15 Best Beach Towns to Retire on a Monthly Budget of $3,000 or Less

Retiring near the beach isn’t just a dream for the wealthy. Contrary to what you might think, there are numerous locations in the U.S. where you can live comfortably on a fixed income near the ocean.

If spending your golden years with your toes in the sand is a key component of your retirement plan, here are a few prime locations to check out.

Just a few miles from Galveston, Freeport is a less touristy spot on the Texas coast. The median rent is quite affordable at only $1,000 per month. 

The low cost of housing — along with access to so many other inexpensive goods and services — is part of what makes Freeport’s cost of living come in at an impressive 18% below the U.S. average.

Don’t let Freeport’s humble looks fool you. It’s home to several gorgeous beaches, wildlife refuges, and spots to go fishing and crabbing — both in the port and at sea.

This quaint town is situated on Port Royal Island at the southern tip of South Carolina. It’s more affordable than many other beach towns, with an average rent cost of $1,636 per month for a 998-square-foot apartment. 

That, combined with other common expenses, contributes to Port Royal’s lower cost of living, which comes in around 3% lower than the national average.

A gorgeous location for those who want their second act to involve a lot of nature, Port Royal is home to many wetlands and parks for strolling and observing wildlife.

If you’re looking for a tiny beach community off the beaten path, look no further than Lillian. This small town has fewer than 2,000 people, which is perfect for those in search of a small community.

The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $1,230 per month. Though healthcare costs may be slightly more expensive than the U.S. average, nearly every other metric is cheaper.

In addition to a lower cost of living, residents can enjoy hunting, fishing, and hiking in the nearby Lillian Swamp Forever Wild Complex, as well as traditional beach experiences at Orange Beach.

This southern gem is located at the southern tip of North Carolina.

In addition to affordable rent — a two bedroom home will set you back about $1,100 per month — Calabash is known for its own style of cooking seafood, something that’s especially appealing for retirees who are also foodies.

This quaint town is also home to numerous beaches and golf courses. While utilities tend to be expensive, the cost of groceries, healthcare, and transportation are very reasonable.

There’s plenty of retiree-friendly activities to do in Sunset Beach, including strolling along the waterfront, fishing on the pier, and birdwatching at nearby Bird Island Reserve. 

Nicholas Sparks fans will also appreciate the Kindred Spirits Mailbox, which was featured in the writer’s book Every Breath.

Rent is an affordable median of $1,329, and while transportation and utilities tend to run high, the overall cost of living in Sunset Beach is still below the national average.

Not to be confused with its expensive California counterpart, Long Beach is quite affordable. Residents enjoy long stretches of white sand beaches at a cost of living that is 15% lower than the national average. 

The median rent is just $1,475, and groceries and utilities are slightly cheaper than across the rest of the country.

Long Beach is home to numerous restaurants with cuisines that range from Mexican to seafood to vegan. And Biloxi is just 30 minutes away for those who want big-city activities when you’ve had enough of the beach.

You’ll pay just $1,228 for a two-bedroom apartment in this jewel on the Texas coast. Not only that, but grocery and transportation costs are low, and Texas has no personal income tax, making this an ideal place to retire.

Whether you enjoy body surfing in warm Gulf of Mexico waters, watching dolphins jump in the waves, or engaging in aquatic adventures like windsurfing and kayaking, Corpus Christi is a wonderful beachside location to call home.

While slightly pricier than Corpus Christi, the cost of living in Galveston is nonetheless 8% less than the national average.

The median rent is $1,399 per month, which isn’t bad considering how much there is for retirees to do nearby. From the famous Moody Gardens to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston has something to do for everyone.

Many forget that Mississippi has beaches, and Pascagoula is one of the more affordable ones. The median rent is just $1,050, which is a little over half the national average. 

Most other expenses are also cheaper than you’ll find elsewhere, making it an appealing place for retirees on a budget.

Walking and biking trails lined with mossy oaks abound, as do white-sand beaches and boating opportunities in this area, which is why it’s a must-see for nature-minded seniors.

While not as touristy as nearby Corpus Christi or Galveston, Port Arthur is another beachside option in the Lone Star State. The median rent is a reasonable $1,200, which is not bad for a beach town.

The cost of living is 12% below the national average, and most of the cost savings you’ll see are related to housing expenses.

Thanks to its position just across Louisiana’s Sabine Lake, you’ll find plenty of soul food in Port Arthur, including boudin and Cajun faire. Nature lovers will also enjoy living here as Port Arthur is surrounded by several wildlife preserves.

This coastal Florida town has many amenities of a tourist town — great beaches, restaurants, and shopping — without the busy, crowded feel of places like Cocoa Beach.

Melbourne is a popular location, so rent is a bit higher here — you can expect to pay around $1,735 for a two-bedroom apartment. Despite these slightly elevated housing costs, Melbourne is still cheaper than the national average thanks to inexpensive groceries and no state income tax.

Melbourne’s Brevard Zoo and Paradise Beach also give retirees plenty to do outdoors during the 237 sunny days each year.

Residents of Pensacola enjoy reasonably priced food and healthcare, making this beachside city 13% cheaper than the national average.

Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,510, and there is plenty to do for city-dwellers and beach-goers alike. 

With museums, amusement parks, country clubs, historic sites, and half a dozen beaches for everything from kayaking to fishing, Pensacola will keep even the most active retirees busy.

Those who love to gamble will enjoy the seaside locale of Gulfport. It’s home to the Island View Casino Resort, and you can find several other casinos in next-door Biloxi. 

If gambling’s not your thing, you can visit the Mississippi Aquarium, the Mississippi Aviation Museum, or take a ferry trip to the unspoiled Ship Island.

A two-bedroom apartment rents for $1,212, and every metric save transportation is lower than the national average.

For those who like a fast-paced lifestyle, Daytona Beach is an ideal destination. Between the Daytona Speedway, boardwalk amusements, outlet stores, and the Museum of the Arts and Sciences, there’s always something to do.

Rent is a little steeper here at a median price of $1,697 per month, and when you average out all other expenses, the total is just under the average national cost of living.

Not all beaches are ocean beaches. If you’re up for living lakeside, you can afford a comfortable retirement in Michigan. Median rent is quite low at $820, and other expense metrics are also below average.

Like the coastal locations on this list, Manistee has a beach, boardwalk, and lighthouse. It also hosts several high-end breweries, pubs, bars, and restaurants for retirees hoping to find an active nightlife.

A luxurious, stress-free retirement by the beach isn’t just for the rich and famous. 

While many touristy beaches get a lot of press — and come along with a high cost of living to go with it — you can find hidden gem beach towns that will give you the lifestyle you want at a price you can still afford with a fixed budget.

The more financially accessible beach towns might be smaller and further off the beaten path, but if you want to spend your retirement walking hand-in-hand with your sweetheart along the shore, there are many locations that can make that dream a reality.