11 Charming Beach Towns Retirees Can Live on a Monthly Budget of $1,750 or Less

Retiring in a sunny beach town might seem out of reach, but it doesn't have to be. You can enjoy ocean breezes, sandy strolls, and still stick to your retirement plan if you choose wisely. The trick is to consider small towns that have the features and amenities that matter most to you.

The Social Security Administration reports the average monthly benefit is about $2,000, making a $1,750 budget realistic if you plan carefully. With a spouse's benefits or extra savings, you'll have even more flexibility.

Here are 11 charming beach towns to consider if you're looking to spend your golden years along the coast.

Editor's note: All data on rent came from Apartments.com, and housing costs were sourced from Zillow.com.

Average rent: $1,321

Average home value: $259,932

Florida can be pricey, but Pensacola combines Gulf Coast beauty with a cost of living 1% below the state average. You'll find miles of white-sand beaches and turquoise water, plus a lively, walkable downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants. Explore historic forts and museums, take a dolphin cruise, or go fishing on the pier.

Healthcare options are excellent, and Pensacola State College offers programs specifically for older adults.

Average rent: $1,244

Average home value: $343,917

Situated on a peninsula, Ocean Shores is known for its miles of sandy beach and navigable lakes and canals. Here you'll find cozy shops, excellent restaurants, local art, and the annual Sand & Sawdust Festival. Outdoor activities, such as whale watching, birding, and fishing, are local favorites. Seniors can also use the North Beach Senior Center and take public transportation to Aberdeen or Olympia for additional healthcare options.

Washington's cost of living is high, but Ocean Shores is quite affordable.

Average rent: $1,222

Average home value: $247,880

Brunswick is called the "Gateway to the Golden Isles" because travelers pass through on their way to the islands. The picturesque downtown features Victorian buildings, galleries, and a waterfront park. First Fridays provide opportunities to socialize and enjoy extended hours at shops and restaurants, and beach lovers have easy access to St. Simons and Jekyll Island beaches.

Brunswick is home to a regional medical center, and Jacksonville and Savannah are both about an hour away.

Average rent: $1,199

Average home value: $214,905

Atlantic City may surprise you with its affordability. Beyond the casinos and tourist spots, the city offers wide beaches, food festivals, and nearby wildlife refuges. Public transportation is convenient, with free and discounted options for seniors. The Atlantic City Senior Services program offers a range of activities and social opportunities to help you stay connected.

You'll appreciate the top-rated healthcare, and Philadelphia is only an hour away by car or about two by bus or train.

Average rent: $1,230

Average home value: $357,595

Just south of the Oregon border, you'll find a rugged coast with cliffs, sea stacks, lighthouses, and uncrowded beaches. The nearby redwood forests are a fascinating attraction, and you can enjoy fishing or strolling in the harbor. Crescent City is small, but it offers a lot, including the Ocean World aquarium, art galleries, outdoor murals, excellent restaurants, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Sutter Coast Hospital provides local healthcare, and Medford, OR, is approximately a two-hour drive away.

Average rent: $1,123

Average home value: $515,690

Bayville offers small-town charm with tons of seaside activities. You'll have easy access to a small bayside beach, and just across Barnegat Bay is Island Beach State Park, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Shops, restaurants, and businesses are plentiful, and you can visit Double Trouble State Park for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Toms River and other larger towns are nearby, and public transportation with discounted fares for seniors is available.

Average rent: $1,042

Average home value: $228,516

Biloxi is a fun town. You'll find casinos, live shows, and a variety of annual festivals and events. The beach is always open, and after swimming and enjoying the sun and sand, you can stroll the West Biloxi Beach Boardwalk to watch a magnificent sunset. Later, enjoy Southern comfort food and Gulf-to-table seafood in one of the excellent restaurants.

Biloxi is just 90 minutes from New Orleans and about an hour to Mobile, Alabama.

Average rent: $1,106

Average home value: $396,559

Cape Charles is located near the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula. Its wide, sandy beach is free, and the historic downtown is lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes of all kinds. Join others in "cart life" by using a golf cart to get to concerts, farmers' markets, and more. The low cost of living and low crime rate are particularly attractive.

Norfolk is a one-hour drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT).

Average rent: $961

Average home value: $244,692

You might not think of Lake Michigan when dreaming of beaches, but Manistee offers three with soft, sugary sand and dunes. The Victorian architecture and a lively downtown make Manistee pretty special. Stroll the Riverwalk, take a trolley tour, and enjoy the local theaters, golf, and community festivals.

Need city life once in a while? Grand Rapids is less than two hours away, and Chicago is about four hours.

Average rent: $981

Average home value: $310,166

Rockport is a Gulf Coast community just 40 minutes from Corpus Christi. The town's certified Blue Wave beaches are clean, litter-free, and accessible to people with disability, with public restrooms and a variety of other amenities. In the downtown Heritage District, you'll find specialty shops, antiques, restaurants, art galleries, and plenty of entertainment options.

The Rockport Center for the Arts is a popular destination, and Goose Island State Park is renowned for its fishing and bird-watching opportunities.

Average rent: $832

Average home value: $141,964

Pascagoula is one of the most affordable beach towns in the U.S., with two miles of sand, fishing piers, and a riverfront promenade. Explore local history at the Round Island Lighthouse or enjoy walking trails and bird-watching at Beach Park. You can also kayak on the beautiful Pascagoula River or ride the Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail.

An award-winning medical system provides local care, while nearby Gulfport and Mobile offer additional options.

As you can see, retiring by the beach doesn't have to mean draining your savings or giving up financial security. With the right planning, these charming coastal towns prove that ocean views, fresh air, and vibrant communities are within reach on a modest budget.

And in case you're wondering, none of these states levy taxes on Social Security benefits. This means you're even more likely to enjoy a stress-free retirement while still making the most of your golden years.