The 5 Cheapest Beach Towns (That You Actually Want to Live In)
These beach spots offer low costs and good quality of life.
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Cheap Is Not Enough
You also want to feel safe. You want fresh food, decent internet, and a place where you can walk around without checking Google Maps every five minutes. You want a lifestyle that feels human.
This guide is for people who want more than just low prices. These are towns where you can live simply, work calmly, and enjoy the everyday.
They are quiet, warm, and easy to settle into. And most of all, they are affordable without feeling rough.
What We Looked For
Each town in this list had to meet a few simple standards.
Rent had to be low enough to live without pressure. Food needed to be affordable and easy to find. The internet had to be reliable. These are basics. Without them, it doesn’t really matter how nice the beach is.
We also looked for towns with some sort of vibe. A local café. A walkable street. A place where you can settle in and find your routine.
All of these towns offer enough comfort to stay long-term. The prices are low. The pace is slower and it’s easy to feel at home.
Let’s dive in.
Koh Phangan (Thailand)
Mornings are quiet. Light moves through the trees while the air stays still. A few scooters roll past. Some stalls are already open, selling fruit and grilled chicken. You sit outside, barefoot, holding a coffee. You open your laptop, and nothing feels urgent.
Why It Stands Out
Koh Phangan has space to breathe. If you stay away from the party beaches, you will find small cafés, open hillsides, and people who came for a week and stayed for a year. There is a steady mix of long-term visitors, locals, and small business owners.
There is enough infrastructure to feel stable. You can find fresh food, working ATMs, and a few pharmacies. You will not find a lot of traffic or tall buildings. Life runs slower here.
Cost of Living
You can rent a basic condo for around $300 if you are not picky. A cleaner place with good internet and air conditioning is around $600. Local meals cost $2 to $3. You will spend more in foreign-owned cafés, but the prices stay reasonable.
If you work online, you do not need a co-working space, though they are available (there is a great one close to Sritanu Beach). A scooter rental costs around $80 per month. Most people get by on $1,000 to $1,400.
Remote Work and Daily Life
The internet works well across most of the island. Some people take calls from co-working spaces. Others work from their patio with a coffee nearby. It’s easy to keep a routine and to focus.
Daily life depends on where you stay and who you connect with. Some people follow a quiet rhythm. Others join workshops, music nights, or fitness classes. Events are easy to find, but not forced on you. You can stay social or keep to yourself.
It’s a place where people work, rest, and make space for both. Nothing feels rushed. Most days leave you room to think.
Downsides and Things to Know
It rains hard between October and December. Some roads flood heavily. Storms cut power now and then, especially in the hills. Healthcare is basic. For anything serious, you will need to leave the island (there is however, a Bangkok Hospital on the island, which has modern infrastructure).
You also need to drive, because there is no public transport. If you don’t know how ride a scooter, it’s hard to live here.
Snapshot
Monthly Budget: $1,000–1,400
Internet: 50 to 100 Mbps
Best For: Solo workers, couples, calm travelers
Visa Situation: 30 days free for many passports, often extended locally
Vibe: Steady, simple, slow
Pro Tip: The north and west coasts are best for long stays (check Zen Beach and Sritanu Beach, which are the nicest areas)
Larnaka (Cyprus)
The sea stays calm most days. In the morning, the promenade is filled with people walking slowly with coffee. The cafés open early(ish). The streets feel quiet but lived-in. You can sit by the water for hours and no one will move you along. The town moves at a steady pace.
Why It Stands Out
Larnaka is one of the few places in Europe where you can live near the sea without paying coastal prices. It has an airport, a beach, and all the basics in walking distance. You can buy vegetables at a market, speak English without effort, and meet people from across the region.
There are working people here, not just travelers. Teachers, freelancers, retirees, and young Cypriots all share the same sidewalks. That mix gives the town a grounded feel.
Cost of Living
A small one-bedroom apartment near the center or beach (not beachfront though) might cost $500 to $700 a month. Utilities and internet are around $100. You can cook for yourself easily. Groceries are fresh and affordable. Eating out costs more, but you can still find meals under $10 if you avoid tourist restaurants and beachfront places.
There is no need for a scooter or car if you live near the center. You can walk almost everywhere. Most people work from home, from cafés or sometimes from the mall.
Expect to spend between $1,400 and $1,600 per month if you live modestly, and around $2,000 for a more extensive lifestyle.
Remote Work and Daily Life
Working from Larnaka is simple. Internet is stable. SIM cards are cheap. Most cafés are quiet enough to work from. If you need more structure, there are a few co-working spots around town. Usually, I picked a beachfront cafe for work. Even though the coffee was a little pricier, the view was priceless.
