News & Trending Real Estate News

7 Charming Beach Towns Retirees Can Live on a Monthly Budget of $1,700 or Less

Retire near the water without draining your savings in these affordable coastal communities

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated May 22, 2026

Add Us On Google

Dreaming of retiring by the beach without draining your savings? You're in luck, because there are plenty of charming coastal towns where you can stretch your retirement dollars further and still wake up to ocean breezes. These laid-back communities offer not only sunny weather, but also tight-knit vibes, scenic views, and plenty of low-cost or free ways to stay active and happy.

Whether you're already mapping out your retirement readiness plan or just daydreaming, these towns prove you don't need a millionaire's budget to enjoy the coastal lifestyle. Here are seven beach destinations where retirees can live well for $1,700 a month or less.

All rental data pulled from RentCafe unless otherwise noted.

Set up eligible direct deposit - pocket up to $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could earn a bonus of $50 or $400.¹ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. Make the switch, set up eligible direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.20% APY² Earn up to 4.20% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 9/23/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. on savings for up to six months (3.30% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.¹ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 0.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 9/23/26. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="https://d32ijn7u0aqfv4.cloudfront.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/raw/SoFi-Bank-Rate-Sheet-September-23-2026.pdf">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)³ Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26. national average savings accounts offer.

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Pensacola, Florida

Median rent: $1,474

Pensacola offers retirees the best of both worlds: Sugar-white beaches and a busy city scene. Located in the Florida Panhandle, this coastal community features stunning blue waters, great shopping, and tons of dining options.

With no state income tax and no taxes on Social Security benefits, it's easy to stretch your budget further. Monthly utilities average $265.19, according to Numbeo, making it easier to enjoy a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle on a budget.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Freeport, Texas

Median rent: $780

Freeport, Texas, is a peaceful Gulf Coast town that's perfect for retirees looking to enjoy beach life on a budget. With a small population of just over 10,000, it offers a relaxed pace and natural beauty, including Bryan Beach, where you can spend your days fishing or simply soaking up the sun.

Redfin puts the median home price at just $172,450, and rent averages $780, which is almost $1,000 less than the national average.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Median rent: $1,564

Looking for a lively retirement spot with ocean views? Atlantic City combines beachside living with nonstop entertainment. Known for its iconic Boardwalk, wide beaches, and casinos, this resort town also happens to be budget-friendly.

With 22.9% of the population over 65, it's a popular pick for retirees. BestPlaces puts the cost of living is 6.1% below the national average, and 21.6% lower than the New Jersey average, making it a surprisingly affordable coastal escape.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Median rent: $1,112

Bay St. Louis is a cozy Gulf Coast town where retirees can take advantage of coastal living without breaking the bank. Spend your days relaxing on the beach with a cold drink in hand, or take a quick trip to nearby New Orleans.

Housing prices are 34% below the national average, and groceries are 4% cheaper, according to PayScale. Mississippi doesn't tax Social Security benefits, making it even easier to enjoy a laid-back, budget-friendly retirement.

Aberdeen, Washington

Median rent: $765*

Craving a West Coast escape without the high price tag? Aberdee might be just the spot. Situated along the Chehalis River and close to the beach, it offers scenic views, a walkable downtown, and a friendly small-town vibe.

With a population of around 17,000, 17.2% of whom are over 65, it's a welcoming place for retirees. The median home price is just $270,370, according to Redfin, and monthly essentials remain affordable.

*Data pulled from Apartments.com.

Crescent City, California

Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City

Median rent: $1,146*

Crescent City is a hidden gem for retirees seeking affordable coastal living in the Golden State. Located on the rugged North Coast, it offers stunning beaches, like South Beach and Pebble Beach, perfect for peaceful walks and ocean views.

With a small, tight-knit population of 6,673, it's easy to feel at home. The cost of living is 6.7% below the national average and nearly 38% lower than California's average, according to BestPlaces.

*Data pulled from Apartments.com.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways you could build wealth after 40

Port Arthur, Texas

Median rent: $1,299

Port Arthur, Texas, provides retirees with scenic Gulf Coast living and unbeatable affordability. Enjoy five miles of natural beach at nearby Sea Rim State Park or make a quick trip to Houston, just 90 miles away.

Texas has no state income tax, and retirees don't pay taxes on Social Security benefits. With a median home price of just $142,500, according to Redfin, Port Arthur is a budget-friendly choice.

Bottom line

Retiring near the water doesn't have to come with a sky-high price tag. These charming beach towns prove that you can enjoy the coastal lifestyle for $1,700 a month or less.

Additionally, with so much natural beauty around, you'll spend more time outdoors and less money on pricey entertainment, making a stress-free retirement even easier to achieve.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Don't Let Home Repairs Drain Your Bank Account

Choice Home Warranty Benefits

First month free
Protection for unexpected expense
24/7 claims hotline
Network of over 15,000 technicians

Get a free quote