Inexpensive Beaches
Dreaming of retiring by the beach but worried about the price tag? That’s understandable, but good news - you don’t have actually have to be rich anymore to enjoy sand between your toes and ocean breezes in your hair. All across the USA, there are plenty of gorgeous coastal towns where the cost of living is surprisingly affordable. Here’s 15 of them!
Pensacola, Florida
If you dream of retiring in Florida but worry about costs, Pensacola could be the place for you. It’s much more affordable than popular destinations like Miami or Naples, yet you still get to swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on the beach. Plus: Disneyworld is nearby!
Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach offers a quieter slice of Florida at prices that won’t scare retirees away, plus it has a rich and exciting history. It’s smaller than many Florida coastal towns, but that means fewer crowds and a more relaxed lifestyle. Housing is more reasonable than you might expect, as well.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
For retirees looking for affordable Florida living, Port St. Lucie might be just the right place. It’s not as expensive as Miami, but you still get beautiful beaches and a relaxed pace of life. The area has a lot of golf courses too if you’re into that.
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport is a beach town on the Gulf Coast, where retirees can enjoy sun, sand and low housing costs without blowing their savings. It’s true that Mississippi has a bad reputation and isn’t considered to have the best healthcare, but Gulfport is still considered a pretty good place to live.
Port Arthur, Texas
Many retirees love Port Arthur for its mix of low living expenses and access to the Gulf. Should you check it out you’ll find quiet beaches, excellent fishing, and (as with all Texas towns) no state income tax, which helps your budget go further. But be aware that healthcare in Texas is considered below average.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach might be famous for its 86 golf courses and massive tourist crowds, but retirees know it has plenty of affordable living options too. Beyond the boardwalk and attractions, there are calm and quiet neighborhoods, reasonable real estate prices, and a welcoming community.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi is considered to be one of those places where your retirement check can stretch a long way, thanks to the bonus of no state income tax. The city has a mix of sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and fun stuff to do.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach often gets pegged as a spring break destination, with all the wildness that entails, but it’s also surprisingly retiree-friendly. Affordable, too! Housing costs are lower than many other Florida coastal cities, and you’ll never run out of things to do - festivals, car shows, and of course, the beach itself.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is a sunny paradise that for once doesn’t require millionaire status to enjoy. Retirees love its warm weather, sandy shores, and relaxed lifestyle. Housing and overall living costs are reasonable, and older people in the area report a good quality of life despite the many tourists.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is another place with a bit of a bad reputation, but retirees who want an affordable Florida beach city appreciate it. With miles of beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and a cost of living lower than the state average, it’s really not a bad place to settle down.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi offers affordable coastal living with a side of entertainment – namely, casinos. So it’s not the place to be if you have a gambling problem, but otherwise there’s a lot to love about it. There’s a strong sense of community among the older people who settle down there, for one.
Rockport, Texas
Texas again! Rockport is a charming Gulf Coast town that’s perfect for retirees who want affordable beach living with small-town friendliness thrown in. The pace is slow, you can fish all day, and the housing market is surprisingly good.
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
This smaller neighbor to the world-famous Daytona Beach (as mentioned above) gives you the same perks with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Retirees like the affordable condos, easy beach access, and slower pace compared to bigger cities.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs is cheap, artsy, and packed full of older people seeking a strong community. Retirees enjoy the small-town feel, the beaches with attractions, and the low cost of living. It’s less crowded than Gulfport or Biloxi and the seafood is to die for.
Freeport, Texas
Freeport is one of the most affordable coastal towns in Texas, making it a great option for retirees on a lower income. It’s small and quiet, with easy access to fishing, boating, and fun beaches with a lot of stuff to do. There’s not that many tourists, either!
