11 Beautiful South Carolina Cities Where Retirees Can Stretch Their Savings

As the cost of living rises across the United States, retirees weighing where to spend their later years often prioritize affordability. That can mean moving somewhere their savings will stretch further, putting states like South Carolina on the radar. One thing in the state's favor is its tax treatment of retirees. For instance, South Carolina doesn't tax Social Security benefits. Residents age 65 and older may also qualify for a retirement income deduction of up to $10,000.

Yet, tax savings is only part of the story. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, seniors 65 and older receive a median household income of $56,680 per year or about $4,723.33 per month. For retirees living primarily on a fixed income, choosing an affordable city can reduce how heavily they need to draw from their savings. 

Affordability isn't the only consideration, either, as retirees may also want attractive surroundings and convenient amenities. Choosing an affordable retirement destination doesn't necessarily mean settling for somewhere without scenery, character, or things to do. South Carolina is not only home to very affordable cities and small towns, but places that are quite beautiful. Being able to stretch dollars while still being able to live in a city with scenic views and relaxing, walkable trails is something all retirees should have. With that in mind, here are some beautiful South Carolina cities where retirees can stretch their savings.

Florence is an excellent South Carolina destination for retirees who want to be out in nature. With a population of 41,231, Florence is a relatively small city that's ideal for retirees who enjoy visiting parks and gardens. There are also some great fishing spots along the Great Pee Dee River. 

Housing in Florence is relatively affordable when weighted against the national average. According to Zillow, Florence homes were valued at $223,951 as of July 2026. Zillow also estimated the median sale price was $229,383 as of June 2026. If you're renting, Apartments.com reported that as of August 2026, rent in Florence cost $1,130 per month on average.

Cost of living estimates for Florence vary by source. BestPlaces, for instance, estimated that a single person would need about $30,700 per year to cover typical expenses. Meanwhile, Apartments.com determined you need at least $45,000 annually to afford Florence. As the median household income for retirement-aged seniors is $56,680, we do think most retirees will find the city fits their budget. Moreover, as reported by Apartments.com, about 20% of the city's population is 65 or older, which should give new residents plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow retirees.

Sumter, South Carolina boasts a population of 43,094. This small but impressive Southern city suits retirees who want to enjoy a mild climate year-round in a place where there are always festivals and events to look forward to. Bird lovers will appreciate Sumter's famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a place that bears the proud distinction of being home to all eight species of swans. 

Renters will find Sumter to be generally affordable. Apartments.com noted the average cost of rent was $1,205 per month as of August 2026. It also reported 71% of residents pay between $1,001 and $1,500 per month for rent. For retirees wanting to spend less, Apartments.com also estimated 20% of rental prices are $1,000 or less. For those who prefer homeownership, Zillow found the average Sumter home was valued at $207,039 as of July 2026.

 As for cost of living, BestPlaces estimated that a single person would need about $33,800 annually to meet their needs. For renters specifically, Apartments.com suggested that individuals have an annual income of at least $45,480 to cover expenses. As these estimates fall beneath the median annual household income of those 65 and older,  we think Sumter could still be considered a relatively budget-friendly retirement destination. All things considered, Sumter is a lovely South Carolina city where retirees can enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle.

Conway has strong potential as a retirement destination for those who prefer a South Carolina city offering warm summers and mild winters. Conway's population is 30,627, making it just small enough for retirees who aren't interested in being in the midst of larger cities like Columbia and Charleston. Even so, you won't be bored in Conway, thanks to relaxing outdoor activities such as walks along the waterfront, golfing, fishing, and boating.

For retirees hoping to buy a house, Zillow reported that Conway homes have an average value of $289,610 as of July 2026. If renting feels more wallet-friendly, Apartments.com found Conway apartments cost $1,441 per month, which is slightly less than the national average. Most Conway rentals are priced between $1,000 and $1,500 each month. Still, bargain hunters might do better, as Apartments.com showed 25% of Conway's renters pay $1,000 or less each month. 

According to BestPlaces, a single person would need about $2,900 per month, or $34,800 annually, to cover living expenses in Conway. Additionally, Conway is reportedly 9.6% cheaper than the average U.S. city. For retirees hoping for a reasonably affordable South Carolina city without having to compromise access to relaxing outdoor activities, Conway is definitely a retirement destination worth considering.

Spartanburg, which has a population of 39,987, earned the nickname "Hub City" thanks to the many railroad lines that met there, that some claimed they resembled wheel hubs . Beyond its impressive railroad history, Spartanburg is also home to Beacon Restaurant, recognized as the second-largest drive-in restaurant in the United States. Retirees who relocate to Spartanburg will appreciate it's just small enough for a relaxed vibe, while offering access to larger cities like Greenville, Charlotte, and Columbia.

