Among the top-ranked retirement spots on the East Coast, affordability can vary significantly.
East Coast states landed 25 cities within the top 70 of U.S. News & World Report’s best places to retire for 2026. Not surprisingly, Florida — a well-known destination for retirees — dominates the list with 20 entries. North Carolina was the runner-up with three.
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Among the top 25 East Coast cities in the annual list, the cost-of-living index ranges from 81 to 113 (100 is the national median, as reported by Sperling’s Best Places).
In Lynchburg — Virginia’s lone entry in the top 25 — the median monthly rent is about $900. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll be looking at $1,900 in Naples, Florida. Median monthly rents among cities on the list range from $863 to $2,373.
Here’s a rundown of the top 25 retirement spots in East Coast states, along with figures for each locale’s cost of living.
1. Homosassa Springs, Florida
- US rank: 3
- Cost-of-living index: 87.8
- Median monthly rent: $863
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2. Spring Hill, Florida
- US rank: 7
- Cost-of-living index: 95.9
- Median monthly rent: $1,127
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3. Palm Coast, Florida
- US rank: 9
- Cost-of-living index: 98.7
- Median monthly rent: $1,467
4. Lynchburg, Virginia
- US rank: 10
- Cost-of-living index: 80.9
- Median monthly rent: $908
5. Palm Harbor, Florida
- US rank: 13
- Cost-of-living index: 102.8
- Median monthly rent: $1,715
6. Naples, Florida
- US rank: 18
- Cost-of-living index: 113.0
- Median monthly rent: $1,873
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7. Pensacola, Florida
- US rank: 19
- Cost-of-living index: 89.0
- Median monthly rent: $1,188
8. Cape Coral, Florida
- US rank: 21
- Cost-of-living index: 104.2
- Median monthly rent: $1,688
9. Bonita Springs, Florida
- US rank: 22
- Cost-of-living index: 104.2
- Median monthly rent: $1,722
10. Port Charlotte, Florida
- US rank: 24
- Cost-of-living index: 93.7
- Median monthly rent: $1,131
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11. Jacksonville, Florida
- US rank: 30
- Cost-of-living index: 95.7
- Median monthly rent: $1,351
12. Pinellas Park, Florida
- US rank: 33
- Cost-of-living index: 102.8
- Median monthly rent: $1,582
13. Largo, Florida
- US rank: 36
- Cost-of-living index: 102.8
- Median monthly rent: $1,580
14. Punta Gorda, Florida
- US rank: 40
- Cost-of-living index: 93.7
- Median monthly rent: $1,156
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15. Zephyrhills, Florida
- US rank: 43
- Cost-of-living index: 98.0
- Median monthly rent: $1,070
16. Apex, North Carolina
- US rank: 45
- Cost-of-living index: 105.8
- Median monthly rent: $1,654
17. Palm Bay, Florida
- US rank: 46
- Cost-of-living index: 95.6
- Median monthly rent: $1,471
18. Crestview, Florida
- US rank: 48
- Cost-of-living index: 100.9
- Median monthly rent: $1,168
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19. Cary, North Carolina
- US rank: 51
- Cost-of-living index: 105.8
- Median monthly rent: $1,560
20. Clermont, Florida
- US rank: 52
- Cost-of-living index: 100.7
- Median monthly rent: $1,674
21. Brandon, Florida
- US rank: 53
- Cost-of-living index: 104.2
- Median monthly rent: $1,654
22. Greenville, South Carolina
- US rank: 60
- Cost-of-living index: 91.3
- Median monthly rent: $1,229
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23. Clearwater, Florida
- US rank: 63
- Cost-of-living index: 102.8
- Median monthly rent: $1,634
24. Pinehurst, North Carolina
- US rank: 64
- Cost-of-living index: 93.9
- Median monthly rent: $1,371
25. Weston, Florida
- US rank: 67
- Cost-of-living index: 110.5
- Median monthly rent: $2,373
Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact locations listed.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 25 Best East Coast Cities To Retire in 2026
