10 Best Southern Cities To Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month

Retirees on a fixed income who carefully watch their budget would probably love to find a place with low housing costs, relatively affordable health care, and an inviting climate.

Fortunately, several places in the South fit the bill. These are pockets of affordability that also happen to offer a good quality of life for seniors.

In some of these cities, you might have to supplement your Social Security to live more frugally, but if you do, you could retire on just $1,500 a month in these 10 Southern cities.

1. Odessa, Texas

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This classic town in western Texas is full of history, adventure, and outdoor activities. That makes it perfect for active retirees looking for a budget-friendly way to spend their golden years.

You can find one-bedroom apartments in Odessa for around $1,248. So, as you prepare for retirement , consider visiting Odessa to see if it’s a candidate to be your new home during your golden years.

2. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

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It’s not often you’ll find both a charming historic town and an affordable cost of living, but Eureka Springs is an exception to that rule.

According to Best Places, the city offers Victorian homes, natural springs, a walkable downtown, and a cost of living that’s 23.7% lower than the national average.

There are museums, art galleries, and restaurants, as well as parks and outdoor recreation. Just bear in mind that median home prices can be a bit higher here, at $300,000.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

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If you are looking for a bustling, medium-sized city, Chattanooga can be a good choice. It has a historic downtown, art, restaurants, and access to the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

There’s also the Tennessee River for those who can’t imagine retiring far from the water.

Redfin says the median home price here is $340,000, so you might have to search for a bargain — or make a sizeable down payment — to make homeownership affordable. However, it is possible to get a one-bedroom apartment for around $1,302 to avoid wasting money .

Are you a homeowner? Discover 8 savvy money moves to stretch your budget

4. Lake Charles, Louisiana

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If you love great Cajun food, hunting, fishing, and the pull of the bayou, then look to Lake Charles for an affordable retirement.

You can find a one-bedroom apartment for well under $1,000, and the median home sale price is just under $210,000.

5. Tallahassee, Florida

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Tallahassee can be a good choice if you want all the perks of a Florida retirement — no income tax, palm trees, warm weather year-round — without the expensive price tag you’ll find in many other cities throughout the Sunshine State.

Redfin says the median home price in Tallahassee is $299,000, and bargain hunters can likely score an even better deal when buying a home .

6. Lynchburg, Virginia

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Lynchburg is a historic mountain town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its access to beautiful neighborhoods and hiking trails makes it a favorite of retirees.

Redfin says the median price for a home in Lynchburg is $291,000. That makes Lynchburg a great place to find an affordable lifestyle with all the amenities of a medium-sized city.

7. Lubbock, Texas

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Lubbock can be a delightful place for retirees to settle down. It’s a smaller, more navigable city than Houston or Dallas, yet it’s home to a major university, Texas Tech.

You can easily find apartments here for around $1,024, according to Redfin.

8. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Winston-Salem is another medium-sized city where you will find culture, access to a major research hospital, and a walkable downtown.

Despite all those perks, homes cost a median of just $285,000, and you likely can do even better. That means you’ll be able to comfortably retire on a fixed income, yet you’ll still have access to the vibrant quality of life you get from a bigger city.

9. Ocala, Florida

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If your retirement dreams include spending sunny days on the golf course, head to Ocala and hit the links.

Moving to Ocala can be your key to a classic retirement in the Sunshine State, complete with zero state income tax.

According to Redfin, the median home price is just under $262,000.

10. Shreveport, Louisiana

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Shreveport's warm weather can make it enticing for retirees. The city also offers Cajun culture and a low cost of living.

The median home price here is just $190,000, which can really help you get ahead financially .

That makes Shreveport a great place to enjoy entertainment and music, incredible Southern food, and access to critical health care during your golden years.

Bottom line

The average Social Security check is more than $1,800, meaning a budget of $1,500 a month might even leave you with extra money to sock away or spend on the grandkids.

Retiring to one of the affordable cities on this list can help boost your fortunes during your golden years, especially if you retire early with a modest nest egg that requires you to live frugally.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).