Many people dream of living near the beach, with the sand meeting the water and the feeling of endless summer. Having a beach house, condo, or apartment can feel like paradise, with beautiful natural landscapes, fun attractions, delicious seafood cuisine, and temperate oceanside weather. Despite the reputation of beach cities being expensive, there are affordable options available. Each of the coastal cities on this list has a median home price below the U.S. average and an annual cost of living index below 99.9, making them among the cheapest places to live in the country.
To find the cheapest beach towns you can afford to live in, GOBankingRates gathered a list of beach towns from across the United States. Factors such as cost of living indexes for groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses were considered. The total annual expenditure cost for each city was calculated, sorting them to show the cheapest beach towns you can afford to live in. All data is up-to-date as of August 4th, 2023. This list provides valuable information for those looking to live near the beach and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Among the cheapest beach towns on the list are Port Arthur, Port Lavaca, and Palacios in Texas, as well as Waveland and Gulfport in Mississippi. Other affordable options include Texas City and Freeport in Texas, Ocracoke in North Carolina, and Corpus Christi and Pensacola in Florida. These beach towns offer a combination of natural beauty, affordability, and a laid-back lifestyle that appeals to those seeking a beachside retreat without breaking the bank.
Additional beach towns on the list include Carrabelle and Long Beach in Florida, Ocean Springs and Gulfport in Mississippi, and Daytona Beach in Florida. Other affordable options include Cameron in Louisiana, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and Fort Pierce and Panama City in Florida. These beach towns offer a range of amenities, attractions, and waterfront living at a fraction of the cost of more expensive beach destinations.
The list also includes Grand Isle in Louisiana, Portland and Rockport in Texas, Chincoteague and Norfolk in Virginia, and Galveston in Texas. Affordable beach towns such as Holly Ridge in North Carolina, Port Washington in Wisconsin, and Sneads Ferry in North Carolina provide a mix of coastal living and affordability. South Padre Island in Texas, Beaufort in North Carolina, and Fort Walton Beach in Florida are also among the cheapest beach towns on the list.
Ruskin, Clearwater, and Port Saint Joe in Florida, as well as Algoma in Wisconsin, offer affordable beach living options. Vero Beach in Florida, Fort Walton Beach in Florida, and Ruskin in Florida are also included in the list of cheapest beach towns you can afford to live in. These beach towns offer a range of attractions, amenities, and natural beauty, making them desirable destinations for those looking to live near the beach without the high price tag.
