- - 12 Coastal Cities Where Couples Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

Laura Gesualdi-GilmoreNovember 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM

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Selling your home and relocating to a more affordable location for retirement is often touted among top money moves for homeowners. Though many Americans assume that they'll have to make some concessions to afford retired life, it is possible to relocate to a dreamy coastal city and live modestly on nothing but Social Security.

With the average monthly Social Security payment at $1,976 for an individual and $3,089 for a married couple, it's still entirely possible to live in these 12 coastal cities on nothing but Social Security.

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1. Port Arthur, Texas

sabine lake causeway bridge

gchapel/Adobe

In southeast Texas, Port Arthur is about 90 miles from the Houston metro area and just west of the Louisiana state line. The city touts itself as the "Cajun Capitol of Texas" and it's got incredible food to back that up, along with great beaches and a beautiful state park.

It's also one of the most affordable beach towns you'll find in the country, with average home values around $116,000, according to Zillow.

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2. Pascagoula, Mississippi

new orleans

jovannig/Adobe

This Gulf Shore city has a rich history, tranquil beaches, plenty of natural beauty, and just happens to be the birthplace of Jimmy Buffett (there's even a Buffett Beach).

And it's quite affordable to spend your days in your very own version of Margaritaville, with Zillow putting the average home price in Pascagoula around $143,000.

3. Atlantic City, New Jersey

atlantic city

creativefamily/Adobe

Atlantic City may be known for its glitzy casinos, gambling, and nightlife, but the coastal town also offers a range of other activities, from delightful beaches to spas, golf courses, and more.

It's also significantly more affordable than many other Jersey Shore towns, with an average home price just over $220,000, according to Zillow.

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4. Brunswick, Georgia

southern coastal city brunswick georgia

Steve/Adobe

Brunswick is a port city on Georgia's coast, ideal for couples who like the idea of living in a charming yet lively Southern town in their golden years. It doesn't have a beach of its own, but residents have easy access to the stunning Golden Isles from the town.

Home prices have remained relatively affordable, hovering around $250,000, according to Zillow.

5. Clearwater, Florida

florida clearwater beach with white sand

Mariakray/Adobe

Clearwater is one of the pricier cities on this list, but this waterfront gem has plenty to offer retirees considering relocating to the Sunshine State, from easy access to stunning beaches to a walkable downtown to MLB spring training every year.

The average home price is around $353,000, and monthly rents average around $2,400, putting the city within reach for retired couples collecting average Social Security payments.

6. Crescent City, California

crescent city lighthouse

Dmitry/Adobe

Known for a high cost of living, many retired couples may think coastal California is out of their price range. Yet Crescent City, a stunning area on the state's northern coast known for its redwoods, remains comparatively affordable.

Average home prices are around $366,000, meaning retired couples living on just Social Security would be stretched a bit thin, but rents hover around $1,750, according to Zillow's data.

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7. Deerfield Beach, Florida

deerfield beach florida

Matthew Tighe/Adobe

This South Florida city has plenty to offer retirees, especially those who enjoy the tranquility of quiet days on the water, fishing, and water sports. The city is also home to delightful water parks for when the grandkids come to visit.

According to Zillow, average home prices have dropped a bit recently to around $279,000.

8. Grand Isle, Louisiana

pensacola beach florida

William C. Bunce/Adobe

Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana and boasts miles of stunning shoreline, top-notch seafood, and plenty to do. Many hobbyists are drawn to the city for its fishing and birding opportunities.

Zillow puts the average home price at around $241,000, and Louisiana also boasts a cost of living below the national average.

9. Long Beach, Washington

washington coast cape

Wirestock/Adobe

A Pacific Northwest paradise, Long Beach lies on Washington's Evergreen coast and is known for its natural beauty and small-town charm.

Average home prices are a little steep compared to other cities on this list (around $354,000), but Zillow puts average rent prices at a more manageable $2,500.

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10. Palm Coast, Florida

fort lauderdale beach

aiisha/Adobe

Palm Coast, located in northeast Florida, is another affordable option in the Sunshine State. With plenty of beaches, parks, trails, and museums to enjoy, there is something for every retiree's interests.

Zillow puts the average home price at just under $350,000 and the average monthly rent at just over $2,000.

11. Mobile, Alabama

Sunset over Mobile Bay Alabama

George/Adobe

Mobile is a Gulf Coast delight with a rich history, stunning beaches and wetlands, and plenty to do for visitors and residents alike. Visiting grandkids will love to visit the USS Alabama Battleship, or celebrate the birthplace of Mardi Gras, if they're a bit older.

Home prices remain low, with Zillow putting the average at around $199,000.

12. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

beach aerial

maqzet/Adobe

Myrtle Beach may be known as a summer tourist draw, but it can be an ideal place for retired couples as well. With miles and miles of stunning shoreline, restaurants galore, and dozens of golf courses to choose from, there's plenty to keep families entertained.

According to Zillow, home prices average around $324,000, and rent is under $1,900 a month.

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Bottom line

With careful planning, living out your retirement dreams in a stunning coastal city is entirely possible. However, it's also important to consider what coastal living will cost you in insurance.

Florida, for example, is one of the most expensive states in the nation to insure a home, and when you move to an area prone to severe weather, knowing what your home insurance won't cover is critical.

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Source: “AOL Money”