10 Florida Beach Towns Where You Can Retire on $1,950 a Month (or Less)

Retiring in Florida has long been a goal for folks craving sunshine, salt breezes, and an easygoing coastal lifestyle. While rising housing costs have made that dream feel out of reach for some, it's still possible to find cities where retirement fits comfortably within a reasonable budget.

Making smart homeowner decisions now can help you save for your second act in the Sunshine State. From the Space Coast to the Emerald Coast, you'll find retiree-friendly cities where average rent stays at $1,950 per month or less, based on data from our FinanceBuzz study.

Median monthly rent: $1,920

Famous for its Siesta Key beaches and contemporary, artsy culture, Sarasota has long been an iconic retirement hotspot. Its downtown is perfect for strolling and dining once you're done with sea and sand, and world-class golfing awaits aficionados.

Though the cost of living is 8% above the national average, health care costs are 20% below, followed by lower energy and transportation expenses.

Monthly median rent: $1,784

The Florida panhandle is home to some of the more affordable beach towns in the state, including Fort Walton Beach. The cost of living is about 2% under the average for the entire state of Florida.

Fishing, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities are the big draw here, while the boardwalk has plenty of fun dining and shopping. Nearly a fifth of the population is 65 or older.

Monthly median rent: $1,871

Thanks to its 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral is dubbed the "Venice of America," rendering it a boat lover's dream retirement destination. The famed beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are close by, while restaurants have plenty of seafood and libations to enjoy.

Cape Coral is also relatively affordable for pricey Southwest Florida, with a cost of living only 2% above the national average.

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Monthly median rent: $1,543

Panama City stands out for its relatively low housing and healthcare expenses, both of which come in significantly under the national average. Everyday costs like food, utilities, and transportation also remain modest.

Natural beauty is a big part of the appeal, with the unspoiled sands of Shell Island and the bayside beaches of St. Andrews State Park nearby.

Monthly median rent: $1,784

If a golf cart is your ideal form of transportation and you enjoy spending happy hour with fellow retirees, Destin is for you. The beaches are second to none, which, along with its warm community, is the main reason it's such a retirement hotspot.

The cost of living in Destin is on par with other panhandle beach towns, though its fishing is standout for the entire state.

Monthly median rent: $1,776

With pristine, award-winning beaches and a fairly lively nightlife for our list, there's always something to do in Clearwater, from major league games to symphony performances. Additionally, nearly a quarter of the population is age 65 and up, so community is easy to find here.

Though rent is affordable, keep in mind that the overall cost of living is 6% higher than the national average, primarily due to the price of houses.

Monthly median rent: $1,481

With its gorgeous white sand beaches and dazzling Gulf waters, Pensacola is an ideal beach city. It's also more affordable than many comparable towns in Florida, with a cost of living equal to the national average.

Dining on fresh seafood by the water? Check. Fun festivals to attend and enjoy? Check. A low-key, laid-back vibe for retirees? Check, indeed.

Monthly median rent: $1,625

As the largest city in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville has an impressive stretch of coastline, with 22 miles of Atlantic beaches and an extensive network of waterways. Even with its big-city appeal, the overall cost of living comes in 8% below the national average.

Residents can cheer on the Jaguars, hit the trails for hiking or biking, or tee off on the area's many golf courses.

Monthly median rent: $1,614

North of Daytona, with a small-town vibe, Ormond Beach invites residents to relax on its beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches. Find shopping, dining, and live music on Granada Boulevard once you finish enjoying activities outdoors. Plantation Bay is great for golfing.

The cost of living is 2% below the national average, driven primarily by cheaper health care and food prices.

Monthly median rent: $1,509

A standout destination along Florida's Treasure Coast, Vero Beach draws residents with its long stretches of Atlantic shoreline, shops and restaurants in "Oceanside," and fun cultural events and festivals. Golfers have many options in the area, and locals appreciate that it's avoided overdevelopment.

Vero Beach's overall cost of living also sits on par with the national average.

Saving diligently for retirement can help pay your rent once it's time to stop working and start relaxing in one of these Florida beach towns. The effort pays off with a retirement filled with sunshine, ocean breezes, and a strong sense of community.

If you're open to looking beyond the Sunshine State, you can find affordable beach towns in nearby Mississippi and Alabama. Texas has additional coastal options worth exploring for a budget-friendly seaside retirement.