Retirement Retired Life

9 Best Florida Cities To Retire on a Monthly Rental Budget of $1,500 or Less

These Florida cities can help seniors make the most of their retirement budget.

By Calista Headrick

Edited by Lauren Gordon

Updated April 25, 2025

When deciding where to spend your golden years, maybe you've considered proximity to loved ones, ease of transportation, and access to your favorite recreational activities. But beyond lifestyle preferences, housing costs are also factors that seniors planning for retirement must consider, especially for folks who need to rent.

FinanceBuzz analyzed 180 cities across the U.S. and evaluated them based on affordability factors, including rental costs. Here are nine cities in Florida where the median monthly rent is under $1,500.

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Sebastian

Median monthly rent: $1,409

According to the FinanceBuzz study, you'll pay just over $1,400 to rent in Sebastian. Situated on both the St. Sebastian River and the Indian River, this Florida city is just two miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Retirees will find a blend of waterfront activities, a laid-back lifestyle, and beautiful nature to enjoy.

Sebastian is also within close proximity to other popular cities like Vero Beach, Melbourne, and Fort Pierce.

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Winter Haven

Median monthly rent: $1,403

In this Florida gem, 21% of residents are 65 years and over, which is a significant portion of the population. The city often hosts events like festivals, farmers markets, and concerts, and is known for being a tight-knit community.

With a mild year-round climate and the famous Chain of Lakes, Winter Haven is a great place for retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors. It's also within close proximity to major Florida attractions, such as Legoland.

Pensacola

Median monthly rent: $1,374

Pensacola is a vibrant city located in Florida's panhandle, and in 2022, the city ranked third for the best place to retire in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Pensacola offers retirees a coastal lifestyle, with plentiful white-sand beaches and emerald green waters. And although the city is often filled with tourists, it is for good reason. From historic museums to a thriving art scene, there's something for every type of retiree in Pensacola.

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Ocala

Median monthly rent: $1,365

Ocala is a popular retirement destination in Florida. The city has an abundance of 55+ communities for retirees to choose from, and 19.3% of the population is 65 years and older, which is higher than the national average.

It's also surrounded by the Ocala National Forest, which means retirees have ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation, from hiking to fishing and more.

Wildwood

Median monthly rent: $1,347

With a population of approximately 18,000, Wildwood is known for its small-town charm while still offering retirees easy access to larger cities like Orlando and Tampa.

From local community events to golf courses and outdoor trails, there's something to fit any retirement lifestyle. Additionally, it's within close proximity to The Villages, a widely-known retirement community in Florida.

Gainesville

Median monthly rent: $1,317

Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, which means sports lovers have plenty of options to take advantage of. Along with the university comes the vibrant energy of a college town and a wide variety of culture and recreation, including parks, museums, and outdoor activities.

The university also boasts impressive health care. UF Health Shands Hospital consistently ranks in U.S. News & World Report's list of the nation's top hospitals.

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Tallahassee

Median monthly rent: $1,238

In the Sunshine State's capital, rental costs come in under $1,300. And according to Payscale, it's more than just housing costs that make the city an affordable place for retirees. Tallahassee's overall cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.

Like Gainesville, Tallahassee is a college town. Residents can take advantage of the many amenities that Florida State University and Florida A&M University offer.

Homosassa Springs

Median monthly rent: $1,138

Homosassa Springs is a quaint city filled with small-town charm. Home to just over 20,000 people, the median age in the city is 55.

Visit the Homosassa Springs State Park, one of the many popular draws for nature lovers. Most notably, residents can look out for manatees when visiting.

Sebring

Median monthly rent: $1,073

Sebring is located approximately 90 miles south of Orlando and offers many perks for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle while still enjoying access to recreational activities. The city is especially known for the Sebring International Raceway, which has been hosting races since the 1950s.

Sebring is also highly ranked as one of the best places to retire. It was the only Florida city to make Travel + Leisure and Investopedia's list of the 50 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025.

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Bottom line

It's no secret that Florida is a popular place to retire. And while the cities on this list offer retirees affordability, they bring other things to the table, too. From vibrant cultural scenes to access to the great outdoors, there's something to suit every lifestyle.

Florida is also one of nine states with no income tax, which means earnings from pensions, Social Security, and retirement accounts are tax-exempt. Relocating to a state that offers such perks is a great way to contribute to a stress-free retirement.

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