5 U S Towns Where You Can Retire on $1,700 Month
Trying to retire in the United States on $1,700 a month including rent, food, transportation and utilities is challenging—but not impossible. While the typical U.S. rent is now close to $2,000 a month on its own, there are still smaller cities and towns where a modest lifestyle, smart budgeting, and a one-bedroom apartment can keep you within that $1,700 limit. (Investopedia)
Below are five U.S. towns where a frugal retiree can realistically aim to live on about $1,700 a month, assuming:
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A modest studio or one-bedroom apartment (often $750–$900)
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No big car payment (paid-off car or very basic used car)
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Careful spending on groceries, utilities and local transportation
For each place, you’ll see what bigger city it’s near, the benefits, the weather, and how state taxes treat retirees.
1. Harlingen, Texas – Near Brownsville & South Padre Island
Where it is and what it’s near
Harlingen sits in the Rio Grande Valley of far South Texas, about 30–40 minutes from Brownsville and roughly an hour from the beaches of South Padre Island. That gives you access to warm Gulf Coast weather and inexpensive Mexican border shopping without big-city prices.
Cost of living on $1,700 a month
Harlingen has been ranked one of the most affordable urban areas in the entire United States, with an overall cost of living around 19–21% below the national average and housing roughly 35% cheaper than the U.S. average. (rentcafe.com)
Recent rental data shows a typical one-bedroom apartment around $775–$830 a month, sometimes less if you find an older building or a small efficiency. (Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses) That can leave $870–$925 for utilities, groceries, a basic phone plan, gas or bus fare, and health-related costs. You’ll need to watch your budget, but the math can work.
Weather
Harlingen has a subtropical climate:
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Very hot summers (often in the 90s) with high humidity
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Mild winters with many days in the 60s–70s
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Little to no snow, but hurricane and tropical storm risk during late summer and fall
If you hate cold weather and never want to shovel snow again, this climate is a big advantage.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax, so Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals are not taxed at the state level. (SmartAsset) That’s a huge plus on a small fixed income. The trade-off is higher property and sales taxes, but as a renter on a low budget, the lack of income tax is more important for you.
Why Harlingen works for a $1,700 budget
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Very low rents for an actual city
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No state income tax on your retirement income
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Cheap groceries and everyday costs
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Easy access to beaches and affordable cross-border shopping in Mexico
Not sure you want to retire in the United States?
2. Wichita Falls, Texas – Between Dallas and Oklahoma City
Where it is and what it’s near
Wichita Falls is in North Texas, roughly halfway between Dallas–Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. You’re far from coastal hurricanes but close enough to major airports and medical centers for occasional trips.
Cost of living on $1,700 a month
The cost of living in Wichita Falls is about 10% below the national average, with housing roughly 35% cheaper than the U.S. average. (rentcafe.com)
Recent rental reports show:
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Average one-bedroom rent around $750–$815 per month (Apartments.com)
That can leave you $885–$950 for utilities, groceries, car insurance, gas, and healthcare. It’s still a careful budget, but many retirees do it—especially those with no car payment and who cook most meals at home.
Weather
Wichita Falls has:
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Very hot, dry summers (often over 100°F during heat waves)
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Cool winters with occasional freezes and light snow
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Some tornado and severe storm risk in spring
You avoid the worst humidity of the Gulf Coast while still getting mostly mild winters.
Taxes
Like Harlingen, Wichita Falls enjoys Texas’s no-income-tax policy, so Social Security and retirement income aren’t taxed by the state. (SmartAsset)
Why Wichita Falls works for a $1,700 budget
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Low housing costs for a mid-sized city
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No state income tax, very retiree-friendly
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Plenty of local amenities, parks and walking/biking trails
3. Florence, Alabama – In “The Shoals,” Near Huntsville
Where it is and what it’s near
Florence sits in northwest Alabama on the Tennessee River, part of “The Shoals” region (Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia). It’s about an hour to Huntsville, a growing tech and space hub with strong medical facilities.
Cost of living on $1,700 a month
Florence’s cost of living is roughly 16–17% below the national average, and housing is about 35% cheaper than the U.S. average. (rentcafe.com)
Recent rental trends show:
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Many apartments in the $510–$800 range, with average one-bedroom rents around $700–$750. (Rent.com)
That leaves $950–$1,000 for utilities, groceries, gas and healthcare. Utilities here tend to be slightly below national average, and groceries are also cheaper than in many parts of the country, which helps stretch your budget. (rentcafe.com)
Weather
Florence has a humid subtropical climate:
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Hot, humid summers (80s–90s) with thunderstorms
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Mild winters, usually in the 40s–50s, with only occasional light snow
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Lovely spring and fall seasons, great for walking and outdoor events
Taxes
Alabama is very tax-friendly for retirees. The state does not tax Social Security and fully exempts most traditional pension income. (Acts Retirement-Life Communities) Distributions from some tax-deferred accounts can still be taxable, but many retirees find their overall state tax bill extremely low.
