exciting recreation and affordability. The cost of living is nearly 10% lower than the national average of $60,087 for a person over 65, and there's everything from beautiful parks and hiking trails to a dynamic arts scene and nightlife to enjoy.
Also See:
Learn More:
2. Fort Myers, Florida
Livability: 85
Population 65+: 22.2%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,746
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,468
With its hassle-free public transportation, it's easy to get around the area and enjoy the sights, go fishing, golf or lounge by the beach. While cost of living is 4.2% higher than the national average, retirees can save big on the state's tax breaks for residents.
See More:
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Livability: 84
Population 65+: 11.7%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $2,037
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,069
From museums to lively bars and restaurants, there's no shortage of things to do in Raleigh. Retirees can also take advantage of free activities like strolling through the Raleigh Rose Garden, wandering the scenic garden paths and exploring unique plant collections at Juniper Level Botanic Garden.
4. Jacksonville, Florida
Livability: 84
Population 65+: 14.7%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,197
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,073
Jacksonville offers adventure, coastal living and a thrilling nightlife without breaking the bank. Cost of living is 4.3% lower than the national average, so retirees can worry less about blowing through their nest eggs.
5. Pensacola, Florida
Livability: 83
Population 65+: 20.8%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $929
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,136
With the cost of living 11% cheaper than the national average, plus the state's tax breaks, retirees can enjoy the city's beaches, upscale restaurants and thriving arts scene stress free.
Read More:
6. Greenville, South Carolina
Livability: 82
Population 65+: 15.1%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,284
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,035
Retirees can enjoy Southern hospitality and a wide range of activities without overspending. Greenville's cost of living is 8.7% below the national average, making it an affordable place to settle down.
7. Las Vegas
Livability: 82
Population 65+: 15.6%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $2,089
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,203
Las Vegas offers a nonstop good time and while the cost of living is 10.6% higher than the national average, you can save on healthcare. It's 7% cheaper.
8. Providence, Rhode Island
Livability: 82
Population 65+: 11.5%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,908
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,707
Providence has a nice blend of small-town feel with big-city attractions. The cost of living is 8.8% more than the national average, but healthcare is 12.7% lower.
Find Out:
9. El Paso, Texas
Livability: 81
Population 65+: 13.9%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $712
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $975
The cost of living in El Paso is a whopping 18.1% lower than the national average. Housing is 44.4% cheaper. If you love the heat and good food, El Paso is a retiree's dream.
10. Dallas
Livability: 81
Population 65+: 11.4%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,346
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,142
Dallas is on par with the national average for cost of living. Groceries are slightly cheaper, while healthcare is roughly 2% lower, but Dallas has everything from sports to music for retirees to enjoy.
11. Norfolk, Virginia
Livability: 81
Population 65+: 12.6%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,231
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,162
Norfolk has a nice blend of urban and coastal living, a diverse culture and waterfront beauty. Plus it's affordable — 8.6% lower to live than the national average.
12. Savannah, Georgia
Livability: 81
Population 65+: 14%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,369
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,250
Known for its rich history and striking beauty, Savannah offers a great quality of life at a great price. The cost of living is 9.8% cheaper than the national average while groceries are about 3% lower and healthcare is 4.2% less expensive.
Also See:
13. Orlando, Florida
Livability: 81
Population 65+: 11.1%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,837
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,461
The cost of living for Orlando is 6% higher than the national average, but again the tax breaks help with keeping finances on track. Plus, there's amazing weather nearly every day and a plethora of things to do: theme parks, outdoor activities and more.
14. San Antonio, Texas
Livability: 80
Population 65+: 13.1%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $847
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $801
Warm weather, friendly locals and affordability are just some of the reasons why people love San Antonio. The cost of living is 8.7% lower than the national average while groceries are 8.6% lower.
15. Corpus Christi, Texas
Livability: 80
Population 65+: 15%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $736
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $855
Living near the beach doesn't have to be out of budget. Corpus Christi has miles of sandy shores and cost of living is an astounding 16.5% lower than the national average.
16. Daytona Beach, Florida
Livability: 80
Population 65+: 21.4%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,130
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,099
Daytona Beach is a haven for outdoor lovers. The city has 23 miles of white sandy beaches, fun water sports and a booming boardwalk. Plus, it's reasonably priced. The cost of living is about 5% cheaper than the national average.
