With the average Social Security check hovering around $1,900 a month, retirement doesn’t leave much room for error.

But a new study has identified 15 warm-weather cities where median monthly housing costs come in under $1,850 – meaning many retirees could, in theory, cover their biggest expense on Social Security alone.

A new study from informational website FinanceBuzz identified 15 Southern cities where retirees can live on less than $1,850 per month in housing costs.

The study by FinanceBuzz compared cost of living, housing expenses, and climate to spotlight communities that offer both affordability and year-round warmth.

Most Americans retire between 62 and 64. While 62 is the earliest age to claim Social Security, full benefits begin at 66 or 67, and delaying can increase monthly payments.

The average Social Security benefit is about $1,900 per month. Traditional pensions are less common, so many retirees rely on a mix of Social Security, 401(k)s or IRAs, and personal savings.

Housing and healthcare are typically the biggest expenses in retirement, followed by food, transportation, and insurance – making careful budgeting essential on a fixed income.

Here are the cities where Americans could comfortably retire, ranked from highest to lowest median monthly housing cost.

Tyler, Texas

Median monthly housing cost: $1,794

Located in northeast Texas about 90 minutes from Dallas, Tyler tops the list as the most expensive – though still under $1,850 per month.

Known as the Rose Capital of America, the city offers scenic lakes, walking trails, and a revitalized downtown filled with boutiques and restaurants.

FinanceBuzz said Tyler’s lower-than-average home prices make it stand out.

Plenty of available land has kept home prices relatively low. Builders do not need to pay through the roof to buy plots for houses or condos – so they can offer homes more cheaply.

The Villages, Florida

Median monthly housing cost: $1,774

Designed specifically for retirees, The Villages in central Florida is known for its well-designed golf courses, pickleball courts, and packed social calendar – all with average housing costs under $1,800 per month.

While amenity fees are rising, they are often considered low compared to traditional country club memberships, covering a vast array of activities for roughly $200 a month.

The primary mode of transportation is golf carts, which replaces the need for a second or third car, saving significantly on gas, insurance, and maintenance.

FinanceBuzz previously named it one of the best cities for snowbirds.

The primary mode of transportation at The Villages in Florida is golf carts, which replaces the need for a second or third car

Athens, Georgia

Median monthly housing cost: $1,754

Athens, located about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, blends college-town energy with retirement appeal.

It is often considered affordable compared to major metropolitan areas and national averages, largely due to its status as a college town, lower regional costs, and diverse housing options.

Costs aside, FinanceBuzz noted that other things making the city attractive to seniors include its walkable downtown, music scene, and historic architecture.

Daphne, Alabama

Median monthly housing cost: $1,746

Situated along Mobile Bay on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Daphne offers waterfront views and long, warm summers.

Compared to the neighboring city of Fairhope, which has a higher cost of living, Daphne offers more reasonable, accessible home prices (median around $345,000).

FinanceBuzz also highlighted the city’s low crime rate, healthcare access, and active senior community as other major benefits.

Brunswick, Georgia

Median monthly housing cost: $1,662

This coastal Georgia city provides access to the Golden Isles at a lower price point than nearby Savannah.

Housing costs are significantly lower than neighboring coastal areas, with a median home value around $207,692 and median rent around $716.

FinanceBuzz included Brunswick among its best cities for snowbirds, pointing to its historic downtown, waterfront parks, and growing arts scene.

Ocala, Florida

Median monthly housing cost: $1,613

Ocala, located in central Florida between Gainesville and Orlando, is known for its horse farms and natural springs.

Despite its popularity among retirees – roughly 20 percent of residents are 65 or older – FinanceBuzz found that it remains one of Florida’s more affordable options.

It boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the state.

Homeowner insurance rates are also relatively lower compared to other metropolises.

Lafayette, Louisiana

Median monthly housing cost: $1,606

In south Louisiana, Lafayette offers Cajun and Creole culture paired with year-round warmth.

FinanceBuzz highlighted its affordability, due to a low cost of living (roughly 12 percent to lower than the national average), driven primarily by cheap housing and low property taxes.

Costs aside a warm climate, with summer temperatures frequently climbing into the 90s, is another draw.

The city is also well known for its festivals, music, and renowned food scene.

McAllen, Texas

Median monthly housing cost: $1,566

Located in the Rio Grande Valley along the Mexican border, McAllen reflects strong Latin American cultural influence.

FinanceBuzz noted that the city’s overall cost of living is 18 percent below the national average, citing PayScale data.

It also offers a combination of affordable housing (median price around $275,000) and low-cost necessities.

Warm winters and vibrant dining options add to its appeal.

Victoria, Texas

Median monthly housing cost: $1,557

About 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Victoria offers small-town Texas living with coastal access.

Known as ‘The Crossroads’ due to its location between Houston, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio, the city combines historic charm with a lower-than-average cost of living, according to FinanceBuzz.

Homes here average from $152,400 to $170,000.

Staunton, Virginia

Median monthly housing cost: $1,537

Set in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is the northernmost city on the list.

FinanceBuzz pointed to its manageable housing costs and charming downtown filled with boutiques and preserved 19th-century architecture.

It also boasts lower grocery prices, and lower gasoline costs, allowing for a high quality of life at a lower cost.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

FinanceBuzz noted that nearly a quarter of Myrtle Beach residents are age 65 or older, making retirees a substantial part of the community

Median monthly housing cost: $1,522

This Atlantic Coast favorite offers beachfront living at a moderate price.

Housing costs are up to 30 percent lower than the national average and South Carolina has one of the lowest property tax burdens in the country.

FinanceBuzz noted that nearly a quarter of Myrtle Beach residents are age 65 or older, making retirees a substantial part of the community.

Golf courses, boardwalk attractions, and miles of sand draw newcomers each year.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Median monthly housing cost: $1,504

Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg combines college-town amenities with Southern affordability.

This city is affordable primarily due to living costs running about 15 percent below the national average.

Rent is approximately 43.3 percent lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly option.

Other attractive qualities as highlighted by FinanceBuzz include its mild climate, music scene, and walkable downtown district.

Sierra Vista, Arizona

Median monthly housing cost: $1,426

Nestled near the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona, Sierra Vista offers scenic desert landscapes and abundant sunshine.

FinanceBuzz cited its relatively low housing costs – roughly 17 percent to 35 percent below the national average – and access to outdoor recreation as major advantages.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Median monthly housing cost: $1,407

Surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is home to Hot Springs National Park and its famed thermal baths.

FinanceBuzz pointed to the city’s ‘incredibly low average mortgage and rent prices’ as a major selling point for retirees seeking nature and affordability.

Other perks of the area include minimal property taxes, no state income tax on Social Security, and lower energy costs.

Owensboro, Kentucky

Located along the Ohio River in western Kentucky, Owensboro is known for its barbecue, bluegrass music roots, and bourbon heritage

Median monthly housing cost: $1,337

With the lowest median housing cost on the list, Owensboro ranks as the most affordable of the 15 cities.

The city offers a median home value of approximately $182,906-$210,000.

Located along the Ohio River in western Kentucky, the picturesque metropolis is known for its barbecue, bluegrass music roots, and bourbon heritage.

FinanceBuzz cited Kentucky’s tax benefits for seniors, strong community ties, and cultural scene as additional reasons retirees may find it appealing.