11 Affordable Warm-Weather States For Retirees To Enjoy Their Sunset Years

When it's time to retire, many Americans hope to be able to afford to do so in a place with lovely weather much of the year. No one wants to spend their sunset years worried about covering basic needs. After decades of hard work, it's a time when one should be enjoying their time doing fun hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones and friends.

Making this happen, for some retirees, means relocating to an entirely new state. When weighing a move, affordability is often an especially important factor. Because they no longer work, retired Americans rely on fixed yearly incomes. Using United States Census Bureau data, Boldin determined that the average annual income of U.S. retirees age 65 to 74 is $59,490. Moreover, the Senior Citizens League released a study that found that two-thirds of seniors look to Social Security to supply the majority of their income. The weather where retirees live is also important. As AARP notes, cold weather represents severe health risks to aging bodies, that increasingly struggle to hold heat. Cold, dry air can also contribute to a range of respiratory issues.

With these factors in mind, there are some areas of the U.S. that are ideal places for retirees to settle. Here are the warm-weather states we think are great for retirees looking to enjoy their sunset years. To determine the results, we looked at data related to housing and rental prices, living costs, and the climate and yearly temperature averages in each location, and other relevant information.

Mississippi is routinely recognized as among the cheapest states to live in. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) found that Mississippi has the 3rd lowest cost of living among all U.S. states as of the first quarter of 2026. It earned an index score of 86.2 out of 100, with 100 representing the national average. Moreover, a Current poll found 62% of Mississippi residents consider their state to be affordable, more than any other state's respondents. In terms of housing costs, Zillow estimates houses sell for an average price of $240,333. Meanwhile, Apartments.com determined the average Mississippi apartment costs $1,016 per month. Using Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and MERIC data, SoFI estimated the statewide cost of living to be about $42,131 annually or roughly $3,511 per month.

In addition to lower living costs, Mississippi's humid subtropical climate allows residents to experience relatively warm weather for most of the year. The Mississippi State University Department of Geosciences notes the state doesn't typically experience what many would consider winter and that the ground doesn't freeze most years. That said, Mississippi experiences 90-degree or higher temperatures for more than 100 days out of the year, making a reliable home cooling system indispensable. 

As for what cities would make the best fit, we recommend Hattiesburg for weather and affordability. WeatherSpark chart data shows Hattiesburg winters are relatively mild, often cool and dry. Its temperature tends to range from 40 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit across the year. As for living costs, Apartments.com reports the city costs 10.3% less than the national average, with housing being 21.1% more affordable than the nationwide average.

While Florida didn't officially take on the nickname the Sunshine State until 1970, it has long been a dream retirement destination for many Americans. For many retirees, Florida's warm weather and its lovely beaches are a major consideration when moving there. The state ordinarily enjoys between 230 and 250 days of sunshine each year, making it the perfect choice for sunny walks along the beach. Likewise, Florida winters are famously mild, thanks to the state's existing in tropical and subtropical climates. The northernmost part of Florida is most likely to experience colder weather, though retirees tend to congregate in places like Vero South Beach, where according to U.S. Census data, about 30% of the local population is 65 or older.

Though the sunny and warm weather continues to lend itself to making Florida a popular retirement destination, it might not be as uniformly affordable as a few other states. Without proper research, you might choose a town that is too expensive, and find moving to Florida a choice you regret. Luckily, there are a few gems that we think could be worth considering if you really have your heart set on the Sunshine State.

Homosassa Springs is an unincorporated Florida town where about 25.9% of the population is at least 65. BestPlaces estimates the monthly cost of living for residents to be about $2,600 monthly for a single person, which works out to $31,200 per year. Sebring is an even cheaper option. Its retiree residents make up about 26.4% of the population, and BestPlaces reports the local cost of living is about $2,300 per month or $27,600 annually.

Arizona gets an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Besides being genuinely the sunniest U.S. state, Arizona remains hot and dry for most of the year, thanks to a climate that's a mixture of arid, semi-arid, and humid. Temperatures can range drastically due to elevation and desert conditions. For instance, the Visit Phoenix website notes the average highs for the city can reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, and 67 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. 

In addition to boasting hot weather and sunshine alongside Florida, Arizona is also a state that many retirees have long preferred. Sun City, Arizona demonstrates this perfectly; according to U.S. Census Bureau data, a staggering 74.4% of the population is at least 65 years old. Statewide, over 19.6% of the entire state is 65 or older, signaling the continued preference of Arizona as a retirement destination. It's important to note that certain parts of Arizona may not be a good financial fit for retirees. Rising living costs had even caused the state to exceed the national average.

