Various U.S. coastal towns, December 19, 2025
News Summary
Are you an avid golfer dreaming of a beachfront retirement without breaking the bank? Discover affordable coastal towns where retirees can enjoy a quality lifestyle with a budget of $1,600 or less per month. From Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi, to Vero Beach, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, these hidden gems offer not just scenic beaches but also fantastic golf courses and recreational activities for an enjoyable retirement.
Affordable Coastal Towns Where Retirees Can Live Well on a Budget of $1,600 or Less
Are you dreaming of retiring by the beach but worried about the steep costs that usually come with coastal living? Well, don’t fret! There are some hidden gems right here in the U.S. where your retirement savings can stretch much further. You can actually enjoy a good quality of life for a monthly budget of $1,600 or less! Let’s take a look at some of the most affordable coastal towns perfect for retirees.
Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi
If white-sand beaches and sparkling waters sound like your ideal retirement, then Gulfport-Biloxi might just be your paradise. The median monthly rent here is around $1,146. Not only do you get to soak up the sun on the Gulf of Mexico, but you can also try your luck at local casinos and hit the scenic golf courses. With a low cost of living and easy access to healthcare, this town is a wonderful choice for a relaxed retirement lifestyle.
Brownsville, Texas
Next up is Brownsville, Texas, where the median monthly rent is a friendly $966. Located just a stone’s throw from the Gulf and the lively South Padre Island, this town offers a rich tapestry of attractions, from the beautiful Gladys Porter Zoo to the serene Boca Chica Wildlife Refuge. A retirement here means spacing out your budget while enjoying nature and wildlife galore!
Vero Beach, Florida
For those who fancy themselves lounging in Florida, Vero Beach is a fantastic option. The median monthly rent here is about $1,509, which is still a bargain compared to nearby hotspots like Palm Beach or Miami. You can explore the lovely South Beach Park and dive into cultural experiences at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, all while staying within a reasonable budget.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Looking for serene beaches and a quaint atmosphere? St. Simons Island offers just that, with a median monthly rent of $1,067. Compared to pricier destinations like Hilton Head, you get the chance to golf, bike along scenic paths, and soak in the island’s historical beauty without breaking the bank.
Savannah, Georgia
The historic elegance of Savannah comes at a surprisingly affordable price, with a median monthly rent of $1,589. Just a short drive away, you have the beautiful beaches of Tybee Island along with a rich array of cultural attractions. How’s that for a lively retirement experience?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With miles of beautiful shoreline, Myrtle Beach is another appealing option, boasting a median monthly rent of $1,433. Known for its vibrant entertainment scene and warm climate, this town offers plenty for active retirees looking for fun in the sun.
Jacksonville, Florida
Moving to the Sunshine State again, Jacksonville provides affordable options near the Atlantic Coast, with a median monthly rent of $1,389. This city is filled with parks and well-regarded medical facilities, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Foley, Alabama
If you’re drawn to Alabama, consider Foley, where a median monthly rent of $1,440 affords you an affordable coastal lifestyle. With close proximity to Mobile Bay and the renowned Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, your weekends can be filled with seaside bliss.
Bayou La Batre, Alabama
Last but not least, Bayou La Batre has recently gained recognition for its affordable housing market, with median home prices around $125,000. This charming town along the waterfront is perfect for seafood lovers and offers plenty of local dining experiences.
These towns not only allow retirees to enjoy the glorious sunshine and relaxed coastal living but also keep costs very manageable. Plus, if you’re open to international options, places like Colombia, Mexico, Vietnam, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Belize also offer incredibly affordable beachfront living. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy your golden years in one of these stunning locations!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach Adjusted
Golfing in Coastal Comfort: Affordable Living in Myrtle Beach
South Carolina: A Golf Lover’s Retirement Paradise
Discovering Hidden Gems: Your Guide to Underrated Winter Golf Destinations
Myrtle Beach Celebrates America’s 250th with Golf Festivities
Myrtle Beach Welcomes Golf Stars Back to PGA TOUR Q-School
Holiday Golf and Festivities in Myrtle Beach
Affordable Golf Getaways for Retirees in 2026
Golfing in Affordable Coastal Towns for Your Dream Retirement
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Golf and Festivities in Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- Montgomery Advertiser: Best Alabama Town to Retire
- World Atlas: Affordable Towns to Retire on the Pacific Coast
- Travel + Leisure: Cheap Countries to Retire by the Beach
- GOBankingRates: Affordable Coastal Areas for Retirement
- AOL: Charming Beach Towns for Retirees
- Wikipedia: Retirement
- Google Search: Affordable Beach Towns to Retire
- Google Scholar: Coastal Retirement Options
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement Location
- Google News: Retirement Towns by the Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
