Various beach towns, November 5, 2025
News Summary
Explore nine affordable beach towns perfect for retirement, where relaxation meets budget-friendly living. From Florida to Portugal, enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant communities, and excellent healthcare. Whether you’re savoring coffee by the ocean or indulging in local cuisine, these destinations offer an ideal blend of leisure and affordability for your golden years.
Affordable Beach Towns for Retirement: Discover Nine Ideal Destinations
Are you dreaming of sipping your morning coffee by the ocean? If you’re ready to retire and explore some stunning beach towns that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck! Here are nine fantastic options where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy life on a budget.
Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, Florida
This lovely destination boasts a 24-mile stretch of sandy beach and beautiful Gulf waters. The average rent here stands at $1,435, while homes value at around $320,377. Living costs are a steal at 4% below the national average and 13% lower than the rest of Florida. Plus, you’ll find excellent health care options in the area. Explore historical sites at the Heritage Park & Cultural Center or get your science fix at the Emerald Coast Science Center. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love the sun and sand!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Another gem on our list, Myrtle Beach, is famous for its 60 miles of white sandy beaches and an impressive 2,000 restaurants. The average rent is $1,363, while home values hover around $318,691. The cost of living is 7% below the national average, making it easy to enjoy life here. Health care access is also quite good. You could spend evenings enjoying live shows at The Carolina Opry or visiting local art museums, fishing, and golfing! What’s not to love?
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
If soft white sand and breathtaking scenic views are your thing, look no further than Sunset Beach. With an average rent of $1,340 and home values averaging at $432,482, it’s a beautiful spot to spend your retirement. The cost of living here is 7% lower than average, and there are health care services nearby. Take a break at the Ingram Planetarium or enjoy free concerts and exhibits at the Old Bridge Museum!
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola shines with its eight miles of gorgeous beaches. Rent costs around $1,318 while homes are valued at $260,575. This charming town offers a cost of living that is 12% lower than the national average and a whopping 20% below the rest of Florida. Plus, there are plenty of activities catered for retirees, from the National Naval Aviation Museum to historic tours in the Historic Pensacola Village. You’ll always have something to do!
Panama City, Florida
Panama City is a lovely coastal town with a major seaport. The area features great attractions and scenic trails. The average rent here is $1,230, while home values are approximately $283,235. It’s a budget-friendly choice with accessible health care. Spend your days at St. Andrews State Park or indulge in a delicious meal at Pier Park!
Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Dreaming of retiring in Hawaii? Kailua Kona might just be your paradise! Rent costs around $1,104, while homes can be a higher investment at around $898,042. The area offers a cost of living 6% lower than Hawaii’s average, and you’ll find health care options nearby. Enjoy shopping and dining along Aliʻi Drive or take tours of the Huliheʻe Palace. Don’t forget stargazing at Mauna Kea – it’s a heavenly experience!
Porto, Portugal
If you’re up for an international adventure, consider Porto! With average rent at just $925 and homes valued at $758,000, it’s an affordable option for those looking to explore Europe. Daily living expenses for one person are around $816 excluding rent. Check out the lovely outdoor cafés or visit the Port Wine Museum. Public transportation is cheap and health care is excellent for expats!
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is home to 34 miles of sandy beaches and is a hub of social activity, boasting a median resident age of 59% retirees. Average rent is quite low at $790, while home values are around $430,563. While the cost of living is 11% higher than the national average, it’s great for those looking for a lively community. There are plenty of events and nature centers available!
Mazatlán, Mexico
Wrapping up our list is Mazatlán, which offers both a rich cultural experience and affordable living. Average rent can be found at $679 with home values around $200,000. Enjoy low living expenses and high-quality health care. You can explore Centro Historico or enjoy vibrant art exhibits during your time there!
Whether you feel like settling down in Florida or even exploring the scenic beauty of Portugal or Mexico, these beach towns promise an exciting adventure and relaxed lifestyle perfect for your golden years!
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Affordable Seaside Retirement Towns
- World Atlas: Cost-Effective Retirement Towns in the United States
- Travel + Leisure: Cheap Countries to Retire by the Beach
- Forbes: Move to Italy from the USA – Affordable Retirement Spots
- Reader’s Digest: Most Affordable City for Retirement
- Wikipedia: Retirement in the United States
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.
