Who hasn’t dreamed of living by the beach? It’s the sort of quintessential day dream you rank alongside “on-demand private jet to take me to Spain for tapas” and such. It sounds like unless it’s some little remote stretch of the coast it should be completely unachievable.
But in reality, there are a dozens of beautiful (like, breathtakingly so) beaches where you can actually live for surprisingly little. We’re talking even under one grand per month.
Thrillist compiled cost of living figures from Numbeo and Nomad List for beaches around the world.
What do you think? Would you be willing to swap your closet-sized city apartment for one of these beach homes?
Hoi An, Vietnam: $550–$1,000
In Hoi An, also called Faifoo, you have lush green mountains to one side, and a sandy beach to the other. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as one of the oldest Southeast Asian trading ports from all the way back to the 15th century. The old-timey town is a mish-mash of architecture from a variety of periods, showing a variety of influences.
People travel by bicycle, motorbikes, and boats, and several beaches are just a stone’s throw away.
Canggu, Bali: $500–$900
The coastal village of Canggu Beach in Bali is one of the best known surf towns—and the beach itself is just stunning.
The coast line is made of various black-sand beaches, most of them popular with surfers around the world.
It’s also an ex-pat town studded with a variety of bars and restaurants among villas, homes, vacation resorts, and lush rice fields.
Gulfport, Mississippi: $2,200
On the more expensive end, you have this creative American city. It’s weathered Hurricane Katrina and an oil spill, but has come out filled with life, drawing in artists and creatives with cheap rent and the promise of self-made revitalization. It’s the cheapest coastal city in the country right now.
Split, Croatia: $1,400
If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, there’s this little town by the Adriatic Sea.
It’s absolutely lovely, but during the summers it can be full of tourists. Despite that, cost of living is not so high, with rent in the city center as low as $400 per month.
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic: $1,400
Las Terranas might just be the perfect ex-pat beach haven. Europeans, particularly the French, discovered this Carribbean beach town decades ago, resulting in a big mix of cuisine in the city restaurants today.
Beyond the food, there is, of course, a sparkling beach with vivid waters.
Algarve, Portugal: $1,000
Algarve has got some gorgeous waters and stone structures—and all for dirt cheap. Monthly rent can run around $300 for a small one-bedroom in the middle of the city, or double that for a three-bedroom apartment. YYou can eat out for. It’s a largely English-speaking region, with a big ex-pat population.
And best of all, there’s a hundred miles of coastline.
Taghazout, Morocco: $1,350
Another iconic destination is Morroco, which is currently a go-to place for entrepreneurs seeking fast Wi-Fi and great co-working spaces. It’s a known surf destination, with people from Europe and the Middle East alike converging on the waves.
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand: $1,100
The Phi Phi islands of Thailand have some of the most beautiful waters, making this asurprisingly underrated vacation and honeymoon destination. It certainly has its more tourist-y seasons, but with the miles of azure coastlines and secluded snow-white coves, you might just find a spot you never want to leave.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain: $1,400
Las Palmas has some of the best weather in the world, and a beautifully sunny seaside a stone’s throw away from a busy, urban setting.
