12 Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations in the World To Live Like Royalty for Less

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Budget-friendly beach destinations let you enjoy the beauty and luxury of a tropical getaway without spending a fortune. Imagine relaxing on pristine white sands, swimming in turquoise waters, and staying in stunning resorts—all for a fraction of the cost you’d expect.

From the affordable paradise of Bali to the hidden gems of Portugal’s Algarve Coast, these destinations prove you don’t need a royal budget to live like royalty. Whether you’re after local culture or seaside escapes, these 12 budget-friendly beach towns offer unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.

Valencia, Spain

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Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, is one of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe. A single person can live with a budget of as low as $1,300 in Valencia, which is incredibly cheaper compared to other European cities of its size and caliber.

Famous for being the birthplace of paella, you can be assured that Valencia’s culinary scene is impressive.

Valencia’s stunning coastline is unquestionably its strongest point. The city’s coastline boasts some of the finest urban beaches in Spain, with clean, golden sands and a variety of amenities, such as Playa de la Malvarrosa, Playa del Cabanyal (Las Arenas), and Playa de la Patacona.

It is also difficult to ignore Valencia’s Mediterranean climate, which features mild winters, hot summers, and over 300 sunny days. If you are into architecture, you will love the city’s seamless blend of futuristic buildings like the City of Arts and Sciences alongside historic gems like the Valencia Cathedral.

Corfu, Greece

Greek Island to Visit Corfu for a Family Getaway — © kite_rin / Adobe Stock

Corfu is one of Greece’s most affordable islands. This Ionian island is known for its lush landscapes, crystal clear waters, numerous historic sites, vast olive groves, traditional Greek villages, and beautiful beaches. While Corfu Town is also affordable, with an average cost of living of $1,070, if you want to save more, your best bet will be living in one of its villages.

When it comes to beaches, Corfu will pleasantly surprise you, from bustling, well-equipped ones to secluded coves. Paleokastritsa and Glyfada Beach are two of my favorite ones.

Beyond the beaches, you can explore the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town with narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, the Achilleion Palace of Empress Sissi, or hike Mount Pantokrator.

Carvoeiro, Portugal

The Algarve Region is an affordable destination every beach lover would love to call home. If you are looking for a budget-friendly town in the area, you can live in Carvoeiro comfortably on a $1,200 – $1,500 budget, rent inclusive. This charming seaside town is known for its stunning cliffs and beautiful beaches like Praia do Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha, and Praia de Benagil.

It’s a small town that retains a traditional Portuguese feel while offering modern amenities, making it a perfect destination to retire or work remotely.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a nature lover’s paradise. Stunning beaches, jungles, rivers, and lush landscapes are some of the things that do not fail to impress nature enthusiasts in Bali. While Bali’s cost can be mid-range for tourists, it is surprisingly cheap for people who choose to live there. You can live a simple, bare minimum life for $1,000 or a more comfortable life for $1,500 – $2,000.

Luckily, the island is vast and has many natural wonders to explore. You will not miss something new to explore in Bali – it is no wonder it has become a significant hub for digital nomads and expats.

While it is an island with many offerings, its beaches, like Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Padang Padang, are beauties that cannot be overlooked. These are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. You can also explore rice terraces and temples or work on your wellness through yoga retreats.

Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, one of the largest island provinces in the Philippines, is home to bustling urban areas, historic sites, and stunning beaches. The island is also home to some of the world’s best diving spots. You may also like its central location, which is perfect for quickly exploring the rest of the Philippines.

If you are looking for a new home, Cebu City, the capital, will likely catch your attention. The city is known for offering just the correct dose of modern amenities and a rich cultural heritage.

Other great places to live in Cebu include Mactan Island, Moalboal, Bantayan Island, and Malapascua Island. These spots are known for their white sand beaches. You can also swim in Kawasan Falls, hike in Osmena Peak, or go whale watching in Oslob. Depending on where you live, you can live comfortably off of $500 – $1,300 in Cebu.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

In Guanacaste Province, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, lies Tamarindo, a lovely town known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous outdoor exploration opportunities. With its charming and laid-back vibe, it has been a sought-after destination by surfers, nature enthusiasts, and digital nomads.