The good news is that even though state living costs have increased, there are still cities in Arizona that are affordable for retirees who would really prefer to settle in the state and enjoy its year-round sunshine. Sierra Vista, Arizona offers a cost of living according to Apartment.com estimates, is about 7.6% lower than the national average. Sierra Vista residents also spend less on groceries (2.9%), healthcare (4.1%), and transportation (3.3%). Additionally, Apartment.com states the cost of living for renters is 11.5% less than the national average, with the median apartment price at $929 per month.

North Carolina can provide lovely weather and affordability, though it depends on the area of the state you choose. According to SoFi and BEA estimates, North Carolina's average cost of living is $51,081 per year. Some also estimate that the state's living costs are overall similar to the national average.

North Carolina's climate varies across the state, though retirees seeking warmer weather will probably prefer the subtropical portion of the state. There, the yearly average temperature is about 66 degrees Fahrenheit. With this in mind, we recommend Lumberton. The city reportedly sees average temperature highs of 90 degrees in July and 50 degrees in January. Lumberton is also relatively affordable. BestPlaces reports a cost of living of $23,600 per year here, 28% lower than the U.S. average.

Alternatively, retired Americans may like Wilmington, North Carolina, a coastal gem and lively college town. It's a little pricier than other North Carolina cities, but per BestPlaces, it's 1.9% below the average estimated U.S. cost of living. Still, if you can afford the estimated $44,400 annual cost of living, it's a wonderful North Carolinian option that's close to the beaches.

Climate-wise, New Mexico is something of a mixed bag. It's arid and semi-arid, home to both desert and mountainous regions. Though there's agreement that Arizona is the sunniest state, New Mexico claims to be 2nd in terms of annual sunshine. 

As for living costs, RentCafe finds New Mexico is 2% more affordable than the national cost of living. That said, MERIC's COLI data for early 2026 places New Mexico as the 11th best state for cost of living. As for annual expenses, SoFi reports that it costs New Mexico residents $46,076 per year to live there.

If you want to enjoy lovely weather and a much more affordable lifestyle, we think Las Cruces, New Mexico is a strong contender for relocation. Located in south-central New Mexico, Las Cruces' yearly median temperature is about 77.3 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to warm weather, Las Cruces is quite affordable. BestPlaces notes that Las Cruces living costs are 16.5% lower than most U.S. cities. Retirees who can afford the estimated $2,833 monthly cost of living should do well. We also previously profiled Alamogordo, New Mexico. Per BestPlaces, Alamogordo is 24.8% less expensive than the U.S. average, with yearly living expenses of about $32,000.

Alabama placed 8th on U.S. News & World Report's list of most affordable states. Meanwhile, SoFi and BEA estimate that on average, Alabama's cost of living is $44,529 per person. If planning a move, Zillow reports the average Alabama sale price is $253,333 as of March 2026. In fact, Alabama has one of the best housing markets in the country right now, with homes costing well below the $368,198 national average

According to the University of Alabama in Huntsville's (UAH) Alabama Office of the State Climatologist, the state has a humid subtropical climate. Alabama enjoys an average yearly temperature is of about 63.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, the median annual temperature ranges between 60 and 66 degrees, depending on where you are. Thanks to its location in a warmer climate, Alabama typically enjoys milder winters.

If looking to settle in Alabama, we recommend looking at Dothan. According to the city's official website, the city has a yearly average temperature of 66 degrees, with good overall air quality. Also, Dothan serves as a regional healthcare hub for residents in Alabama, and parts of Florida and Georgia. By some estimates, Dothan offers a 13% lower cost of living than the national average; Apartments.com puts it between 14.2% and 16.6% depending on whether you're a renter or homeowner.

Texas is another option for retirees hoping to save money while experiencing warmer weather for most of the year. Breaking down BEA data, SoFi calculated the statewide cost of living, determining it to be $52,299 annually. At the same time, RentCafe estimates the average cost of living to be about 6% lower than the national average. Texas also does not tax income, which means retirees won't have to worry about state-level taxes on their Social Security benefits. If renting, Apartment.com reports rentals cost $1,238 per month on average, a 2.1% decrease year-over-year. Home prices actually vary dramatically across the state. Redfin revealed San Antonio and Kountze have rather affordable housing list prices, averaging $269,000 and $209,990, respectively. Much lower than Frisco, which Redfin revealed has a median list price of $739,999.

Texas weather is another motivator for relocating retirees. While the state is big, the second largest after Alaska, its weather is warm for most of the year. Texas temperatures typically remain in the 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range across winter, which tends to be mild here. 

