9 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,350 a Month (Or Less)

If you want to stretch out your retirement savings, finding an affordable city to put down roots could make a big difference. Building an affordable cost of living into your retirement plan could make it feasible to make your nest egg last.

For many retirees, stretching out a nest egg means heading to an affordable southern city that offers milder winters and plenty of entertainment. This guide explores several southern cities with rentals available for $1,350 per month or less, according to a recent FinanceBuzz study.

Median monthly rent: $1,338

In addition to relatively affordable housing costs, Hinesville offers residents a quaint downtown complete with cute shops and tasty restaurants. Each month, the town puts on a monthly art exhibit, and you could snag local goods at the weekly farmers market.

Hinesville's senior center provides a spot for seniors to connect over nutritious meals, educational workshops, and exercise classes. Although Hinesville boasts a regional medical center, you may need to venture into Savannah for more extensive medical options, which is about 45 miles away.

Median monthly rent: $1,337

Situated in West Texas, Odessa offers residents a taste of the Wild West without missing out on ample amenities, such as a cute downtown packed with restaurants and boutiques. Plus, many retirees appreciate the Lone Star State's lack of income taxes, which might help you stretch your dollars further.

Odessa's senior center boasts a busy calendar of events, including bingo and bridge sessions, which could make it easy to make new friends in town. In terms of medical access, Odessa is home to several hospitals, which should make getting medical care straightforward.

Median monthly rent: $1,334

Fayetteville provides both small-town charm and big-city amenities, with world-renowned museums and a wide array of dining options. A minor league baseball team, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, and countless other sports teams round out a calendar of seemingly endless entertainment options in this city. When you throw in nearby access to nature trails, you might never run out of things to explore there.

The city's senior center offers plenty of games, meetups, exercise classes, and craft groups to help you make new friends in this town.

Median monthly rent: $1,330

As the capital city of the Sunshine State, Tallahassee punches above a town of its size in terms of museums to visit. The city's extensive park system makes it easy to get outside, although you'll face rather intense heat in the summer.

Several hospitals around town, including the award-winning Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and HCA Florida Capital Hospital, make it feasible to handle most medical needs here.

Median monthly rent: $1,330

As the self-proclaimed "Home of Blues, Soul, and Rock N' Roll," Memphis offers residents a strong music scene that pairs well with the town's relatively affordable housing costs. Tennessee residents also enjoy no state income tax, although the average combined sales tax rate of 9.61% is on the higher end.

Seniors in the area enjoy the city's collection of active senior centers, which offer a range of fitness classes, art workshops, and more. With several hospitals in town, you'll likely find plenty of support for any medical needs.

Median monthly rent: $1,300

If you are looking to head further west, Tucson could be a good fit. It offers a taste of Western culture and a bustling arts scene. For nature lovers, nearby Saguaro National Park makes it easy to get your hiking fix.

Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.5%. But the state doesn't tax Social Security retirement benefits, making it easier to stomach tax bills.

There are also several active senior centers around town, which offer lunch programs, fitness classes, and a senior Olympic festival. And several local hospitals, including the award-winning Banner University Medical Center, should make getting medical care straightforward.

Median monthly rent: $1,293

Retirees seeking affordable coastal living might find what they are looking for in Corpus Christ. The Gulfside town offers more than a sea breeze. You'll also find a quaint, waterfront downtown packed with art, live music, and quirky boutiques.

The town offers several senior centers, making it easy to find new friends. Through the senior center, you'll find a Senior Companion Program, which could open the door to retaining an independent living situation for as long as possible.

Median monthly rent: $1,283

Temple's rich history offers history buffs a chance to truly immerse themselves in the past, with plenty of historical landmarks and monuments to explore. And the town's full calendar of events provides plenty of chances to enjoy a thriving arts scene.

Like the rest of Texas, Temple residents won't face state income taxes. Overall, Temple presents a relatively affordable opportunity, with a minimum annual income of $32,800 required to live comfortably as a single person, according to BestPlaces.

Unfortunately, Temple's lone senior center is closed until further notice due to structural repair issues. But the town's multiple hospitals should make health care accessible.

Median monthly rent: $1,283

Coined "Rocket City," Huntsville might be best known for its connection to space exploration. But the town's allure doesn't end there. You'll find easy access to nature, plenty of spas, and lots of shopping options. If you're dreaming of homeownership, the town's median home price of $330,000 (sourced from Redfin) could put that possibility within reach.

Huntsville's senior center, STUDIO 60, looks top-notch. It offers everything from art classes and educational workshops to fitness classes and lunch. Several highly-rated hospitals in town, like Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center, make medical care easy to find.

Moving to the right city could help set you up for a stress-free retirement. After all, with affordable housing costs locked in, you could spend more time enjoying your golden years and less time worrying about making ends meet.

Before you jump into a new hometown, consider visiting for more than a weekend to confirm you could see yourself enjoying what it has to offer.