Retirement Social Security

12 Coastal Cities Where Couples Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

Living beachside in retirement may be more affordable than you think.

qingdaos beautiful city scenery
Updated July 4, 2025
Fact checked

Selling your home and relocating to a more affordable location for retirement is often touted among top money moves for homeowners. Though many Americans assume that they'll have to make some concessions to afford retired life, it is possible to relocate to a dreamy coastal city and live modestly on nothing but Social Security.

With the average monthly Social Security payment at $1,976 for an individual and $3,089 for a married couple, it's still entirely possible to live in these 12 coastal cities on nothing but Social Security.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover® Cashback Debit account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account

Port Arthur, Texas

gchapel/Adobe sabine lake causeway bridge

In southeast Texas, Port Arthur is about 90 miles from the Houston metro area and just west of the Louisiana state line. The city touts itself as the "Cajun Capitol of Texas" and it's got incredible food to back that up, along with great beaches and a beautiful state park.

It's also one of the most affordable beach towns you'll find in the country, with average home values around $116,000, according to Zillow.

Pascagoula, Mississippi

jovannig/Adobe new orleans

This Gulf Shore city has a rich history, tranquil beaches, plenty of natural beauty, and just happens to be the birthplace of Jimmy Buffett (there's even a Buffett Beach).

And it's quite affordable to spend your days in your very own version of Margaritaville, with Zillow putting the average home price in Pascagoula around $143,000.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

creativefamily/Adobe atlantic city

Atlantic City may be known for its glitzy casinos, gambling, and nightlife, but the coastal town also offers a range of other activities, from delightful beaches to spas, golf courses, and more.

It's also significantly more affordable than many other Jersey Shore towns, with an average home price just over $220,000, according to Zillow.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

Brunswick, Georgia

Steve/Adobe southern coastal city brunswick georgia

Brunswick is a port city on Georgia's coast, ideal for couples who like the idea of living in a charming yet lively Southern town in their golden years. It doesn't have a beach of its own, but residents have easy access to the stunning Golden Isles from the town.

Home prices have remained relatively affordable, hovering around $250,000, according to Zillow.

Clearwater, Florida

Mariakray/Adobe florida clearwater beach with white sand

Clearwater is one of the pricier cities on this list, but this waterfront gem has plenty to offer retirees considering relocating to the Sunshine State, from easy access to stunning beaches to a walkable downtown to MLB spring training every year.

The average home price is around $353,000, and monthly rents average around $2,400, putting the city within reach for retired couples collecting average Social Security payments.

Crescent City, California

Dmitry/Adobe crescent city lighthouse

Known for a high cost of living, many retired couples may think coastal California is out of their price range. Yet Crescent City, a stunning area on the state's northern coast known for its redwoods, remains comparatively affordable.

Average home prices are around $366,000, meaning retired couples living on just Social Security would be stretched a bit thin, but rents hover around $1,750, according to Zillow's data.

Deerfield Beach, Florida

Matthew Tighe/Adobe deerfield beach florida

This South Florida city has plenty to offer retirees, especially those who enjoy the tranquility of quiet days on the water, fishing, and water sports. The city is also home to delightful water parks for when the grandkids come to visit.

According to Zillow, average home prices have dropped a bit recently to around $279,000.

Grand Isle, Louisiana

William C. Bunce/Adobe pensacola beach florida

Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana and boasts miles of stunning shoreline, top-notch seafood, and plenty to do. Many hobbyists are drawn to the city for its fishing and birding opportunities.

Zillow puts the average home price at around $241,000, and Louisiana also boasts a cost of living below the national average.

Long Beach, Washington

Wirestock/Adobe washington coast cape

A Pacific Northwest paradise, Long Beach lies on Washington's Evergreen coast and is known for its natural beauty and small-town charm.

Average home prices are a little steep compared to other cities on this list (around $354,000), but Zillow puts average rent prices at a more manageable $2,500.

In 2023 Americans lost over $10 billion to identity theft and fraud

That's right. According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 Billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023.

But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura which comes with $1,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance2per adult, to cover you should you have eligible identity theft-related losses.

An individual plan starts at $9 per month, and you can choose a family plan that outmatches most others - includes Dark Web monitoring to scour data breaches and leaks for your sensitive personal data — such as Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.

Before you make your next online purchase, protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised.

Save up to 68% when you sign up for protection today!

Palm Coast, Florida

aiisha/Adobe fort lauderdale beach

Palm Coast, located in northeast Florida, is another affordable option in the Sunshine State. With plenty of beaches, parks, trails, and museums to enjoy, there is something for every retiree's interests.

Zillow puts the average home price at just under $350,000 and the average monthly rent at just over $2,000.

Mobile, Alabama

George/Adobe Sunset over Mobile Bay Alabama

Mobile is a Gulf Coast delight with a rich history, stunning beaches and wetlands, and plenty to do for visitors and residents alike. Visiting grandkids will love to visit the USS Alabama Battleship, or celebrate the birthplace of Mardi Gras, if they're a bit older.

Home prices remain low, with Zillow putting the average at around $199,000.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

maqzet/Adobe beach aerial

Myrtle Beach may be known as a summer tourist draw, but it can be an ideal place for retired couples as well. With miles and miles of stunning shoreline, restaurants galore, and dozens of golf courses to choose from, there's plenty to keep families entertained.

According to Zillow, home prices average around $324,000, and rent is under $1,900 a month.

Bottom line

moodboard/Adobe happy couples walking together on beach

With careful planning, living out your retirement dreams in a stunning coastal city is entirely possible. However, it's also important to consider what coastal living will cost you in insurance.

Florida, for example, is one of the most expensive states in the nation to insure a home, and when you move to an area prone to severe weather, knowing what your home insurance won't cover is critical.

4.5
info
Financebuzz awards badge

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

Discover® Cashback Checking
Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.1 No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.
Learn More
Take Advantage of Massive Discounts
Become a member and enjoy discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, and more.
Get up to 25% off your first year
Protect Your Identity Online Before You Get Compromised
Helps to identify and prevent fraud in real-time with 24/7 U.S.-based support.
Get protected now


Must-Read Buzz

Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.