6 Affordable Coastal Towns Around the World to Consider Moving To

You’ve definitely caught yourself daydreaming about a beach vacation every now and then, but have you ever thought about packing up and moving to the beach permanently? I know waterfront property can be staggeringly expensive, but if you expand your search beyond U.S. borders, you’ll find lots of beautiful, breezy beach towns that boast more affordable property.

To compile this list of cheap coastal places, I used cost of living database Numbeo to round up beach towns around the world that scored the lowest on their affordability index. I then listed the average cost to rent or buy an apartment outside the city center, in the interest of keeping costs as low as possible. Just for fun, I also compared the rent in each city to the legendary sky-high rent in San Francisco. Here are six affordable beach towns around the world to consider moving to.

Affordability index: 3.12
Cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside city center: $850.18
Price per square foot to buy property outside city center: $466.63 
Not-so-fun fact: Rent prices in San Francisco are 345.98 percent higher than in Aberdeen

If you love the beach but hate the heat, Aberdeen could be the beach town for you with short, cool summers that rarely hit the 70s. Another plus? Aberdeen Beach features a promenade for long strolls, plus local bars, restaurants, and even a theme park. This Scottish city sandwiched between mountains and the sea enjoys daylight until 11 p.m. in the summer. 

Affordability index: 2.93
Cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside city center: $680.59
Price per square foot to buy property outside city center $250.67
Not-so-fun fact: Rent prices in San Francisco are 310.04 percent higher than in Malmo

Malmo, the third largest city in Sweden, offers both historical seaside charm and modern architectural marvels like the Öresund Bridge and Turning Torso, the tallest building in Scandinavia. Malmo is full of opportunities to enjoy nature, including a city beach, Ribersborgsstranden (known to locals as “Ribban”), where you’ll find a sunny, sandy coastline. 

Affordability index: 1.66
Cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside city center: $227.37
Price per square foot to buy property outside city center: $89.78
Not-so-fun fact: Rent prices in San Francisco are 973.26 percent higher than in Varna

Known as “The Sea Capital of Bulgaria,” Varna is home to golden sandy beaches and mineral hot springs. There’s a thriving art scene, so you’ll have many galleries, museums, and cultural events to explore. According to Varna’s visitor bureau, Bulgarians are very hospitable and many happily welcome respectful newcomers to learn about and take part in local culture and traditions. 

Affordability index: 2.42
Cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside city center: $850.18
Price per square foot to buy property outside city center: $466.63
Not-so-fun fact: Rent prices in San Francisco are 210.46 percent higher than in Trondheim

There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Trondheim. This coastal city is home to many festivals and events including Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Brewery Festival. As for nature, you can find it all here — mountains, forests, beaches and beyond. Kayak through the city along the Nidelva river, or enjoy a day at Munkholmen, a small island in the Trondheim Fjord where locals swim, barbecue, and hang out.

Affordability index: 2.72
Cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,151.73
Price per square foot to buy property outside city center: $234.75
Not-so-fun fact: Rent prices in San Francisco are 134.31 percent higher than in Cork

Cork is a coastal maritime city steeped in history. Walk along ancient coastal paths through mountains, valleys, and woods. Or try Sheep’s Head Way for a cliff top stroll. Or you can enjoy a laid-back day of urban exploring in this ancient port city with a trip to English Market for fresh local food and community. 

Affordability index: 2.14
Cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside city center: $555.79
Price per square foot to buy property outside city center: $145.34
Not-so-fun fact: Rent prices in San Francisco are 349.09 percent higher than in Valencia

Boasting more than 12 miles of coastline, golden sand and shimmering sea, Valencia has a lot to offer. Valencia locals enjoy eclectic restaurants, countless sporting events, an annual jazz festival, and Fira de València (Great València Fair). Escape into nature, or hit the urban beaches near the city center, where you’ll find a promenade full of local restaurants.