Discover More:
17. Athens, Georgia
Livability: 80
Population 65+: 12%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,459
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,116
Known for its vibrant music scene, nightlife and historical charm, Athens is fun and cheap. The cost of living is 12.4% lower than the national average; hlusing is about 20% cheaper.
18. Charlotte, North Carolina
Livability: 80
Population 65+: 10.8%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,794
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,182
The cost of living in Charlotte is just slightly higher than the national average, but the city offers a lot for retirees. It's family-friendly, has a strong community and is easily accessible to the beach and mountains.
19. Tampa, Florida
Livability: 80
Population 65+: 13.2%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,737
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,651
The cost of living for Tampa is 4.2% higher than the national average, but retirees can enjoy beautiful weather daily, countless outdoor activities and a slew of free things like the Tampa Riverwalk, fitness in the park, local art and more.
Explore More:
20. Milwaukee
Livability: 79
Population 65+: 11.8%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $648
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $763
Milwaukee is the largest city in the state, so there's no shortage of amenities. In addition, it's really inexpensive. The cost of living is 12% lower than the national average — housing is about 44% less.
21. Columbia, South Carolina
Livability: 79
Population 65+: 11.0%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $886
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,065
One of the many perks of living in Columbia is the cost of living. It's 12.6% less than the national average — without housing about 42% cheaper.
22. Midland, Texas
Livability: 78
Population 65+: 10.5%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $,1389
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,124
Midland has a slower pace of life but a growing arts scene and cheap. The cost of living in Midland is 7.8% below average, with housing coming in at about 10% under.
Find More:
23. Atlanta
Livability: 78
Population 65+: 12.3%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $2,085
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,342
Atlanta is a bustling city with endless things to do. The cost of living is 13.3% higher than the national average, largely thanks to an expensive housing market (14.6% higher).
24. New Haven, Connecticut
Livability: 78
Population 65+: 11.7%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,690
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,954
The cost of living for New Haven is 9.2% higher than the national average, but has affordable housing (21% cheaper). In addition, the city is very walkable, has great food and free museums and exciting events.
25. Lakeland, Florida
Livability: 77
Population 65+: 21.8%
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for homeowner: $1,294
Monthly cost of living with Social Security for renter: $1,208
Lakeland has a small-town feel with nice neighborhoods and an inexpensive cost of living. It's 8.4% cheaper than the national average — housing is about 24% cheaper.
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed U.S. cities to find the best places where you can retire in great weather for $2,000 a month. GOBankingRates found cities with the best weather, sourced from 24/7 Wall St.'s 'U.S. Cities with Absolute Best Weather,' FarmersAlmanac.com's 'The 10 Best U.S. Weather Cities,' Cutter.com's 'U.S. Cities with Best Weather,' RealEstate.USNews.com's 'Best Places to Live in the U.S. for the Weather' and Grillio.com's 'Top U.S. Cities for Weather.' Other data was sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling's BestPlaces, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, Zillow Observed Value Index, Zillow Home Value Index for May 2025, the Federal Reserve Economic Data and the Social Security Administration's Monthly Statistical Snapshot. Livability index was sourced from AreaVibes. The cities were sorted to show the highest livability location. All data was collected on and is up to date as of July 14, 2025.
