8 Coastal Cities Where You Can Still Retire Comfortably on Social Security

With inflation and housing costs spiking across the nation, it seems harder than ever to retire on Social Security benefits alone. That may feel doubly true for seniors who have always dreamed of retiring to a quiet town on the beach. The East and West Coasts are notoriously expensive. Can you really make a life there on a fixed salary?

Depending on the town, the answer could be a surprising "yes." We've found eight oceanside cities where living comfortably and affordably is well within seniors' reach.

It's 8% cheaper to live in Ocean Springs than the rest of the country — and far more scenic. One of the city's white-sand beaches is a social hub with pits, while the other is quiet and family-friendly.

Ocean Springs' energy costs are still 12.6% below average, but Mississippi summers are notoriously hot and humid. You might want to budget ahead of time for increased energy costs during the hottest months when your air conditioner will likely run nonstop.

Life in Port Lavaca is a whopping 17% lower than the state average, as well as 6% lower than the national average. Crucially, for seniors worried about rising food costs, groceries are over 9% cheaper in Port Lavaca.

Port Lavaca is home to the historic Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1858. The nearby beach has water access as well as a boat ramp, fishing pier, and splash pad for the grandkids to enjoy.

According to RentHub.com, rent in Lillian hovers under $1,300 per month, and costs have been decreasing month over month. The cost is much lower for singles, with individuals paying an average of just $840 in rent.

Lillian's quiet, white sand beaches make it a perfect retirement spot for snowbirds who want to enjoy small-town life. Pensacola, Florida, is just a bridge away with an airport that ensures your family can fly in for the holidays.

Housing costs in Savannah are 14.3% lower than the U.S. norm, with rent costing just $1,029 for singles. With two major hospitals and two cancer centers, Savannah is also a health care hub that doesn't overcharge seniors for the cost of care. Healthcare expenses are 17.3% below average.

Savannah is also a cultural treasure where you'll never lack for interesting sights, including historic homes, stunningly green Southern parks, and scenic riverside and ocean views.

In Crystal River, the cost of living is 12.2% below the national average, and the locale is a nature-lover's paradise.

Crystal River's namesake is a seven-mile-long river whose headwaters include 70 scenic springs. Manatees thrive near where the clear spring water meets the sea, making Crystal River one of the only U.S. towns where you can spot a manatee swimming from the city's boardwalk. The more adventurously minded can even snorkel with the gentle giants at the national wildlife refuge.

Mobile's cost of living may be just 3% below the national average, but it's a staggering 76% lower than the rest of the state. While food costs are slightly higher than average in the area, health care and transportation cost less on average, and singles pay an average of just $840 per month in rent.

Known for its crucial place in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, Mobile is also a picturesque town with easy access to beaches and museums alike.

Pascagoula's cost of living is 8% lower than average. Per the most recent Zillow data, the average rent is a little over $1,300. Since the median home sales price is $141,964, it's a good place for frugal retirees looking to buy instead of rent.

Pascagoula is a walkable city with an accessible downtown area and multiple bike trails. Tired of lounging on the city's sandy sea beaches? Try exploring the salt marshes, bayous, and riverside beaches surrounding the Pascagoula River.

Even in a state known for its affordability, Corpus Christi stands out for its cost of living, 29% lower than the state average.

With a population of around 300,000 people, Corpus Christi isn't a small town, but the average rent is just over $1,000 a month. Mild winters ensure you can enjoy the gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches year-round, and the low rent should free up room in your budget for the city's delicious seafood, brunch, and Tex-Mex cuisine.

If you're hoping to maximize your senior benefits in an increasingly dour economy, heading for the coast could be the most financially friendly solution. Of course, factors beyond the cost of living can impact your quality of life. Consider things like distance from family, opportunities for travel, and access to community service alongside cost and ambience.

Just don't be deterred by the fear of high prices: research could reveal that your dream retirement isn't out of reach after all.