Best Cities for Retirees (2026)
Enjoy your retirement in an affordable, warm location. These cities offer great weather, reasonable costs, and access to healthcare.
Lowest Rent: $900/mo
Average: $1,237/mo
States Covered: 9
Warm Weather
Escape harsh winters
Healthcare Access
Quality medical facilities nearby
Fixed Income Friendly
Stretch retirement savings further
Active Living
Year-round outdoor activities
Top 25 Cities for Retirees
Ranked by affordability and lifestyle fit
| Rank | City | State | Studio | 1 Bed | 2 Bed | 3 Bed | Income Needed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Laredo | Texas | $765 | $900 | $1,080 | $1,395 | $36,000/yr | View → |
#2 | El Paso | Texas | $808 | $950 | $1,140 | $1,473 | $38,000/yr | View → |
#3 | Macon | Georgia | $808 | $950 | $1,140 | $1,473 | $38,000/yr | View → |
#4 | Augusta | Georgia | $893 | $1,050 | $1,260 | $1,628 | $42,000/yr | View → |
#5 | Corpus Christi | Texas | $935 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,705 | $44,000/yr | View → |
#6 | Tucson | Arizona | $935 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,705 | $44,000/yr | View → |
#7 | Bakersfield | California | $978 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,783 | $46,000/yr | View → |
#8 | Columbia | South Carolina | $978 | $1,150 | $1,380 | $1,783 | $46,000/yr | View → |
#9 | Memphis | Tennessee | $1,060 | $1,154 | $1,274 | $1,683 | $46,160/yr | View → |
#10 | San Antonio | Texas | $1,077 | $1,177 | $1,426 | $1,830 | $47,080/yr | View → |
#11 | Knoxville | Tennessee | $1,020 | $1,200 | $1,440 | $1,860 | $48,000/yr | View → |
#12 | Tallahassee | Florida | $1,020 | $1,200 | $1,440 | $1,860 | $48,000/yr | View → |
#13 | Visalia | California | $1,020 | $1,200 | $1,440 | $1,860 | $48,000/yr | View → |
#14 | Greensboro | North Carolina | $1,159 | $1,213 | $1,330 | $1,703 | $48,520/yr | View → |
#15 | Fresno | California | $1,063 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,938 | $50,000/yr | View → |
#16 | Houston | Texas | $1,280 | $1,323 | $1,573 | $2,116 | $52,920/yr | View → |
#17 | Savannah | Georgia | $1,148 | $1,350 | $1,620 | $2,093 | $54,000/yr | View → |
#18 | Jacksonville | Florida | $1,355 | $1,382 | $1,658 | $2,043 | $55,280/yr | View → |
#19 | Durham | North Carolina | $1,190 | $1,400 | $1,680 | $2,170 | $56,000/yr | View → |
#20 | Modesto | California | $1,190 | $1,400 | $1,680 | $2,170 | $56,000/yr | View → |
#21 | Myrtle Beach | South Carolina | $1,190 | $1,400 | $1,680 | $2,170 | $56,000/yr | View → |
#22 | Asheville | North Carolina | $1,233 | $1,450 | $1,740 | $2,248 | $58,000/yr | View → |
#23 | Las Vegas | Nevada | $1,333 | $1,478 | $1,735 | $2,413 | $59,120/yr | View → |
#24 | Austin | Texas | $1,400 | $1,490 | $1,760 | $2,240 | $59,600/yr | View → |
#25 | Raleigh | North Carolina | $1,485 | $1,510 | $1,713 | $2,105 | $60,400/yr | View → |
How We Selected These Cities
We evaluated cities across America to find the best options for retirees. Our selection criteria includes:
✓Warm or mild climate
✓Affordable 1BR apartments
✓Good healthcare facilities nearby
✓Senior-friendly communities
✓Lower overall cost of living
Top 5 Picks for Retirees
Things to Consider Before Moving
•Research Medicare provider availability
•Consider proximity to family
•Look into senior centers and activities
•Check no-income-tax state options