5 Beach Towns You Can Actually Afford

Updated on June 6, 2022

Bay St. Louis Mississippi — Photo: Robbe Caponetto

Whether making a permanent move or just looking for a second home, these picturesque coastal hideaways have community amenities and scenic views you need to check out. If gorgeous beaches and charming downtowns are not enough for you to want to visit, then the surprisingly reasonable cost of living is sure to be.

From Gulf Shore gems to a Atlantic Coast paradise, there's a beach town designed to meet your and your family's needs without breaking the bank. It only takes a little time and research to find these budget-approved towns to make snagging a piece of the shoreline within reach. Is it time to make a move to the shore? The answer is a big, wallet-approved yes.

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St. Marys, Georgia

Sunset at Cumberland Island, Georgia. — Posnov / Getty Images

The small-town appeal makes this Southern city a sure thing for those looking for a more relaxed way of life. Stay close and hang out at locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and museums that showcase St. Mary's spirit and soul. If you get the itch to explore, hop on the ferry to neighboring Cumberland Island National Seashore or head to Jacksonville, Florida, a quick 45-minute drive.

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Pensacola, Florida

The number 6 lifeguard station at Park West on the western end of Pensacola Beach, Florida. — lightphoto / Getty Images

Want a spot where you can splash in the water year-round? This Gulf Coast town is the answer. Caribbean-quality beaches with calm waters and plenty of historical and cultural attractions make Pensacola an accessible gem along Florida's panhandle.

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Beaufort, North Carolina

North Carolina’s third oldest town certainly has much to brag about in the history department (it was founded in 1709 as a fishing hub and was once a frequent haunt of Blackbeard). But it’s also the quaint old homes, charming boardwalk, and environmental — Gary W. Carter / Getty Images

North Carolina's third oldest town certainly has much to brag about in the history department. Founded in 1709 as a fishing hub, it was once a frequent haunt of Blackbeard. The quaint old homes, charming boardwalk, and environmental assets—Beaufort is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center—have us pining for a piece of real estate to call home.

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Galveston, Texas

It might be the 32 miles of pristine beachfront and lively Pleasure Pier amusement park that attract tourists to this Gulf Coast barrier island, but it’s the fresh Gulf seafood, storied industrial past, and quiet streets lined with pastel-colored Victoria — Mabry Campbel / Getty Images

The 32 miles of pristine beachfront and lively Pleasure Pier amusement park attract tourists, but this Gulf Coast barrier island offers more. The storied industrial past and quiet streets lined with pastel-colored Victorian homes make you want to stay forever. This town on the Gulf Coast of Texas is a destination worth investigating.

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Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

When tearing through, Hurricane Katrina tested this character-loaded Gulf Coast town, but it's since bounced back. The city has gorgeous historic architecture and a robust downtown with its Southern charm. This town, bordered by water on three sides, offers limitless outdoor excursions. The marsh, Bay, and Gulf waterways and proximity to New Orleans are considerable advantages of this area.

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