20 Cheapest Places to Live in the US Near the Beach

In this article, we will take a look at the 20 cheapest places to live in the US near the beach. If you want to see more places in this selection, go to the 5 Cheapest Places to Live in the US Near the Beach.

The trend of people relocating is closely linked to the general economic conditions in a country. Various economic indicators, such as gross domestic product, inflation, interest rates, employment rates, and consumer confidence, can have a significant impact on moving statistics. Data from the 2021 Census Bureau revealed a decline in the moving rate among Americans, with just 8.4% of the population moving in the year. This is a reduction from the 11% moving rate recorded in 2017, and the downward trend is expected to persist for the time being. Over the last five years, the number of residents moving has been steadily declining, dropping from approximately 34.9 million to slightly over 27 million in 2021, indicating a decrease of about 1.6 million individuals moving annually. However, there has been significant media coverage of the flow of residents from northern states to southern regions. The data on moving patterns in the US reveals that Florida and Texas were the two states with the highest influx of people in 2021. Florida saw approximately 221,000 individuals move in, while Texas followed closely behind with 170,000 new residents. Additionally, a combined total of approximately 246,000 individuals moved to Arizona, North Carolina, and South Carolina in the same year.

Following the increase in remote working practices, most people have found the idea of relocating more feasible. Living close to the beach while maintaining financial stability is often seen as the ideal situation by many individuals. Life in a beach town can be idyllic and unique, with a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle that is often associated with coastal living. Beach towns offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape, with natural beauty that is hard to match. Living near the beach provides opportunities for swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball, and other outdoor activities. Many beach towns have a slower pace of life, which can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Depending on the town, tourism can also be a significant part of the local economy. Many popular companies such as Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) have a strong presence in beach towns. These companies operate hotels and resorts in coastal areas and offer a variety of positions, including management, hospitality, and customer service roles.

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Our Methodology

We used a consensus opinion-based approach to shortlist the 20 cheapest places to live in the US near the beach. We researched leading publications like MarketWatch, USA Today, Thrillist and Hotel.com and analyzed several key metrics such as the cost of living, healthcare, transportation, climate, safety, the proximity of each location to the beach, and other recreational activities to gauge affordability and the quality of life at these places. Our methodology was designed to provide an objective assessment of the affordability of these locations while also considering important factors that impact the quality of life. Following the initial screening, we ranked these places in descending order of their cost-of-living index as calculated by BestPlaces. A cost-of-living index measures how much it costs to maintain a certain living standard in a particular place. The scores are presented in relation to the national average of 100. If a place has a cost-of-living index below 100, it is relatively cheaper to reside there compared to the national average.

20 Cheapest Places to Live in the US Near the Beach

20. Essex

Cost of Living Index: 99.1

Essex is a small, suburban town located in Baltimore County, Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay. Essex is a relatively affordable place to live in compared to nearby cities like Baltimore. Despite its suburban feel, Essex is located only a short distance from Baltimore, offering various cultural and entertainment options. Essex has a small historic district with several buildings and homes dating back to the early 1900s. Overall, Essex is a peaceful suburban town with a range of outdoor activities and easy access to nearby cultural attractions.

19. Deerfield Beach

Cost of Living Index: 98.4

Deerfield Beach is a coastal city located in Broward County, Florida. Deerfield Beach is home to a beautiful and expansive beach, which attracts both locals and tourists. Deerfield Beach is known for its fishing opportunities, with several piers and charter boats in the area. The town also hosts an annual fishing tournament in June. In addition to beach activities, Deerfield Beach has several parks and nature reserves, including Quiet Waters Park and Deerfield Island Park. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping.

18. Vero Beach

Cost of Living Index: 95.2

Vero Beach is a charming beach town located on the east coast of Florida. Vero Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, which are clean and uncrowded, and offer a range of activities like swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. In addition to the beaches, Vero Beach has several parks and nature reserves that offer hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking opportunities. The town also has several golf courses and a popular fitness trail along the beach. Vero Beach is popular among retirees, thanks to its warm weather, relaxed pace of life, and range of amenities like golf courses and senior centres. Housing costs in Vero Beach are 14% less than the average nationwide, while transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are 3% below the national average.

17. Jacksonville

Cost of Living Index: 94.2

Jacksonville is a large coastal city located in Duval County, Florida. It has several beautiful beaches, including Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach. The beaches offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and other water activities. Jacksonville is situated on the St. Johns River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Jacksonville has a range of parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

16. New London

Cost of Living Index: 92.1

New London is a small coastal city located in New London County, Connecticut. It is situated on the Thames River, which flows into Long Island Sound. New London is home to several higher education institutions, including Connecticut College and the United States Coast Guard Academy. The town has a significant military presence, with the Coast Guard Academy, the Naval Submarine Base New London, and the US Navy’s Underwater Construction Team Two located in the area.

