18 Affordable Ocean Paradise Where Retirees Can Live the Dream
Retirement is the perfect time to chase your dreams, and for many of us, that means living near the ocean. But paradise doesn’t have to come with a big price tag — if you’re willing to pack your bags and head somewhere less expensive than the United States.
On average, a family of four in the U.S. spends over $4,160 (excluding rent or mortgage payments). Those figures alone can give you an insight into how expensive it can be to retire in the United States. However, it’s best to note that the cost of living to live a comfortable life per state differs.
If you want to live your dream retiree life, you may want to look for options besides the United States. To help you with that, we researched the top affordable ocean paradises where you can relax and soak in the salt air.
1. Albufeira Algarve, Portugal
If you’re retiring soon, consider moving to Albufeira Algarve, Portugal, to maximize your budget. It’s renowned for its golden-sand beaches, cliffside views, and charming towns.
The cost of living here starts at $654 without rent if you are single and $2,058 if you’re moving with a total family of four. Note that the given cost is without rent. For rent and utilities, you can expect to pay $1,564 for one person and $2,540 for a family of four.
2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is where the jungle meets the sea. This place lets you indulge in the best nature has to offer.
The average cost of living here is $522 for a single person and $1,544 for a family of four, excluding rent. For rent and utilities, you are expected to pay $781 if you are single and $1,217 for a family of four.
3. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Another ocean paradise for retirees in the United States is the Kota Kinabalu. The place is a perfect mix of natural beauty and modern amenities. It’s a perfect place for those who don’t want to give up the modern side of life.
The cost of living here is $344 without rent for a single person and $944 for a family of four. As for the rent and utilities, you can expect to pay $230 if you’re single and $383 if you’re a family of four relocating.
4. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the most stunning places in the world, so it makes sense to include it here. This island is filled with rice terraces and incredible beaches, perfect for retirement. You can enjoy your retirement days in Bali for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in America.
Without considering rent payments, you can live for around $385 and $1,164 if you are relocating with a family of four. Rent and utilities cost up to $488 if you’re single and $1,607 for a family of four.
5. Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain
Another great option for your retirement is Malaga in Spain. Its coastline is dotted with golden beaches, great for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. You can also sit back and admire the beauty of your surroundings.
What makes it appealing to retirees is its affordability compared to the United States. For example, while a family of four in the U.S. typically requires $4,100 per month, you would only need $2,580 here. This allows you to save each month by choosing to retire in a city like Malaga.
6. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a coastal city in Vietnam, renowned for its modern structures and white sand beaches. It houses the My Khe Beach, which is among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its calm, clear waters make it ideal for water activities like swimming and snorkeling, perfect for your retirement years.
Besides its stunning natural landscapes, the average cost of living here is best for retirees. For instance, you can live on $330 per month if you’re single or $1,084 for a family of four (excluding rent). Given the average cost of living in the U.S., which is $4,100, you can save a lot of money each month. For rent and utilities, you can pay $271 for one person and $590 for a family of four.
7. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, is a wonderful island blessed with natural landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Famously known as “La Isla Bonita,” you can enjoy your retirement alongside turquoise waters, lively marine life, and white sandy beaches.
Here, you can enjoy the nightlife and dance the night away if you want. The cost of living here is $553 without rent if you are single and $1,631 if you are a family of four. The rent and utilities are a separate cost at $362 if you’re single and $749 for a family of four.
8. Roatán, Honduras
Roatán is a stunning Caribbean island dotted with beautiful beaches and incredible marine life. Excluding rent, the average cost of living in this place is $657 for a single person and $2,255 for a family of four.
Compare that to the U.S. average living cost, and you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck. For an apartment, you can get a one-bedroom for $406 or a three-bedroom apartment for $798.
9. Cascais, Portugal
Cascais is a stunning coastal town near Lisbon, Portugal. It’s known for its rich history, natural scenery, and charming architecture. As a retiree, you’ll appreciate its coastlines and unique culture that you’ll find along the Portugese coast.