As reported by BestPlaces, a single person would need about $34,800 annually, or $2,900 per month, to cover living expenses in Spartanburg. BestPlaces also determined Spartanburg is 9.5% less expensive than the average U.S. city and also 5% more affordable than other South Carolina towns.

Housing can play a major role in affordability, as Apartments.com reports Spartanburg's housing cost is 27.6% lower than the national average. For retirees who may want their own Spartanburg home,  Zillow estimated houses here were valued at $233,747 as of July 2026. It's worth noting that as of June 2026, the median sales price was $218,667, below Zillow's average home value for the area. If renting, Apartments.com determined Spartanburg apartments cost an average of $1,111 per month. Still more savings can be found, as about a third of rentals cost $1,000 or less per month. If you want to settle in a small city rich in history, but cheap enough to stretch your savings, Spartanburg is a great option.

Greenwood is the sort of place retirees might dream of when considering a small city that offers green forests for hiking or long walks, picturesque rolling hills, golf courses, and lakes for kayaking. In addition to its pleasant outdoor scenery, Greenwood hosts a variety of events every year, such as the annual Festival of Flower. Boasting a population of 22,745, Greenwood is a beautiful South Carolina city that's not only easy on the eyes but also gentle on the wallet.

Citycost.org estimated that a single person would need at least $2,684 per month to cover living expenses in Greenwood. That said, BestPlaces found the city to cost slightly less. Per its findings, residents need $2,600 each month, or $31,200 per year, to meet the area's cost of living.

Homes here are very affordable. In July 2026, Zillow estimated that Greenwood homes had an average value of $192,624. Likewise, Greenwood apartments are budget-friendly for retirees who rent. According to Apartments.com, apartments cost $1,046 per month on average. Most Greenwood apartments (55%) are priced between $1,001 and $1,500. Meanwhile, 27% of Greenwood renters pay between $700 and $1,000 in rent each month. As Greenwood is 27.2% less expensive than the average U.S. city, it's a great option for retirees hoping to stretch their savings in a visually appealing town.

As a town with only 5,845 residents, Walterboro is the quintessential "blink and you miss it" South Carolina gem. It's a beautiful option for retirees who love the idea of living in a tiny Southern town surrounded by lovely nature parks. Some popular spots include Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, James A. McQuage Park, and the Forest Hills Tennis Center. Retirees moving here will be glad to know Walterboro is actually a short drive away from bigger cities like Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina as well as nearby Savannah, Georgia.

If buying a home here, Zillow estimated in July 2026 that Walterboro houses were worth about $216,117. As for renters, Apartments.com determined in August 2026 that Walterboro apartments cost around $1,083 per month. This figure actually represents a 1.9% year-over-year decrease, meaning that Walterboro rentals have gotten slightly cheaper. Apartments.com also found 67% of Walterboro renters pay between $1,001 and $1,500 monthly. Meanwhile, the site revealed 33% of renters here pay $1,000 or less each month.

In double-checking the approximate living costs for Walterboro, we came across multiple estimates worth keeping in mind. First, BestPlaces estimated that a single person would need at least $2,300 per month, or $27,600 annually, to live there. Alternatively, MyTownView offered a higher estimate, putting the annual cost of living at $47,544 as of July 2026. It's worth noting that the MyTownView estimate included $13,847 for childcare. Omitting this expense brings annual spending down to $33,697. Even with the larger estimation, we think Walterboro is a beautiful town that should work for most retiree budgets.

Some retirees simply want to get away. Moving to South Carolina isn't just about finding a bustling Southern city, but also relocating to a place that offers a slower, quieter pace. If you're aching for small-town charm, Bennettsville is another South Carolina gem that you don't want to overlook. Despite its small size and reported population of 7,565, Bennettsville is actually the county seat of Marlboro County. It has a lovely, walkable downtown area. Historic points of interest include the Thomas Memorial Baptist Church, Bank Building, and D.D. McColl House (Bennettsville Visitors Center).

You'll be challenged to find cities with more affordable housing and rent. According to Zillow, homes in Bennettsville were valued at $84,758 as of July 2026. Rent in Bennettsville is also very budget-friendly. Zillow reported in late August 2026 that the city's average rent was $850 per month. Zillow also found that rentals, regardless of type or number of bedrooms, rented for between $675 and $1,095 monthly. If affordable housing is a major priority, we think Bennettsville should be a strong contender as a retirement destination.

BestPlaces estimated that a single person living in Bennettsville would need at least $1,767 per month, or about $21,200 annually, to meet local living expenses. Livability.com noted that the local median household income is $38,492. For retirees with annual incomes on par with the local median, Bennettsville could offer a quiet and relatively affordable lifestyle.

