25 Best East Coast Cities To Retire in 2026

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

• Cost-of-living index: 87.8

• Median monthly rent: $863

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2. Spring Hill, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 95.9

• Median monthly rent: $1,127

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3. Palm Coast, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 98.7

• Median monthly rent: $1,467

4. Lynchburg, Virginia

• Cost-of-living index: 80.9

• Median monthly rent: $908

5. Palm Harbor, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 102.8

• Median monthly rent: $1,715

6. Naples, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 113.0

• Median monthly rent: $1,873

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7. Pensacola, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 89.0

• Median monthly rent: $1,188

8. Cape Coral, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 104.2

• Median monthly rent: $1,688

9. Bonita Springs, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 104.2

• Median monthly rent: $1,722

10. Port Charlotte, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 93.7

• Median monthly rent: $1,131

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11. Jacksonville, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 95.7

• Median monthly rent: $1,351

12. Pinellas Park, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 102.8

• Median monthly rent: $1,582

13. Largo, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 102.8

• Median monthly rent: $1,580

14. Punta Gorda, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 93.7

• Median monthly rent: $1,156

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15. Zephyrhills, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 98.0

• Median monthly rent: $1,070

16. Apex, North Carolina

• Cost-of-living index: 105.8

• Median monthly rent: $1,654

17. Palm Bay, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 95.6

• Median monthly rent: $1,471

18. Crestview, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 100.9

• Median monthly rent: $1,168

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19. Cary, North Carolina

• Cost-of-living index: 105.8

• Median monthly rent: $1,560

20. Clermont, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 100.7

• Median monthly rent: $1,674

21. Brandon, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 104.2

• Median monthly rent: $1,654

22. Greenville, South Carolina

• Cost-of-living index: 91.3

• Median monthly rent: $1,229

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23. Clearwater, Florida

• Cost-of-living index: 102.8

• Median monthly rent: $1,634

24. Pinehurst, North Carolina

• Cost-of-living index: 93.9

• Median monthly rent: $1,371

25. Weston, Florida

• 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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