Living in a beach town is a dream for many people, offering beautiful natural landscapes, fun attractions, delicious seafood, and endless summer vibes. Despite the reputation of beach cities being expensive, there are affordable options for those looking to retire comfortably by the ocean. GOBankingRates compiled a list of the cheapest beach towns in the United States based on factors such as cost of living indexes, median home prices, and annual expenditure costs.
Some of the cheapest beach towns to live in include Port Arthur, Port Lavaca, and Palacios in Texas, as well as Waveland and Gulfport in Mississippi. These towns offer affordable housing options, low cost of living indexes, and a relaxed lifestyle by the water. Other affordable beach towns on the list include Texas City, Freeport, and Corpus Christi in Texas, as well as Ocracoke in North Carolina and Pensacola in Florida.
Additional affordable beach towns highlighted in the list are Carrabelle and Daytona Beach in Florida, as well as Cameron in Louisiana, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and Fort Pierce in Florida. These towns offer a mix of beachfront living, outdoor activities, and a lower cost of living compared to other beach destinations. Residents in these towns can enjoy the benefits of coastal living without breaking the bank.
Other affordable beach towns listed include Grand Isle in Louisiana, Portland and Rockport in Texas, Chincoteague and Norfolk in Virginia, and Holly Ridge in North Carolina. These towns offer a range of amenities, from waterfront activities to local dining options, making them attractive destinations for those looking to live near the ocean without the high price tag.
South Padre Island in Texas, Beaufort in North Carolina, Fort Walton Beach and Port Saint Joe in Florida, and Ruskin and Clearwater in Florida are also among the cheapest beach towns to live in. These towns offer a variety of housing options, from beachfront condos to coastal cottages, allowing residents to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle by the water at an affordable cost.
Overall, the list of the 35 cheapest beach towns you can afford to live in offers a range of options for those looking to make their dream of beachfront living a reality. With affordable housing prices, low cost of living indexes, and proximity to the ocean, these towns provide an opportunity for retirees and beach lovers to enjoy coastal living without breaking the bank.
