10 Beach Towns Where Couples Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

Some folks dream of retiring in the mountains, while others plan to spend their golden years in the heart of the city. However, living by the beach traditionally has been the retirement dream of many people.

Of course, life by the sea can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Here are 10 beach towns where couples can retire comfortably and live on nothing but Social Security if they earn at least the current average monthly benefit of $2,071.

Editor's note: All rent and home price data comes from Zillow.

Average rent: $1,650

Average home price: $241,683

In addition to enjoying year-round warm weather, retirees in Daytona Beach do not have to pay any state taxes on income, including Social Security and pension payments.

Here, you will also find many golf courses and the legendary Daytona International Speedway.

Average rent: $1,600

Average home price: $315,586

The West Coast is notoriously expensive, but you can still find some relatively affordable beach towns in the region.

Retirees who love nature can move to Coos Bay and enjoy the sand dunes and hiking trails of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Both Coos Bay and nearby North Bend are known for their health care services.

Average rent: $1,652

Average home price: $216,242

Sun-lovers might consider retiring to Corpus Christi, which gets more than 200 clear days a year. You can also leave your snow shovel in your old hometown if you relocate to Texas.

Like Florida, Texas also does not tax income, including retirement benefits. The means you will be able to squeeze the most from your Social Security, pension, and investment income.

Average rent: $1,700

Average home price: $258,070

Retirees looking for a dose of Southern charm will find it in Pensacola. The city is famous for its white-sand beaches and nearly a dozen golf courses.

World-class health care is also within driving distance: The Mayo Clinic is five hours away in Jacksonville.

Average rent: $1,850

Average home price: $489,682

As in the West, it's tough — but not impossible — to find affordable beach towns in the Northeast.

Old Orchard Beach has seven miles of white-sand beaches. You will also find charming bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Life here won't exactly be cheap, but it's more affordable than many other places in the region.

Average rent: $1,399

Average home price: $191,493

Mobile is warm throughout the year, with an average high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit in February. That makes it a perfect relocation target for retirees fleeing the frozen north.

And although New Orleans is known as the home of Mardi Gras, the celebration actually began in Mobile in 1703, where it continues to this day.

Average rent: $1,500

Average home price: $353,640

Crescent City can be a surprisingly affordable place to retire in otherwise expensive California. The complex of Redwood National and State Parks is here, making it a great location for those who love natural beauty.

The nearby Smith River is renowned for its salmon and steelhead fishing.

Average rent: $1,300

Average home price: $140,573

Veterans will find Pascagoula to be an attractive place to retire: Military retired pay is exempt from Mississippi state taxes.

The city's Riverfront Park is a great place to look for migratory birds and to watch the sunset. The Round Island Lighthouse has been a local landmark since 1859.

Average rent: $1,500

Average home price: $337,537

Birdwatchers who prefer to live on the West Coast should consider Ocean Shores. At Damon Point, you can see birds and possibly grey whales.

The town also hosts an annual Razor Clam Festival and Seafood Extravaganza, and Olympic National Park is not far away.

Average rent: $1,811

Average home price: $282,240

Founded in 1732, Conway has an old-time feel, with historic brick buildings in its downtown and easy-to-navigate streets.

Retirees who love to learn — or who simply want to attend performances and athletic events — will enjoy the fact that Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway.

The dream of retiring to a beach town can seem out of reach for those with modest nest eggs. But if you know where to look, you can still set yourself up for retirement by the sea.

If you are still working, now is the time to save so you can spend your golden years in a beach town. If you are already retired, consider relocating to one of the affordable locales on this list.