Hartsville is a very small South Carolina city, with a reported population of 7,374. Even so, it's a great choice for retirees who want to stretch their savings while living in a lovely area. Moving to Hartsville comes with access to Prestwood Lake for paddling, as well as the option to partake in local art activities and visit museums. Overall, it's a great choice for retirees who prefer the quiet quaintness of small-town life.

Affording a house in Hartsville should be doable. Zillow reported homes here were valued at $185,516 as of July 2026. For retirees that prefer renting, Hartsville apartments are quite affordable. As of August 2026, Apartments.com reported Hartsville apartments cost an average of $731 per month. It also found 50% of Hartsville rentals are priced between $700 and $1,000 each month.

For renters, Apartments.com suggested an income of at least $2,436 per month, or $29,232 per year. The site's reasoning is that renters should spend no more than about a third of their income on rent, and this income would be enough to meet that benchmark.  BestPlaces, meanwhile, estimated that a single person would need about $26,000 annually, or $2,167 per month, to cover living expenses in Hartsville. We found the most generous cost of living estimate came from Salary.com, which noted monthly expenses per resident average $1,814 in monthly expenses. Retirees who move to Hartsville will not only enjoy a quaint country life in a beautiful town, but easily be able to stretch their retirement savings.

Newberry is a beautiful South Carolina city with a population of 10,891 people. Retirees who choose to move there will find a wide range of options for getting the most out of daily life. At Lynch's Woods Park, you can explore hundreds of acres of forest trails. Alternatively, retirees can head to Lake Greenwood for fishing and boating activities. It's a pleasant city that seems to suit the preferred lifestyles of many retirees.

Newberry's cost of living is relatively low. BestPlaces estimated that a single person would need at least $2,233 per month, or about $26,800 each year, to cover living expenses. Meanwhile, Salary.com determined Newberry costs residents $1,987 per month, per person.  As long as retirees have savings and other income sources that exceed these estimates, Newberry should be readily affordable.

A major factor in Newberry's budget-friendliness is housing. As of July 2026, Zillow estimated Newberry homes were valued at $172,155 on average. Zillow also reported that available rentals averaged $1,200 per month. Trulia, meanwhile, reported in August 2026 that average rent was $1,150 per month. Trulia also noted that two and one-bedroom apartments were available to rent for $995 or less. Newberry is proof that you don't necessarily have to sacrifice access to outdoor beauty for the sake of stretching your savings.

Retirees seeking a beautiful South Carolina city may find Seneca a great fit. With a population of 9,424, it's a great choice for those seeking the vibe of a smaller town. It's also appealing to retirees who want a scenic location with nearby mountains and lakes. If you're a fan of the outdoors, Seneca offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other activities.

For retirees hoping to rent after moving to Seneca, Zillow estimated local apartments cost $1,500 monthly as of August 2026. Zllow also determined that rentals, regardless of size or type, ranged from $450 to $3,750 per month. Potential home buyers should know Zillow reported Seneca houses averaged $311,242  in value as of July 2026, but that the median sales price was $429,913. Luckily, Zillow determined that 77% of homes sold in Seneca went for less than the listed price.

Seneca is not just beautiful, but also relatively wallet-friendly. According to BestPlaces, the local cost of living works out to $28,800 annually or $2,400 per month for a single person. Livingcost.org, however, estimated that a single person would need at least $2,081 per month to cover expenses. All things considered, Seneca is a beautiful small city where many retirees could potentially stretch their retirement savings.

If you're a retiree with a love for horses and an equestrian lifestyle, then you'll want to consider Camden, the self-proclaimed "Horse Country." With a population of 9,201, this small South Carolina city can work for retirees even if they're not obsessed with horses. Other popular activities include fishing, skeet shooting, and golfing. The best part is that the city mixes these retiree-friendly activities with a relatively low cost of living that could help retired transplants stretch their savings.

If house hunting, it's key to know, per Zillow's July 2026 estimates, Cmden homes had an average value of $248,394. Renting retirees will find Camden's apartments are highly budget-friendly, as Apartments.com reports they generally cost about $888 per month. An estimated 33% of Camden rentals cost between $700 and $1,000 per month. Likewise, another third of local rentals cost $700 per month or less.

Beyond housing, retirees may find Camden relatively affordable compared with much larger South Carolina cities. BestPlaces estimated that a single person would need about $2,400 per month, or $28,800 per year, to cover living expenses in Camden. Salary.com, meanwhile, estimated living expenses of approximately $1,987 per month for a single person in Camden. Given these estimates, retirees may want to budget at least $2,000 per month for living expenses in this beautiful small city.