Tamarindo has many beaches, such as Tamarindo for those seeking a lively option; Langosta for those into serene moments; Grande, known for being a turtle nesting site; and Avellanas for surfing adventures.

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You will also like the fact that Tamarindo has a large expat community – you will find your community here. You will enjoy beautiful natural scenery and a tight-knit community for an average monthly living cost of approximately $1,500.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is a renowned beach resort town in the eastern Dominican Republic. It is famous for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The area is also known for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts, vibrant nightlife, and various water sports and outdoor activities.

While it can be considered a fancy tourist destination, living in Punta Cana is not that expensive. If you live outside the very touristy spots and neighborhoods, you can enjoy the best of this coastal town even on a slim budget.

You can live a comfortable, borderline luxurious life with just $1,800 – $2,000 per month in Punta Cana. Living off of this amount would be merely on a survival basis in many major U.S. and European cities.

Some of Punta Cana’s beaches you will fall in love with include Bavaro, Macao, Juanillo, and Playa Blanca. You will also see the city’s laid-back lifestyle and welcoming community.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, is a desirable beach destination, especially for U.S. citizens looking for a cheap place to relocate. The cost of living in Puerto Rico, especially in terms of housing, is significantly lower than in the U.S. mainland. Rent in San Juan is approximately 27% cheaper than in New York City.

This city offers so much, from well-preserved colonial architecture to year-round tropical weather and rich cultural experiences. For a day by the beach, you can choose from Condado, Isla Verde, Ocean Park, and Escambron.

Beyond the beaches, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Old San Juan, which is known for its colorful colonial buildings and historic forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal; the city’s rich museums like Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico; and tropical rainforests located just outside the city, like El Yunque National Forest.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Often referred to as “Trinco,” Trincomalee is a charming coastal destination on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Rent in Sri Lanka is over 85% cheaper than in the United States.

During your stay in Trinco, you can explore its historical landmarks, rich marine life, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, like Uppuveli, known for its calm waters; Nilaveli, known for its pristine sands and boat trips to Pigeon Island; and Marble Beach.

Trincomalee is also an excellent destination for whale and dolphin watching, hiking, and exploring historical sites.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos is an ideal destination to live your Mediterranean dream. With an average of 326 sunny days a year, Coral Bay, Lara Beach, and Alykes Beach are some of the best beaches to explore. At Lara Bay, you can spend your days sunbathing, playing watersports, or watching turtles during the nesting season.

While living in Paphos can be slightly more expensive than in the rest of Cyprus, it is still considerably cheaper than many Western European cities. For instance, the cost of living in Paphos is almost half the cost of living in London, assuming you rent in both cities.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the cheapest destinations in the Caribbean, and Montego Bay could be the best budget-friendly beach destination in the country. This city offers tourists a beautiful coastline and rich Jamaican culture. Whether immersing yourself in the reggae music scene or exploring the rich Jamaican cuisine, Montego Bay is a destination you will not regret calling your new home.

This city has extensive white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Doctor’s Cave Beach, Walter Fletcher Beach, and Cornwall Beach are some of the city’s most popular spots.

If you do not want to go with the most popular, your preferred spot will be Dead End Beach, which is very serene and less touristy.

You can go bamboo rafting on Martha Brae River, swimming and cliff jumping at Blue Hole, or sightseeing at Dunn’s River Falls. You can enjoy all this in Montego Bay, living off $1,005.

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi is a breathtaking destination and one that is incredibly affordable. This group of islands is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches with soft white sands, turquoise waters, and spectacular scenery, such as Maya Bay, Long Beach, Loh Dalum Bay, and Monkey Beach, which is famous for the monkeys that inhabit the area.

Less money goes a long way in Thailand, and more so in destinations like Ko Phi Phi. With just $1,500 monthly rent inclusive, you can live comfortably in a good neighborhood in Koh Phi Phi.