Why Florence works for a $1,700 budget
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Very low rent and below-average utilities
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Tax-friendly for Social Security and pensions
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Riverfront views, small-city charm, plus access to Huntsville’s big-city healthcare
4. Shreveport, Louisiana – Near the Texas Border
Where it is and what it’s near
Shreveport is in northwest Louisiana, near the Texas border and not far from East Texas cities like Longview and Tyler. You’re roughly three hours from Dallas–Fort Worth by car, which is useful for flights and specialty healthcare visits.
Cost of living on $1,700 a month
The cost of living in Shreveport is about 4% below the national average, with housing about 10–11% cheaper. (rentcafe.com)
Rental data shows:
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Median rents for all units around $1,000–$1,050
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One-bedroom apartments around $820–$1,000 depending on neighborhood and age of the building (Rent.com)
For a retiree willing to choose a modest complex or older unit, it’s reasonable to target $800–$900 for rent, leaving around $800–$900 for everything else. Groceries and healthcare costs are close to or slightly below U.S. averages; heavy driving or high car insurance could push you over budget, so a paid-off car or limited driving helps.
Weather
Shreveport’s climate is:
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Hot and humid in summer
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Short, mild winters, rarely with snow
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Some risk of severe thunderstorms and occasional flooding
If you want to avoid harsh winters, Shreveport is appealing, though the humidity is real.
Taxes
Louisiana is mixed for taxes, but it does not tax Social Security benefits, and retirees age 65+ can exclude up to $6,000 per person of certain retirement income (like pensions) from state tax. (Louisiana Department of Revenue) Sales taxes can be high, so buying used, shopping carefully and cooking at home become important strategies.
Why Shreveport works for a $1,700 budget
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Rents still under $1,000 in many areas
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No state tax on Social Security, partial breaks on other retirement income
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Warm climate, riverfront casinos, and a reasonable mix of city amenities
5. Pottsville, Pennsylvania – Between Harrisburg and Allentown
Where it is and what it’s near
Pottsville is a small city in eastern Pennsylvania, historically a coal town, roughly:
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About 1 hour from Allentown
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About 1 hour from Harrisburg
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Around 2 hours from Philadelphia
You get small-town prices with drivable access to big-city medical centers and cultural attractions.
Cost of living on $1,700 a month
Pottsville’s cost of living is about 12–18% below the national average, and housing is roughly 48% lower than the U.S. average. (BestPlaces)
Typical rents are:
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About $725–$800 for many apartments, with two-bedroom units around $830 a month; one-bedrooms can often be found for less. (Apartments.com)
If you target a conservative $750 a month for a small place, you still have around $950 for utilities, groceries, bus or car, and health expenses. Winters mean a bit more spent on heating, but overall housing and general costs are low enough to keep many retirees within a $1,700 budget.
Weather
Pottsville offers true four-season living:
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Cold, snowy winters
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Mild to warm summers (often 70s–80s)
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Colorful spring and fall foliage in the surrounding hills
If you like a more traditional seasonal climate and don’t mind some snow, Pottsville is a good fit.
Taxes
Pennsylvania is very tax-friendly for retirees:
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No state tax on Social Security
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No state tax on most retirement income, including pensions, 401(k), and IRA distributions for seniors who meet age rules (AARP States)
Property taxes can be high for homeowners, but as a renter on a fixed income, the lack of tax on your retirement income is a huge benefit.
Why Pottsville works for a $1,700 budget
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Very low rents and home prices
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Tax-friendly to Social Security and retirement accounts
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Small-town feel with access to larger Pennsylvania cities and healthcare
Final Thoughts: How to Make $1,700 a Month Work
In all of these towns, retiring on $1,700 a month is possible but requires discipline. To make it work, you’ll want to:
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Focus on older, smaller apartments rather than luxury complexes
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Keep transportation costs low (paid-off car, shorter drives, or local transit)
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Cook most meals at home and take advantage of cheaper regional groceries
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Use state tax rules—especially in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania—to keep more of your Social Security and retirement income
If you’re willing to live modestly, avoid high-cost cities, and choose a tax-friendly state, these five towns can give you a realistic path to retiring in the United States on about $1,700 a month, including rent.
