5 Charming Southern Cities To Retire on a Monthly Budget of $1,600 or Less

Average monthly rent: $1,175

Average home value: $195,362

Located in Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles is a sunny, laid-back city perfect for retirees looking to stretch their budget. With 17% of the population aged 65 and up, it's a welcoming spot for seniors.

The cost of living is 14% below the national average, with housing 35% lower and groceries 5% cheaper. Plus, Lake Charles offers beautiful waterfront relaxation — swimming, sunbathing, and beach days included. It's a peaceful place to maximize your senior benefits without sacrificing lifestyle.

Average monthly rent: $1,255

Average home value: $218,563

​Killeen, Texas, offers retirees an affordable and activity-rich lifestyle. With a population of approximately 153,000, it's the 19th-most populous city in the state.

Retirees can enjoy attractions like the Lions Club Aquatics Park, Stonetree Golf Club, and the Killeen Arts & Activities Center. Additionally, Texas does not tax Social Security benefits, allowing retirees to avoid wasting money on unnecessary taxes.​

Average monthly rent: $1,425

Average home value: $307,273

Looking for both city life and rural charm? Clarksville, Tennessee is a great option. The city boasts a bustling downtown area with attractions like the Cumberland RiverWalk, Dunbar Cave State Park, and the Customs House Museum. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.

While average rental prices do trend up, there are affordable rentals to be found in town.

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Average monthly rent: $750

Average home value: $75,646

Pine Bluff is a welcoming town for retirees, with a population of over 41,000 and 16% aged 65 and older. Known for its natural beauty, it is home to Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world and the second most ecologically diverse stream in the United States.

The cost of living is approximately 32.1% below the national average, according to Best Places, with notably low housing costs. Arkansas is tax-friendly for retirees, exempting Social Security benefits from state income tax and offering a $6,000 deduction for other retirement income. Additionally, recent legislation has reduced the top individual income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9%.​

Average monthly rent: $1,500

Average home value: $224,361

​Spartanburg is an inviting destination for retirees seeking affordability and cultural richness. With 17.3% of its population aged 65 and older, the city offers a welcoming community of friendly residents. The cost of living is 15.2% below the national average, according to Best Places, making it an economical choice for seniors.

Downtown Spartanburg boasts a bustling cultural district featuring five museums, 43 galleries, and numerous performance venues. For nature lovers, Croft State Park offers over 7,000 acres of outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown. All you have to do is shop around for a good deal on rent, and you'll be ready to call this town home.

Retiring on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing charm, comfort, or quality of life. These 11 Southern cities prove you can enjoy a stress-free retirement for $1,600 or less per month, thanks to lower housing costs, tax-friendly policies, and communities rich in history and culture.

Many Southern states also offer additional perks for retirees, like property tax exemptions for seniors or reduced utility rates, that can help you stretch your dollar even further.