Georgia’s coastline is becoming an increasingly popular destination, and it’s easy to see why.
With its charming beach towns, mild climate, and Southern hospitality, more and more people are discovering the Peach State’s oceanfront as an ideal place to call home—without the hefty price tag often associated with beach living.
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re contemplating such a move. Do you find yourself daydreaming about relaxing on sandy shores?
Is the prospect of affordable beachside property sparking your interest? Or maybe you’re simply looking for a community where you can savor the coastal lifestyle without breaking the bank?
Whether you’re planning to relocate your family, searching for a burgeoning scene for young professionals, or seeking the perfect spot for your retirement years, we’re here to guide you through some of the most budget-friendly beach towns in Georgia.
Let’s dive in!
Tybee Island
Located just 18 miles from Savannah, often a top choice for those looking to settle in Georgia, Tybee Island offers the best of both worlds.
With five miles of public beaches and a relatively low cost of living, it’s a haven for those who love coastal life but still want easy access to the amenities of a larger city.
Housing prices on Tybee Island are particularly affordable, with the median home value around $273,000. Rent is also reasonable, averaging just $1,137 per month.
The overall cost of living is slightly higher than the national average but still lower than most beach towns, at around $38,650 annually.
Tybee Island also offers boating, kayaking, fishing and bird-watching opportunities. You can spot dolphins frolicking in the surf, go treasure hunting for shells, or simply relax in the sun.
For history buffs, the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum provide a glimpse into the island’s past. First lit in 1736, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is one of the oldest in America.
Outdoor activities abound, from biking and hiking trails to community parks and recreation centres.
Tybee Island has a small-town vibe with mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, and art galleries along the beachfront streets. Locals and visitors flock to the pier to watch the sunset at night.
Brunswick
Brunswick’s overall cost of living index is 88.1, 12% lower than the United States average. Housing costs in Brunswick are 12.9% lower than the national average.
The average one-bedroom apartment cost in Brunswick is approximately $844 per month. With home prices and rent lower than the national average, Brunswick is an attractive and budget-friendly coastal town.
Brunswick is known for its beautiful views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and stunning views of the sunset from the Brunswick Landing marina.
The Golden Isles along the coast offer undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes that provide habitat for shorebirds, fish, shellfish and other coastal wildlife.
Wild Georgia shrimp are plentiful in the local coastal marshes and estuaries.
They are renowned for their large size and delicious taste, making them a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
Other popular local seafood like blue crabs, oysters, grouper and flounder are also widely available and affordable.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in Brunswick, from boating, kayaking and paddle boarding to bird watching, biking and golfing.
The 23-mile Brunswick-Altama Trail is popular for walking, jogging, and biking.
Four golf courses in the area, including the historic Brunswick Country Club, founded in 1899, offer quality golf at lower prices.
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St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island offers an affordable beach getaway in Georgia.
With miles of sandy shores and beach access for under $10 a day, you can soak in the sun without draining your wallet.
St. Simons Island has pristine white sand beaches with dunes, sea oats, and beach cottages.
Head to East Beach, with picnic areas, playgrounds, and beach volleyball. Gaze at cargo ships in the distance as you stroll along the shore. For a beach day, you only need a towel, sunscreen, and $8 per person.
St. Simons Island has budget-friendly housing options within walking distance of beaches.
Condos, cottages, and apartments a few blocks from the shore rent for under $1,200 a month.
Try areas like Demere Village or Sea Palms if you want an ocean view for less.
Home values in St. Simons Island average around $290,000, lower than Georgia’s median price of $315,000.
When you tire of sunbathing, try other cheap or free outdoor pursuits. Go bird-watching for spoonbills and pelicans at East Beach.
Fish off the St. Simons Pier or charter a boat to sea for grouper, red drum, and sharks. Rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore coastal marshes.
Bike or jog along Ocean Blvd, paralleling the beach. Play golf on courses with ocean vistas for under $50.
Healthcare, utilities, and transportation in St. Simons Island cost slightly below average for Georgia.
Groceries and rent are comparable to the rest of the state. Overall, expect to pay around $37,500 per year to live comfortably here, on par with Georgia’s $38,500 cost of living.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is a secluded gem off the coast of Georgia, perfect for those seeking an affordable beach lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.
If you ever decide to move to Jacksonville, you’re in luck.
Being just an hour’s drive away, you can easily take advantage of all the big city has to offer while still enjoying the peace of island life.
As one of Georgia’s barrier islands, Jekyll Island has miles of undeveloped beaches and maritime forests to explore.
The island has 3 main beach areas: Driftwood Beach, Glory Beach, and Great Dunes Beach.
Spend your days beachcombing for shells, sunbathing, or building sandcastles with the kids.
From paddling and paddleboarding to boating excursions and cruises, the water provides endless enjoyment for island residents of all ages.
What’s it like living on this tiny barrier island that happens to be a state park?
The island’s small size, only 5,700 acres, gives it a cozy feel where you get to know your neighbors.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $882 per month, making the island accessible to those on a budget.
Jekyll Island’s natural surroundings are a huge draw for many residents. In addition to beaches, you have access to maritime forests, salt marshes, and coastal dunes.
Go biking or walking along miles of trails, or just sit on your porch and enjoy the peaceful sounds of birds chirping.
For wildlife viewing, you may spot dolphins, manatees, birds, turtles, and other native animals in their natural habitat.
St. Marys
Along the coastline of southeastern Georgia, the small town of St. Marys has miles of beaches, natural beauty, and an affordable cost of living.
St. Marys has several housing options for those on a budget, including apartments for under $1,000 a month and public housing through the Housing Authority.
The median home value in St. Marys is $264,600, lower than the national average of $308,200. Living in St. Marys costs about $39,465 a year, on par with Georgia’s average cost of living.
St. Marys is home to the National Seashore’s visitor center and boat access, letting you enjoy beaches, birding, boating and more.
You can also visit the St. Marys Submarine Museum and Crooked River State Park. St. Marys borders Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, home to several submarines.
The city hosts the annual St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival.
St. Marys has a charming historic district with antebellum homes and churches. It was once an important port city, and remnants of its maritime past remain.
Check out the ferry to Cumberland Island, with wild horses and pristine beaches. St. Marys is known for the annual Rock Shrimp Festival, Scottish Highland Games, and Wooden Boat Show.
Final Thoughts
These coastal communities would make a fantastic place to settle in, with their beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and lower living costs. Imagine waking up to sunny skies, sand, and surf; doesn’t that sound amazing?
The chance to escape the daily grind and enjoy life at a slower pace is hard to beat.
One of these charming Georgia coastal towns could be your paradise, allowing you to ditch the stressful city life in favor of salty breezes and southern charm.
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