In terms of expenses, the cost of living for a single person is $567 without rent and $1,816 for a family of four. You can pay $1,115 for these rent and utilities if you’re single and $2,704 for a family of four.
10. Phuket, Thailand
Another affordable ocean paradise to retire in is Phuket, Thailand. It is famous for its clean beaches, cultural attractions, and various activities like swimming and exploring. It offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty of dining options and adventures to enjoy.
As a retiree, you pay around $386 to sustain yourself (without rent). If you’re bringing a family of four, you’ll need around $1,341, which is $2,759 less than the U.S. average.
However, note that those costs are without rent and utilities. For these two, you can expect to pay $484 if you’re single and $1,625 if you are a family of four.
11. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic, offers adventure and peace for retirees. Its untouched beauty is comprised of miles of pristine white beaches and swimming spots. This little town has a great vibe, so you won’t feel bored with various restaurants and bistros all over the place.
You can live on as little as $618 if you are alone, without rent. If you move with a family of four, expect to pay around $2,217. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city, you can pay $760. You can lower that to $265 if you live outside the city.
12. Tenerife, Spain
Another stunning beach paradise you should consider for your retirement is Tenerife, Spain. The view of the place is almost surreal with its huge surrounding mountains and the ocean.
The cost of living here is $608 without rent for singles and $1,852 for a family of four. Rent and utilities are separated, and you can expect to pay $1,051 for one person and $1,530 for a family of four.
13. Cebu, Philippines
The Philippines has always been known for its stunning beaches and coastal sceneries. This is particularly true for Cebu, Philippines. Here, you can both enjoy the beach and city life in one place.
The cost of living here is $371 without rent for singles and $1,852 for a family of four. Note that rent and utilities are excluded from the given prices. For these two, you can expect to pay $364 if you’re single and $569 if you’re with 3 more family members.
14. Nha Trang, Vietnam
Another must-not-miss cheap ocean paradise for retirees is Nha Trang, Vietnam. It’s famous for its white sand beaches and lush green landscapes, which help you relax and enjoy the scenery while sipping your favorite drink.
More than that, it’s one of the most favored places for retirees since its cost of living is only $295 for individuals and $925 if you move in with four people. Note that those prices are without rent and utilities. For those two expenses, you can pay $258 for one person and $480 for four people.
15. Valletta, Malta
Malta is a beautiful, simple country just off the southern tip of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, almost everybody speaks English, and it has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It’s a perfect waterfront destination with excellent weather almost year-round.
The average cost of living here is around $726 for a single retiree without rent. If you’re bringing three family members with you, expect monthly expenses to be around $2,250, excluding rent and utilities. For those two, you can pay $931 for one person and $1,749 for a family of four.
16. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido, which means “hidden port,” is a lovely town on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It offers retirees unique experiences like relaxing in serene coves, releasing turtles, snorkeling, and surfing.
It’s also full of local markets with many kinds of seafood and lively nightlife. However, what attracts most retirees here is its low cost of living. You can live here for $516 if you are single without rent and utilities and $1,484 for a family of four. For rent and utilities, you can expect to pay $610 if you’re single and $1,547 if you are a family of four.
17. Manta, Ecuador
Manta, Ecuador, is popular with tourists. That said, it is not surprising that many retirees now consider it a place to spend their retirement days. The city is surrounded by lush forests and houses several wildlife reserves, crystal clear waters, and historical sites.
The cost of living here is $454 for a single person and $1,403 for a family of four. However, this excludes rent and utilities. For those two, you can pay around $417 per month if you are single, but you can lower that to $967 for a family of four.
18. Alicante, Spain
Alicante, Spain, is known for its lovely beaches and lively nightlife. You’ll never feel bored when you retire here. The cost of living is another pro for retirees, which is around $594 for a single person without rent and $1,919 for a family of four without rent.
For utilities and rent, you can expect to pay around $737 if you’re single and $1044 if you’re a family of four. Note that you can pay less rent if you stay outside the city.
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