Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, watching seagulls soar overhead, and strolling down to the water for a morning surf or sunbath. Living in a beach town is a dream for many, but the high costs of living in most coastal cities are enough to deter plenty from making their dreams come true. If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a beach bum, though, don’t get discouraged!
Here are some of the best beach towns around the world where you can live in paradise for mere pennies.
1. Canggu, Bali
The Indonesian island of Bali is a hotspot for tourists seeking inexpensive villas and budget-friendly vacations, so it’s no surprise that lots of people are choosing to move there long-term. One of the most popular beach areas to live is Canggu, located about twenty minutes from Seminyak. Surfers flock to Canggu from all over the world to experience its challenging breaks, and you’ll find a laid-back, hippie vibe in the town’s cafés and activities. You can easily live in Canggu for about $500 to $900 U.S. a month, with monthly rent averaging around $200.
2. Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is a chain of islands in northern Panama that boasts impossibly clear waters and white sand beaches. Panama uses the U.S. dollar, keeping prices stable, and a budget of $600 to $900 a month will have you living comfortably in Bocas Town, where you’ll find no shortage of events and nightlife. Head to the other side of Isla Colón for magnificent beaches, or hop on a fishing boat and explore the archipelago’s less populated areas. And if you grow tired of Bocas del Toro, the charming hippie town of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica is just across the border, or you can head inland to explore Panama’s rainforest towns such as Boquete.
3. Los Osos, California, United States
Sorry to break it to you, but living on a tight budget in a California beach town is all but impossible. That said, there’s plenty of reasons the Golden State’s coastal cities are immensely popular, and if you’re California dreaming, Los Osos may be your best bet. The city’s median home value of $532,000 actually makes it one of the state’s most affordable beach towns. Located in Central California, near San Luis Obispo, you’re situated perfectly for weekend getaways around the state, with plenty of things to do in Northern California just hours away.
4. Pensacola, Florida, United States
Any city in the United States will be pricier than most of the towns on this list, but if you have your heart set on living in the U.S. but can’t bring yourself to splurge on Los Osos, you’ll beautifully combine beaches and budget in Pensacola, Florida. TripAdvisor named this Gulf of Mexico spot one of the top 25 beach cities in the U.S., and while coastal homes in places like California could set you back millions, the Pensacola median home price is just $136,000. Picture-perfect weather and miles of protected seashore make Pensacola one of the best choices for American beach living.
5. Santa Marta, Colombia
Colombia is one of the greatest countries in the world to visit if you’re looking for stunning scenery, warm locals, fascinating culture, and amazingly cheap prices. As far as beach cities go, Cartagena is immensely popular, but if you’d like to settle down in a place with the same Caribbean vibes but away from the throngs of tourists, Santa Marta may be the place for you. A fully-furnished, two-bedroom apartment can cost as little as $86,000, leaving you enough cash to eat your body weight in Colombia’s scrumptious empanadas. Spend your weekends exploring the nearby areas: Cartagena is three and a half hours away, and a two-hour bus trip will get you to Barranquilla.
6. Algarve, Portugal
Portugal often sits in the shadow of its popular neighbor to the east, Spain, but you’ll find all the best attributes of Southern Europe with even better prices in Portugal. Budgeting beach lovers will fall in love with the Algarve region, where you can find an urban, one-bedroom apartment for about $325, and monthly costs of living average to about $1000. Loads of English is spoken in this region, making it a popular destination for tourists and expats. If you manage to tire of Algarve’s striking rock formations and sunny beaches, you’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the rest of Europe.
7. Goa, India
You’ll find some of the most memorable beaches in the world and some of the most interesting travelers you’ll ever meet in the Indian state of Goa, situated on the country’s west coast. The former Portuguese colony has more beautiful beaches than you can name, and the monthly cost of living is only about $500 to $1000. The blend of ancient Indian culture, Portuguese colonial influence, and modern hippie vibes means you’ll never have a dull moment while living in Goa.
8. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
For unbelievably cerulean waters, outstanding nightlife, and an apartment looking straight over the ocean, you’ve gotta head to Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi. You’ll find ocean views for just around $720 a month, and a monthly budget of $1100 will have you living a life of luxury. Bathe in the warm sea each day, meet travelers from around the world, and hop around Thailand’s other breathtaking islands in your free time. Every day will feel like your honeymoon in Koh Phi Phi.
9. Split, Croatia
Croatia is quickly becoming one of Europe’s hottest beach destinations due to its sunny weather and picturesque coastal views. Despite its popularity, Split remains one of the continent’s least expensive beach cities, with average monthly costs around $1400. This city on the Adriatic Sea is replete with history and cheap eats, and you’re just a stone’s throw away from some of the best affordable destinations in Europe. Summers are busy and exciting, but the off-season is quiet and peaceful, so, whatever your tastes, you’ll find bliss in Split.
Seaside living doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’ve always dreamed of living near the beach, consider a move to one of these gorgeous towns. You’ll thank yourself for making the jump each day you wake up in paradise.
