8 Charming Beach Towns Retirees Can Live on a Monthly Budget of $1,500 or Less

Are you nervous about planning your retirement budget after discovering you'll only have around $1,500 a month to spend on living expenses? 

While $1,500 is less than the average Social Security monthly payment, it is enough to comfortably retire on… if you can find the right area, that is.

An annual income of just $18,000 may seem smaller than what most people consider ideal, but there are some beach towns out there that make retiring on a small budget possible. 

Let's discover these beachy havens where you can enjoy a stress-free retirement with your $1,500 a month budget.

Average Rent: $599

Median Home Price: $333,400

Retirees who are animal lovers will be right at home in Crystal River. The self-appointed manatee capital of the world is perfect for spending time in the wildlife refuge that houses these majestic animals.

Located near Tampa and Orlando, Crystal River offers more than just serene beaches teeming with wildlife. It's the best spot in Florida to enjoy quaint country living and city life and avoid wasting money in retirement.

Average Rent: $975

Median Home Price: $150,000

Corpus Christi is another great choice for seniors who want to spend their retirement in an affordable spot. It offers pristine beaches, cultural and historic venues, and a close-knit senior community comprising 16% of the city's population.

Corpus Christi is also on the low end of rent in Texas. In addition, as a Texas resident, you won't have to pay retirement income taxes, enabling you to save more money.

Average Rent: $950

Median Home Price: $145,000

If you want to live frugally during retirement, look no further than Pensacola. It's a charming town with tons of free activities and sunshine.

Pensacola is also on the low end of the cost of living for an American town. To make things even better, you'll be exempt from paying taxes on your retirement income when you pick this tourist favorite as your new home.

Average Rent: $1,000

Median Home Price: $155,000

Have you always wanted to live in a small town? If so, Bay St. Louis is the place for you. This beach town offers majestic views and the perfect climate year-round.

Mississippi is another state that doesn't tax retirees, which makes this idyllic town the perfect spot to live on a budget. If you're not sold already, consider this: New Orleans is within driving distance, at only an hour or so away.

Average Rent: $1,183

Median Home Price: $477,500

North Carolina is a retiree-friendly state. Besides its natural beauty and coastal beaches, it doesn't tax Social Security. It also helps you keep from wasting your retirement funds thanks to the state's low 4.75% income tax.

Sunset Beach is the best North Carolina offers as a quiet seaside paradise for retirees. If you enjoy all the amenities of a big city but don't want to live in a crowded place, it's perfect.

Average Rent: $1,048

Median Home Price: $244,900

Lake Charles is a small town that blends its southern charm with beautiful nature — perfect for retirees who want to take it easy after decades of busy work.

Located between New Orleans and Houston, this quaint town is perfect if you enjoy traveling without breaking the bank. It's also a close-knit community that welcomes like-minded seniors with lively festivals and great food.

Average Rent: $1,272

Median Home Price: $400,000

Like Pensacola, Punta Gorda is a savings paradise for retirees who want to avoid paying income tax during their golden years. Unlike Pensacola, Punta Gorda is a small community that sports a large retiree population.

This town also offers residents a lot of attractions, including various festivals each year. Given the affordable rent prices, Punta Gorda's beach feel makes it the perfect home for financially savvy retirees.

Average Rent: $1,272

Median Home Price: $565,000

While not many consider Oregon's coast prime beach country, Astoria begs to differ. This small town is quaint, quiet, and full of charm. Oregon is also one of the more affordable states when it comes to grocery prices.

Retirees who love the outdoors will enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Columbia River. Those who prefer to stay indoors have several options, including wine tastings and cultural venues to explore.

With these eight beach towns, you can retire to a gorgeous location with balmy weather and enjoy your well-earned time off. 

Larger towns like Pensacola and quaint fishing villages like Punta Gorda have one thing in common: They are affordable and help you maximize your retirement savings.

Besides finding a low-cost beach town, you can save money and enjoy retirement by picking up a free hobby like bird-watching. What's a better way to enjoy your warm-weather paradise than being outdoors?