11 Quaint Beach Towns Where You Can Retire on $1,700 a Month (Or Less)

If you think retiring to the beach is outside of your budget, think again. Some coastal communities still have surprisingly manageable costs. Using rental data from our study on the Best Cities for Snowbirds, we identified the 11 best coastal destinations where the median monthly rent is less than $1,700.

They're not concentrated in one area, either. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic shoreline, these towns are perfect for retirees seeking waterfront living, mild weather, and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Relocating to these 11 beach destinations is one of the smartest homeowner moves you can make if you want to avoid the sky-high housing costs of popular retirement hotspots.

Median monthly rent: $1,067

Located along Georgia's southeastern coast, Brunswick draws retirees with a revitalized downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and historic architecture. It's also a great spot if you enjoy boating, fishing, and golfing.

With a cost of living roughly 9% below the national average, this Georgia town won't drain your savings, especially since typical rents are well below those of many East Coast beach towns.

Median monthly rent: $1,440

Want to spend your retirement in a coastal paradise where you can explore bayfront parks, fish from public piers, and walk the trails of Village Point Park Preserve? Daphne may be the best spot for you.

Mobile and Gulf Shores are within easy driving distance of Daphne, which also means that it doesn't get swarmed by the crowds who often flock to major beach destinations.

Median monthly rent: $1,433

A huge hub for retirees, Myrtle Beach offers infrastructure that supports the 26% of its population who are over 65, including excellent health care facilities and services.

Seniors also have access to more than 60 miles of beaches, dozens of golf courses, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and countless shops and restaurants.

Median monthly rent: $1,293

Dreaming of coastal living with a distinctive Texas flavor? Corpus Christi has you covered. Among its most popular attractions are Padre Island National Seashore, the Texas State Aquarium, and Mustang Island State Park.

Besides below-average rent and home prices, the city also welcomes budget-conscious retirees with a cost of living that's 16.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Median monthly rent: $1,481

If Florida's sugar-white beaches are your idea of the perfect coastal living, Pensacola Beach delivers. In addition, residents enjoy a walkable historic downtown, waterfront festivals, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and fresh seafood eateries.

While Florida is becoming increasingly expensive and Pensacola's sales taxes are high, housing and groceries remain affordable.

Median monthly rent: $1,509

Florida's Atlantic Coast is generally busy with tourists, but Sebastian offers a quieter side, popular among those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

If you pick Sebastian as your new home, you gain access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing along the Indian River Lagoon. Nature lovers also flock to nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park to enjoy surfing and angling.

Median monthly rent: $1,543

Panama City is another affordable Florida destination, where the state's lack of income tax can help you stretch your budget, and the overall cost of living is 4.6% below the national average.

Beyond that, its white-sand beaches and St. Andrews State Park offer opportunities for boating excursions, waterfront dining, and a variety of outdoor festivals.

Median monthly rent: $1,556

Although larger than some of the other destinations on this list, Virginia Beach's price point is attainable.

Although taxes are high in Virginia, the city has a lot going for it: miles of Atlantic coastline, museums, state parks, and access to major health care providers throughout the Hampton Roads region.

Median monthly rent: $1,614

Daytona Beach may well be one of the most affordable places to live along Florida's Atlantic Coast. Its median home prices are 38% below the national average, and groceries and utilities are also inexpensive.

Beyond the beach itself, Daytona welcomes seniors with close-by nature preserves, golf courses, waterfront parks, and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the state.

Median monthly rent: $1,625

As Florida's largest city by area, Jacksonville has a broad housing market that keeps rents and home prices budget-friendly. It combines its big-city amenities, such as health care facilities, professional sports, cultural attractions, and golf courses, with miles of beaches and an extensive park system.

If your idea of coastal living involves a large city, Jacksonville has you covered without ruining your savings.

Median monthly rent: $1,681

Located on Florida's Space Coast, Palm Bay is an affordable oceanfront community where boredom is impossible. From kayaking through Turkey Creek Sanctuary to exploring nearby wildlife refuges, visiting Atlantic beaches, and enjoying countless attractions, you always have something to do.

Palm Bay living costs are close to national averages, and the city is located roughly midway between Orlando and Miami, should you ever miss Florida's tourist hubs.

A stress-free retirement on the beach without the luxury retirement budget? Yes, please! According to our analysis of snowbird-friendly destinations, these 11 coastal communities are ready to welcome you on a budget of $1,700 per month or less.

However, you shouldn't only focus on rent. Coastal areas come with additional expenses such as flood insurance, hurricane preparedness costs, and higher utility bills during hot summers. Factor these costs into your budget before deciding whether a beach town is right for you. 

Also, choosing a beach town that's slightly inland rather than directly on the ocean can help you save money in retirement.