15. Ocean Springs

Cost of Living Index: 88.1

Ocean Springs is a city located in Jackson County, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico, and has several beaches, including Front Beach and East Beach, which offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and other water activities. Ocean Springs has a diverse culinary scene, with several restaurants and eateries offering a range of cuisine, including Gulf Coast seafood, international cuisine, and farm-to-table fare. Mississippi is generally known for having a lower cost of living compared to other areas of the country.

14. Coos Bay

Cost of Living Index: 87.3

Coos Bay is a small coastal city located in Coos County, Oregon. Coos Bay is located on the Oregon coast and offers opportunities for fishing, crabbing, clamming, kayaking, and other water activities. Coos Bay has a rich history and culture, with several museums and historical landmarks in the area, including the Coos Art Museum, the Coos County Historical Society Museum, and the Egyptian Theatre. Coos Bay is a relatively small town with a population of around 16,000. Compared to larger beach cities, the cost of living in Coos Bay is lower due to the limited demand for housing and services.

13. Pensacola

Cost of Living Index: 87.2

Pensacola is located in the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Beach, which offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The city is home to the Pensacola Naval Air Station, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and the Pensacola Museum of Art. The median house price in Pensacola stands at $247,364, which is 26% lower than the median household price in the US.

12. Myrtle Beach

Cost of Living Index: 87.2

Myrtle Beach is a popular coastal city located in South Carolina, known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions. The city is known for its 60 miles of sandy beaches. Myrtle Beach is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World” because of its numerous golf courses, which attract golf enthusiasts from around the world. The state of South Carolina has the ninth lowest state and local tax burden amongst all the states of the US as of 2022, according to the Tax Foundation.

11. Daytona Beach

Cost of Living Index: 86.7

Daytona Beach is a popular coastal city located in Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, motorsports events, and vibrant nightlife. Daytona Beach is famous for its wide, sandy beaches and is also home to several parks, including the Tomoka State Park and the Halifax River Trail. Daytona Beach hosts several major motorsports events, including the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, the Daytona Bike Week, and the Daytona Beach Half Marathon. Furthermore, the city is also home to the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts several racing events throughout the year.

10. Freeport

Cost of Living Index: 83.8

Freeport is a city located in Brazoria County, Texas, on the Gulf Coast. It is home to one of the largest deep-water ports on the Gulf Coast, which is a major economic driver for the city and the region. Freeport is situated on the coast of Texas and has several beaches, including Quintana Beach County Park and Surfside Beach. The city is also home to the Brazosport Nature Trail, which provides hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

9. Corpus Christi

Cost of Living Index: 83.7

Corpus Christi is a city situated in Texas, nestled in a bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The city is also home to the Padre Island National Seashore, which serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds. The cost of housing in Corpus Christi is 18% lower than the national average. Additionally, residents of Corpus Christi can enjoy savings on basic necessities like food and clothing, with grocery prices and clothing both costing around 9% lower than the national average.

8. Atlantic City

Cost of Living Index: 83.6

Atlantic City is located in Atlantic County, New Jersey. It is known for its many casinos, which offer a range of gambling and entertainment options. The city also has a lively nightlife, with several bars, nightclubs, and music venues. Atlantic City’s boardwalk is a famous landmark that stretches for miles along the beach. The boardwalk features several shops, restaurants, and amusement parks, including Steel Pier and the Atlantic City Aquarium.

7. Mobile

Cost of Living Index: 82.9

Mobile, a city with a population of 190,000, is renowned for its thriving cultural scene, particularly on the Gulf Coast. The city features a vast array of historic architecture and is home to one of the oldest Mardi Gras festivals in the United States. Compared to the state and national averages, the cost of living in Mobile is lower by 4% and 16%, respectively. The city offers affordable housing options, with costs that are 40% cheaper than the national average, while utility expenses are only slightly lower at about 1%. Residents can also enjoy savings on basic items like food and clothing.

6. Biloxi

Cost of Living Index: 82.2

Biloxi is a city located in Harrison County, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico. Biloxi has several historical landmarks, including Beauvoir, the home of Jefferson Davis, which has been turned into a museum. Furthermore, the city has several museums, including the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. According to Zillow, the median house price in Biloxi stands at $213,329, which is 36.1% lower than the median house price of $334,269 in the US.

Many popular companies such as Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) have a strong presence in beach towns.