More From GOBankingRates
Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard
6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives
10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 25 Cities Where You Can Retire in Great Weather for $2,000 a Month
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why Southern Brides Bury A Bottle Of Bourbon Before Their Wedding Day
Have you heard of this old wives' tale to stave off the rain? As Southerners, we love to abide by traditions—however odd or superstitious they may be. Whether it's on a daily basis as we practice proper table etiquette (no elbows!) or occasionally delivering baked goods to a new neighbor, these customs are instilled in us. There are also the more seasonal superstitions we abide by, like serving Hoppin' John and collard greens on New Year's Day in the hopes that you'll find good fortune. Burying The Bourbon Is A Southern Tradition While some superstitions are universal, burying the bourbon is decidedly Southern. No one quite knows the origin of this tradition, but legend has it that if you bury a bottle of bourbon a month before your wedding, you'll have good weather on the day of your nuptials. "I don't know if it was the buried bourbon or all the prayers, but the weather on our April 23 wedding could not have been any more perfect," says Southern Living Senior Lifestyle Editor Ivy Odom, who carried out the folklore. Rules To Follow On Burying The Bourbon Now, there are a few rules to follow: Time it right: You'll want to bury an unopened bottle of bourbon exactly one month before your wedding date near the site where you'll be reciting your vows. If you need to bend the rules on the burial location a hair, take note from Ivy. "Since our ceremony was held in my home church, we decided the next best thing was the site of our reception. Thankfully, our big celebration was in my parents' yard, so we buried it next to a gingko tree right beside the tent location." The right way: Also, it has to be bourbon (not whiskey) and it must be buried upside down to ensure the best possible weather for your big day. On your wedding day, after the I dos, dig up the bottle and share with your family and wedding party, or stash it away for a special anniversary. Whether you're a bourbon lover or not, the tradition makes for a fun, uniquely Southern memory and photo opportunity. Just be sure to remember where you bury it! Ivy Odom's Tips On The Tradition: Be ready for a mess! "We wrapped ours in a paper bag, which turned out to be pretty messy after a month in the ground. If I could do it differently, I'd have one of my bridesmaids ready with some wet wipes for my hands! Thankfully, the bartenders came to the rescue." Splurge on the good stuff. "Definitely spend a few extra dollars to get a bourbon you'll look forward to sipping on after your wedding. We're still enjoying our bottle and love reminiscing on the best day ever every time we have a glass." Two bottles might be better than one. "My mama was very invested in the tradition and decided to take matters into her own hands. She and my daddy buried a bottle of their own exactly one year before our wedding date. My fiancé and I buried ours a month out, per tradition." Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
There's An Under-The-Radar Rothy's Sale Happening Right Now
When I first heard of Rothy's years ago, I was immediately intrigued by its sustainable, machine-washable styles. Since then, the brand has only grown in popularity, becoming a reliable choice for commuters, frequent travelers and anyone seeking durable, low-maintenance footwear. Our editors (myself included) swear by several of the its designs, thanks to their non-existent break-in period, all-day comfort and breathable materials. If you've yet to try the brand out, there's an unofficialy Rothy's sale happening right now, and several of our favorite pairs including The Buckle Slide and The Square Mary Jane are up to 48% off. There's an under-the-radar Rothy's sale happening right now. Shop editor-loved pairs for up to 48% ... More off. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILER Rothy's Final Few sale section features highly rated styles in select colorways—like The Loafer and The Point—at varying reduced prices. These discounted pairs are on their way out for good (each purchase is final sale), making it the perfect opportunity to try out some of the brand's beloved designs without paying full price. Up ahead, find out which Rothy's shoes our editors own and love, alongside other standout styles that are available until stock runs out. I picked up this pair of buckle slides back in early spring, and have worn them on multiple occasions since—to the pool, to rooftop happy hour and while running errands around my neighborhood. They look way sleeker than most slide sandals I've owned, but they're extremely comfortable. I noticed the cushioned support from the firm, contoured footbed the very first time I slipped them on. Plus, the straps don't ever dig into my skin. I can walk in these for hours and not feel the slightest bit of pain at the end of the day. They are currently discounted in black (my chosen color), alongside two other neutral shade options. At the beginning of the summer, our special projects editor Jennifer Ferrise was looking for a block heel sandal that she could wear around New York City without getting blisters. She landed on this pair from Rothy's—her very first purchase from the brand—and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and lightweight they were. 'They have a plush, cushioned footbed and have never hurt my feet, even after walking around all day. I love that they look polished enough for both the daytime and evening, and that you can also toss them in the washer for a quick and easy clean,' she says. Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen has owned this loafer from Rothy's for quite some time, and still wears them to this day. "I have a wider foot and can attest that these are comfy (and work way better for my foot shape than The Point flats, as much as it pains me to admit). As someone who refuses to wear casual sneakers without socks, these are a lightweight, breathable closed-toe option that's great for that in-between weather around spring and fall." They're currently discounted in the pictured Ecru colorway. Deputy editor Jane Sung loves wearing these Rothy's flats to round out a polished outfit. 'I wear them everywhere—running errands, traveling and to dinners out. They're just so comfortable. Between the woven material and rounded square toe shape, they're a sophisticated take on classic Mary Janes,' she says. They've also quickly become one of commerce editor Katherine Louie's most-worn pairs of shoes, since the fabric is flexible and breathable. 'I was able to wear them right out of the box without experiencing any uncomfortable rubbing or blisters," she says. "I've washed these flats several times (living in New York City is hard on shoes!) and they retain their shape well and still look brand new.' If you've still got some summer travel plans on the docket, this slip-on sandal may be worth packing in your suitcase. It features comfortable and supportive insoles that won't cause blisters, no matter how many steps you're tracking in a day. In addition, its flexible upper offers a secure fit while the EVA outsole ensures you won't feel weighed down. If they get a little dirty on your adventures, just toss them in the wash and air-dry for a like-new look. All five colors, including the pictured colorway, are currently discounted. Rothy's also makes comfortable everyday sneakers. Like most of the brand's designs, this pair includes supportive features to keep your feet free from pain, like a contoured footbed, adjustable laces, sturdy outsoles and a padded ankle collar with proper cushioning. The sneaker is also available in women's sizes for as little as $59 right now. Like many compact Rothy's styles, this ballet flat can easily be thrown into your bag for when you need a quick shoe change. It features a rounded toe box, heel-to-toe cushioning and sculpted outsoles for superior comfort, whether you're heading to and from the office or running to post-work activities. Three color options are all sale for $99, including the bold red shade shown above. Loafers are a great transitional shoe to take you from summer to autumn. This style from Rothy's has solid grip and durability and a plush footbed for a shoe that's lightweight, springy and stable across a variety of surfaces. Several colorways are included in the sale, but the discounts vary depending on color selection.
