9 Affordable Seaside Retirement Towns With Postcard-Perfect Beaches

Do you dream of retiring with blue water stretching to the horizon as waves crash on soft white sand? If so, it might seem far-fetched when reviewing the high prices at the most popular beach destinations. But living seaside can be part of an affordable retirement plan. You just have to pick the right spot.

Here are nine lovely destinations — both in the U.S. and abroad — that offer comfortable living, plenty to see and do, and affordability.

Editor's note: Average rent prices are from Apartments.com, and housing costs are from Zillow.com unless otherwise noted.

Average rent: $1,435

Average home value: $320,377

You'll love the 24-mile stretch of sugary sand and turquoise Gulf waters of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. You can also explore local history at Heritage Park & Cultural Center or enjoy hands-on science at the Emerald Coast Science Center. Take an art class or join a Tai Chi group at the senior center, and much more.

The cost of living is 4% lower than the national average and 13% lower than Florida's, and with excellent health care, it's a beach town worth considering.

Average rent: $1,363

Average home value: $318,691

It's hard to beat 60 miles of white sand, but that's not all Myrtle Beach offers. You can stroll the boardwalk and choose from 2,000 (yes, 2,000) restaurants. Catch live shows at The Carolina Opry, browse the art museum, go fishing, or tee off to learn why it's the "Golf Capital of the World."

The cost of living is 7% below the national average, and you'll have easy access to good health care, plus a senior center for fun activities and socializing.

Average rent: $1,340

Average home value: $432,482

There's nothing quite like the soft white sand at Sunset Beach as you walk out to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island. Enjoy the Ingram Planetarium's laser shows and sky theater, and explore the Old Bridge Museum. You can even catch a free concert at Sunset Beach Town Park.

Your health care needs are covered in town and nearby. And with a cost of living that's 7% lower than average, you might want this spot on your list.

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Average rent: $1,318

Average home value: $260,575

If almost eight miles of glistening, clear water and soft white sand aren't enough, head over to the National Naval Aviation Museum and watch the Blue Angels practice flights. Climb the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for gorgeous views or stroll through Historic Pensacola Village.

The cost of living here is 12% lower than the national average and 20% lower than the rest of Florida. With plentiful health care options, Pensacola might be for you.

Average rent: $1,230

Average home value: $283,235

In addition to its sunny beaches and sparkling water, Panama City is a major seaport with endless attractions and activities. You can explore St. Andrews State Park's trails and beach, or take the shuttle to Shell Island. Stroll around historic St. Andrews' boutiques, then hop on a Bayway bus for dinner and sunset at Pier Park.

With affordable living, quality health care, and a welcoming senior scene, enjoying the coast won't cost you a fortune.

Average rent: $1,104

Average home value: $898,042

Hawaii is expensive, yes, but Kailua Kona's cost of living is 6% lower than the state average. Relatively low rent helps, too, and if you plan carefully, you can retire in paradise. You'll love Aliʻi Drive — six miles of shopping, sightseeing, restaurants, and white sand beaches. Or explore history in Huliheʻe Palace, and experience the sunset and stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea.

You'll have easy access to health care, including a VA clinic, in Kailua Kona and nearby.

Average rent: $925 (Numbeo)

Average home value: $758,000

Combine soft-sand Atlantic beaches with stunning architecture, tiled facades, a highly walkable city center, and a glass of aged port, and you'll be in Porto. You'll love the enchanting Ribeira along the Douro River. Enjoy dining and outdoor cafés, the magnificent Dom Luís I Bridge, and, of course, the Port Wine Museum.

Living expenses for one person are around $816, excluding rent. Health care is excellent for expats in Portugal, and public transportation in Porto is affordable.

Average rent: $790

Average home value: $430,563

The "Caribbean of Texas" offers 34 miles of powdery sand and blue water. Activities include visiting Sea Turtle Inc. rescue center, birding and observing alligators at the nature center, attending annual events like Sandcastle Days, and much more.

With a median resident age of 59, you'll have plenty of company. And while the cost of living is 11% higher than the national average, rent is lower, and public transit is free. General health care is local, while comprehensive care is in nearby Brownsville.

Average rent: $679 (Numbeo)

Average home value: $200,000

The white‑sand beaches and Pacific surf are stunning, but Mazatlán itself is fabulous. Wander the Centro Historico with its colonial buildings and plazas, attend art exhibits at Museo de Arte de Mazatlan, or stroll along the Paseo Olas Altas for a breathtaking Pacific sunset. Local expats and community groups help newcomers acclimate, and fresh seafood and fish markets are outstanding.

High-quality health care and living expenses are significantly lower than in the U.S.

Miami isn't the only retirement spot with blue water and white sand. You just have to look at other, less well-known options that offer scenic beauty, community, and a realistic cost of living.

In fact, these destinations are also praised for their walkability and slower pace of life — two factors that can support better health and longevity in older adults. Choosing the right beach town can offer more than just a beautiful view and lower costs; it can also lead to a stress-free retirement.