13 Florida Beach Towns Where Couples Can Live on Nothing But Social Security
- - 13 Florida Beach Towns Where Couples Can Live on Nothing But Social Security
Joan WeismanDecember 28, 2025 at 7:12 AM
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Retirees seeking sun, sand, and an active lifestyle love Florida's coastline. While beachfront prices in many destinations have soared, you can still find charming coastal communities within reach.
Given that the average monthly Social Security benefit is roughly $2,000 for individuals (with couples often receiving significantly more), the coastal retirement dream is possible in these waterfront towns.
Whether you're looking for morning walks along the ocean, year-round fishing, or tranquil living with access to city amenities, these gems prove you don't need a fortune to retire by the beach.
Editor's note: All rental figures were pulled from Apartments.com, and all housing prices were pulled from Zillow.
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1. Crystal River
crystal river archaeological state park florida
Sunshower Shots/Adobe
Average rent: $652
Median home price: $268,228
Known as the "Manatee Capital of the World," Crystal River offers beach access, gentle manatees, world-class fishing, and pristine springs.
This small town is ideal if you're looking for a peaceful, nature-focused lifestyle with affordable housing costs. You can enjoy a relaxed pace near the beautiful Gulf Coast, about 40 miles from Ocala and 80 miles from Tampa.
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2. Titusville
titusville florida riverfront park
Jrau_media/Wirestock Creators/Adobe
Average rent: $1,247 (Rent Cafe)
Median home price: $266,755
As the Gateway to the Space Coast, Titusville combines small-town charm with spectacular rocket launch viewings.
Located on the scenic Indian River just minutes from the Atlantic coast, this community offers affordable living with easy access to beaches and outdoor recreation. If fishing, boating, and watching space launches from your backyard sound appealing, Titusville may be for you.
3. Tarpon Springs
tarpon springs sponge docks
SR Productions/Adobe
Average rent: $1,261
Median home price: $383,715
This charming coastal town celebrates its vibrant Greek heritage through authentic cuisine, historic Sponge Docks, and cultural festivals.
Tarpon Springs offers walkable downtown areas with waterfront sunsets and more affordable rental prices than many popular Florida beach destinations. This may be your ideal spot if you want a welcoming community atmosphere, rich cultural traditions, and a relaxed retirement lifestyle.
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4. Hudson
hudson beach
RobertMiller/Adobe
Average rent: $1,300
Median home price: $286,717
On Florida's Gulf Coast, Hudson is known for stunning water views and a friendly community spirit.
You can enjoy Hudson Beach Park, nearby state parks, and excellent fishing while maintaining easy access to Tampa for medical care and entertainment.
Hudson is growing fast, but it's still an affordable area that attracts people who want waterfront tranquility with convenient access to city amenities.
5. Ormond Beach
ormond beach florida
Jeff Whiting/Adobe
Average rent: $1,240
Median home price: $360,060
Famous for its drive-on beaches and historical significance as John D. Rockefeller's former winter retreat, Ormond Beach gives you coastal living with cultural attractions like The Casements museum.
As Ormond Beach is located near Daytona Beach, you can enjoy small-town charm with easy access to medical facilities and entertainment, making it a good match if you want an active coastal retirement.
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6. Daytona Beach
daytona beach florida
Kevin Ruck/Adobe
Average rent: $1,319
Median home price: $244,610
Home to the famous speedway and beautiful drive-on beaches, Daytona Beach has both entertainment excitement and affordable coastal living. The city offers year-round sunshine, diverse cultural attractions, and plenty of activities to keep you engaged.
While tourism brings vibrancy and energy, residents enjoy lower living costs than those of most coastal Florida cities, which is perfect if you want an active beach lifestyle with built-in entertainment. If you're looking for lower prices still and aren't set on Florida, consider these small towns where your Social Security can cover 80% of your living costs in states across the country.
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7. Pensacola
pensacola beach
Cavan/Adobe
Average rent: $1,327
Median home price: $259,839
One of America's oldest European settlements, this historic Gulf Coast city is known for sugar-white sand beaches.
In Pensacola, you'll enjoy affordable living, mild winters, and year-round outdoor activities for active retirees. If your ideal retirement includes a strong sense of community, beautiful beaches, and fascinating historical attractions, check out this welcoming coastal setting.
8. Fort Pierce
palm trees on the road
HELME/Adobe
Average rent: $1,419
Median home price: $271,584
Fort Pierce combines small-town charm with world-class fishing and beautiful beaches.
Currently redeveloping its downtown, this affordable coastal community offers easy access to other destinations on the Treasure Coast, such as Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie.
If you're looking for a peaceful seaside spot for year-round angling, boating, and attractions like the National Navy SEAL Museum, Fort Pierce may be your perfect coastal retirement spot.
9. Palm Coast
landscape view of palm coast florida
Creative Studio 79/Adobe
Average rent: $1,415
Median home price: $337,036
If you love the ocean but also want access to walking trails and parks, Palm Coast may be the spot for you. This planned coastal community has abundant canals, connecting trails, and parks.
Located between beautiful beaches and historic St. Augustine, this well-maintained city attracts retirees who enjoy outdoor recreation but want easy access to cultural attractions and medical facilities.
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10. Melbourne
melbourne florida beach view
Jim Vallee/Adobe
Average rent: $1,492
Median home price: $351,664
Close to beautiful beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, and Orlando attractions, Melbourne offers both relaxation and excitement.
The city features a walkable historic downtown area, a growing culinary scene, and plenty of parks. With generally safe neighborhoods, Melbourne is a good match if you enjoy an active lifestyle near space program attractions and Orlando's amenities.
11. Englewood
florida life englewood
Mark Lotterhand/Adobe
Average rent: $1,483
Median home price: $320,779
Englewood attracts retirees with its vibrant arts scene, community events like farmers' markets, and abundant outdoor recreation, including boating and fishing.
This peaceful coastal community on Manasota Key offers stunning beaches, low crime rates, and a strong sense of neighborhood spirit. You can enjoy a relaxed pace of life with convenient access to larger cities like Sarasota for shopping and medical care.
12. Punta Gorda
punta gorda florida usa
Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe
Average rent: $1,492
Median home price: $332,771
Known as "Florida's Harborside Hometown," Punta Gorda consistently ranks among Florida's most secure cities while providing lower-than-average living costs.
Given that this town is situated on Charlotte Harbor, residents and visitors enjoy boating, world-class tarpon fishing, and a thriving arts scene. Punta Gorda is a great spot if you want to enjoy active waterfront living in a secure environment.
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13. Port Charlotte
port charlotte florida
Rachel/Adobe
Average rent: $1,470
Median home price: $264,643
Between Punta Gorda and Englewood, Port Charlotte boasts 165 miles of man-made waterways offering everything from tiki cruises to fishing charters.
Retirees enjoy spring training games with the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park, scenic golf courses, and award-winning restaurants like The Grill at 1951.
Within about an hour's drive of Sarasota, Port Charlotte can give you an active waterfront retirement with plenty of entertainment.
Bottom line
Retiring near Florida's coast doesn't require a fortune. If your retirement plan includes living by the ocean, these communities offer genuine waterfront access at prices that work with Social Security budgets (and with more Americans rushing to file for Social Security, odds are that you or someone you know has retirement on their mind).
With no state income tax, Social Security can stretch further in Florida. Add in the state's homestead exemption that can significantly reduce property taxes for permanent residents, and you're perfectly positioned for those golden years by the water.
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