11 Retirement Cities That Have Everything Florida Promises (For Half the Price)

Relocating to a state with a better tax situation and lower cost of living is one of the key ways to avoid money mistakes in retirement, and Florida has long been a popular option. However, the Sunshine State is no longer the massive draw for retirees that it once was.

While retirees do still move in, many residents aged 65 and older left the state in 2025, according to HireAHelper's relocation data, and the net gain of senior residents was just 815 for the year. The home insurance situation likely played a role; Florida homeowners pay an average of $9,462 a year for a home with a $350k replacement value, according to a 2025 Consumer Federation of America (CFA) report.

With rising home prices and uncertainty about whether homes can even be insured in Florida, many retirees are looking elsewhere. These 11 cities offer similar perks at a fraction of the price.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from an independent FinanceBuzz study, unless otherwise stated.

Mobile, Alabama

Average rent: $1,221

Median home price: $191,493

For retirees who were drawn to Florida for the beach and warm weather, Mobile is a significantly cheaper Gulf Coast option with a rich history and culture all its own.

Social Security payments are fully exempt from income taxes, and the state also has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation.

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Average rent: $1,367

Median home price: $250,339

Despite its natural beauty and easy access to some of North Carolina's most popular beaches, Jacksonville has managed to remain affordable. Average rent and home prices are moderate, and Social Security payments are exempt from income taxes in the state.

Other retirement income is taxed at North Carolina's flat rate of 3.99%.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Average rent: $1,387

Median home price: $285,037

Unfortunately, all forms of retirement income are taxed in New Mexico, but a lively city like Las Cruces offers many other perks like warmth, easy access to national parks, and lower-than-average home prices.

Property taxes in the state also tend to be low, and average insurance for a home with a replacement value of $350k in 2024 was under $3,000 — less than one-third of Florida's average.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Average rent: $1,065

Median home price: $193,250

Pennsylvania is often written off as landlocked when beach-loving retirees are considering relocation options. And while it's not coastal and doesn't offer southern warmth like Florida, Erie sits along the southern shore of Lake Erie, and residents have easy access to beautiful Great Lakes beaches.

The state also exempts Social Security and payments from other retirement accounts from taxes.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Average rent: $1,430

Median home price: $216,242

Like Florida, there is no state income tax in Texas, which is a big draw for many retirees. Average annual insurance premiums are higher for homeowners in Texas than in many other states, according to CFA's data, but still only about half of Florida's average.

Corpus Christi is a solid Gulf Coast option for outdoorsy types who want to spend their golden years on the shore without Florida prices.

Wilmington, Delaware

Average rent: $1,740

Median home price: $317,710

Wilmington may not have Florida's heat or its own coastline, but it is located along the Delaware River, right across from New Jersey and within easy driving distance to many Jersey Shore beaches.

Delaware doesn't tax Social Security and is one of just a few states in the country with no sales tax on the state or local levels.

Gulfport, Mississippi

Average rent: $1,340

Median home price: $195,959

Mississippi is another affordable option for retirees who want to enjoy southern warmth without dealing with the rising costs in Florida. Gulfport is a Gulf Coast city known for outdoor recreation, excellent seafood, and lively casinos.

All forms of retirement income are exempt from taxes in the state, and property taxes tend to be low.

Savannah, Georgia

Average rent: $1,752

Median home price: $321,796

Savannah is a lively coastal town with plenty of Southern charm and some financial perks that are no longer possible in Florida.

Home prices remain moderate, and the average annual insurance for a $350,000 home, according to CFA's data, was just over $3,000 in 2024 — less than a third of the average in Florida.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Average rent: $1,105

Median home price: $197,799

Lake Charles is in southern Louisiana, not far from the Texas border. In addition to low home prices, Louisiana has some of the lowest property taxes in the country and does not tax Social Security payments.

However, while insurance premiums are not quite as high as they are in Florida, they are pricey. CFA's data puts the average for a $350,000 home at nearly $7,000 annually.

Baltimore, Maryland

Average rent: $1,720

Median home price: $183,339

Most people probably don't think of Baltimore when they think of coastal living, but residents get to enjoy plenty of activities on the water and waterfront of the city's beautiful Inner Harbor. Home prices in the city remain low, and the average insurance premium for a $350,000 home in 2024 was just $1,716 for the year.

North Charleston, South Carolina

Average rent: $1,660

Median home price: $303,938

North Charleston gives retirees access to pleasant weather, great dining, and plenty of southern charm. The average home insurance rate was less than $3,000 annually for a home with a $350,000 replacement value, according to CFA data.

Plus, the state does not tax Social Security and only partially taxes other retirement income.

Bottom line

If you are planning to relocate, considering costs beyond average home prices and rents — like state taxes and insurance rates — should be part of your retirement plan.

The options here are cheaper than many popular retirement cities in Florida when it comes to housing, insurance, or both, but other costs like groceries and entertainment vary. Some simple steps, like planning an extended visit and comparing insurance quotes, should be taken before committing to any city.