Vogue
5 hours ago
- Vogue
My Style Is a Mix of My Alabama Upbringing, West African Roots, and New England Education. Finding It Took Some Time.
When I left Alabama for college in the Northeast, I was wearing the most neutral of disguises. My wardrobe consisted of tops and miniskirts belonging to the girl-next-door aesthetic, found at mall stores like the Limited and Gap. I unintentionally had a characterless accent—a vaguely coastal one possibly born from the dissonance between the Southern drawls of my friends and the Nigerian accents of my parents. My high school summer job had been at American Eagle, which I abandoned as soon as I landed a gig at the sexier Express. I was one of only a few people leaving my high school in Montgomery to go to college, at Princeton, and I was a little uneasy: I wondered what people up north liked to read and talk about; what they did for fun; and especially, what they would be wearing. In an environment where people had more money than I had ever seen, how would I fit in? And how would I find my originality? Princeton has a reputation of being the most preppy, conservative, and thus 'southern,' of all the colleges in the Northeast. While few people claimed the latter two associations, the campus was a sea of popped pastel polo collars, seersucker trousers, and pleated miniskirts—mostly from designer labels, not the retail chains I grew up shopping at. Quilted Vera Bradley bags, seemingly plucked from the back of a grandmother's closet, were also everywhere. At first, I felt pressured to join the prevailing aesthetic. I still remember wearing a pink polo shirt layered over a light blue one (or maybe it was the other way around) to a springtime lawn party. I'm eternally grateful that photos from that day no longer exist. My attempt to fit in by dressing the part was all too familiar. Growing up in the nineties and early aughts, my peers dressed nearly the same: in preppy pale-hued outfits, linen and seersucker among their wardrobe staples. Though I tried to wear similar clothes, they weren't my style back then, either. They felt like a costume, especially in comparison to what I observed at home. In terms of fashion, my mom and aunties were the opposite of the Montgomery status quo. Their hair and makeup were exquisitely done, with big curls and updos, red lipstick, and vivid eye shadow. Their outfits, planned weeks in advance, melded glamour and comfort; they could sweep you into the folds of their crinkly, glittering-fabric dresses as they danced. Their jewelry, usually gold or coral, was dramatic, and their shoes and purses always matched. The ease they had in their bodies was astonishing. Their clothes were loud, their voices were loud, their approaches to life were loud. They treated their new home in America like a stage that would have to bend to their directions. It was a resilience necessary for survival. Their extreme West African femininity both clashed and agreed with the archetype of southern white womanhood. My mom desperately wanted me to wear earrings more, do my hair more, put on dresses more; she also wanted me never to bow to anyone. But I wasn't ready for that yet: I was still figuring out who I wanted to be and what felt best on my body. At Princeton—post lawn party and also while studying for a term in London—I started to experiment. I traded my pastel pleated skirts for bright, floaty bubus worn over skinny jeans. I paired Nigerian-tailored slim skirts with T-shirts and button-downs. I wore sundresses with masculine leather sandals from West Africa. I wanted to look both unique and classic, and pairing the elegant flamboyance of West African textiles with the tailoring and the understated cheeriness of Southern fabrics and cuts felt like my truest self. Dressing like that signaled how I wanted to be perceived in the world—as a person who was proudly shaped both by my home in Alabama, and by the African women in my life.