Kountze, in addition to having reasonable housing prices, is reportedly 12.4% less expensive a city to live in than the national average. BestPlaces estimates Kountze's living costs to be $30,400 yearly per person, or about $2,533 per month. Another affordable option is McAllen, Texas, which Apartments.com finds has a cost of living approximately 19.1% lower than the nationwide average. Healthcare is about 21.9% lower than the national average in McAllen. It also offers strong proximity to multiple medical centers, such as South Texas Health System and Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

According to MERIC's Composite Cost of Living Index, Tennessee is the 9th least expensive state in the country. SoFi claims that average monthly expenses for Tennesseans are about $4,111; it estimates personal consumption costs to be about $49,326 yearly. Per Zillow, Tennessee's median home sale price is $319,967. Apparently, 65.7% of houses sold are going for less than their listed price. 

In terms of weather, Tennessee has mild to cool winters, with temperatures in the colder months averaging 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, July temperatures typically peak at around 80 degrees. If you want to live in Tennessee's warmest regions, East Tennessee State University's Department of Geosciences Climate Office specifically mentions the Central Basin, the Gulf Coastal Plain, and the Sequatchie Valley.

In terms of weather and affordability, Jackson is a warm and budget-friendly option. Apartments.com reports its cost of living is 9.8% lower than the nationwide average. Housing here is reportedly 23.6% to 24.6% below the national average, though it varies according to whether you own or rent your home. Another option is Cookeville, which BestPlaces writes is 12.9% less expensive than the average U.S. city. Cookeville's also 3.1% cheaper than the statewide cost of living.

With yearly temperatures ranging from a low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 95 degrees in summer, Georgia is another option for retirees seeking a warm state to spend their sunset years. There are scenic beaches, rivers, and mountainous areas of the state that provide a variety of beautiful places to settle. All while benefiting from typically mild winters. 

Using BEA data, SoFi previously estimated the Georgia cost of living to be about $50,282 per year. Meanwhile, RentCafe finds Georgia's living costs to be 8% lower than the national average, with housing costs 20% lower. 

If looking for an affordable Georgia city to settle, Albany has potential. According to Apartments.com, the living costs for individuals are at least 16.7% lower than the U.S. average. In general, locals spend less on groceries, transportation, utilities, and healthcare. Per RentCafe and Apartments.com, housing is about 40% cheaper in Albany than the national average. If you're drawn to affordable housing and would prefer to retire to a college town, you could choose Valdosta, home to Valdosta State University. BestPlaces estimates the town's overall living costs to be about $2,433 per month for a single person, or $29,200 per year.

Louisiana is a relatively budget-friendly state that could be a good fit for retirees. It was ranked 6th by U.S. News & World Report for affordability. Likewise, Louisiana placed 5th for cost of living and 8th for affordable housing. Redfin reports the median house price is $259,977, while Apartments.com estimates renters pay about $1,049 per month. Per SoFi and BEA data, the average cost of living here is about $48,425.

As for climate, what you experience in Louisiana will vary depending on the location. The northern part of the state has an average annual temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the southern portion near the mouth of the Mississippi River, the yearly temperature averages 71 degrees.

If you want to take advantage of Louisiana's hotter weather, but settle in an affordable city, Kenner could work. Though BestPlaces notes it's more expensive than the statewide cost of living, Kenner's also 2.5% less expensive than the national average. It's best for individuals who can afford its $40,800 per year living expenses. Another option is Lafayette, which BestPlaces determined costs $37,600 annually. Apartments.com finds the cost of living is 13% less expensive here than the U.S. average, depending on whether you own or rent your home. Lafayette apartments cost about $980 per month to rent. Meanwhile, the median home price is about $241,000.

Arkansas earned the U.S. News & World Report distinction of being the most affordable state as of 2026. Though the cost of living is rising nationwide, it's reportedly lowest in Arkansas. U.S. News & World Report also ranked Arkansas third for the cheapest housing costs. Per Zillow, the median home sale price is $228,300, with 65% of homes selling for less than the listed price. SoFi analysis of BEA data puts the statewide cost of living at $44,254, with monthly expenses averaging $3,688. That said, SoFi did note the potential for individuals to spend more on living costs than married couples or families. 

Arkansas sits in a temperate climate, experiencing all four seasons. Here, the temperatures reach an average high of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, with a mild average low of about 53 degrees. That said, for retirees wanting to avoid chilly weather as much as possible, it's best to relocate to the southern portion of Arkansas. For instance, El Dorado is a city that experiences short and wet winters, though the summers can be very hot.

El Dorado is also relatively affordable, with BestPlaces reporting its cost of living to be $2,067 monthly for a single person, or $24,800 annually. Apartments.com estimates that rent averages $699 per month, while Redfin states the median home price is $162,403 as of May 2026.