You will settle into a routine quickly. Morning walks along the seafront. A few hours of focused work. Groceries or errands in the afternoon. A swim before sunset. The weather helps. Winters are short and mild. Summer is long but dry. I did morning swims around 6am, and was at work around 8am. Try to avoid the mid-day heat, as the sun can be brutal here.
Social life is calm but open. You will meet other foreigners without looking too hard. There are local meetups, language exchanges, and small music events.
Downsides and Things to Know
It gets hot in July and August. Many locals leave town during those months. Some shops and services slow down.
Larnaka is not a capital city (this would be Nicosia). It doesn’t offer much in terms of big events or nightlife. If you want constant stimulation, it might feel too quiet, but in that case you can consider Limassol (which is pricy however). Bureaucracy can also be slow, especially if you plan to stay long-term or deal with banking.
Still, for day-to-day life, things work. You can get around, get your errands done, and enjoy the sea without stress.
Practical Snapshot
Monthly Budget: $1,400–2,000
Internet: Reliable, 50 to 100 Mbps
Best For: People who want a calm base in Europe
Visa Situation: 90 days visa-free for many nationalities, with long-stay options through residency permits, or create a local company (see the guide below)
Vibe: Local, relaxed, coastal
Pro Tip: Look for rentals just a few blocks inland, they are cheaper, quieter, and still walkable to the beach
For an guide on how to setup a business in Cyprus (and become a tax-resident) read this
Dumaguete (Phillipines)
Fishermen come in early, long before the sun gets hot. Dogs wander between parked tricycles. You pass a vendor selling fried bananas for a few pesos. On the boardwalk, locals and foreigners sit in the shade and talk quietly.
Why It Stands Out
Dumaguete feels settled. It has a local pace, but feels also open to people from outside. Many expats have lived here for years. Some teach. Some dive. Some just stay.
The town is small, but not remote. You can find what you need without effort. There are universities, hospitals, local markets, and quiet cafés with fans blowing in circles. It feels more like a neighborhood than a city.
Cost of Living
Rent is affordable. You can get a simple apartment for $200 to $300 per month. A newer, more comfortable place might cost $400 or a little more. Local meals are often under $2. Imported items cost more, but you can live cheaply if you eat local food and shop at the market.
Transportation is done by tricycle or scooter. Most rides cost less than a dollar. Internet plans are available for home or mobile. You will most likely spend around $900 to $1,300 per month, depending on how you live.
Remote Work and Daily Life
Many people work online here. Internet is decent, especially in central areas. Some cafés are work-friendly, but most people set up at home. Power outages happen now and then, so a backup SIM card helps a lot.
Life is relaxed. You can swim before breakfast, work until noon, and take the afternoon slow. People sit outside and talk. Dogs roam freely. It feels quiet, but not empty.
Dumaguete is also a base. Ferries run to nearby islands with white beaches and diving spots. You can live here and explore on weekends without much planning.
Downsides and Things to Know
Traffic is mild but unpredictable. Tricycles clog the roads at certain hours. There’s no real public transport (not recommended). You either ride or walk.
The air can feel heavy during the wet season. Storms pass through quickly but often. Healthcare is decent for small issues, but for anything serious, people travel to Cebu or Manila.
You won’t find many events or big gatherings. If you need a fast social scene, this may feel slow. But if you are happy with a few new friends and a steady pace, it can work.
Practical Snapshot
Monthly Budget: $900–1,300
Internet: 30 to 70 Mbps, varies by area
Best For: Quiet remote workers, early retirees, slow travelers
Visa Situation: 30 days free for many, with easy extensions (Remote Worker Visa coming soon!)
Vibe: Friendly, local, unhurried
Pro Tip: Consider nearby Valencia for a cooler climate and quieter living, still close to town
Puerto Escondido (Mexico)
You walk down a dusty road lined with bougainvillea. The air smells like coffee and salt. Somewhere nearby, a blender starts. The beach is five minutes away, but no one seems in a hurry to get there. A man rides past on a scooter with a surfboard under one arm. A dog sleeps in the shade outside a café.
Why It Stands Out
Puerto Escondido has become one of the most popular remote work spots in Mexico. It feels more local than Tulum, less polished than Sayulita. There are surf beaches, quiet neighborhoods, yoga studios, taco stands, and coworking spaces. Everything mixes together without much effort.
People come here to work, surf, or just slow down. Some stay for the season. Others stay for years. The rhythm feels casual but steady. You can meet people easily. You can also step back when you want space.
Cost of Living
Prices have gone up in recent years, especially in neighborhoods like La Punta and Zicatela. Still, you can find a room in a shared house for $400 to $500, or a private studio from $600 if you book ahead. A full apartment in a good area might cost $800 or more.
Local food is affordable. Tacos, eggs, fruit, and juice are available at reasonable prices. Imported products and foreign-owned cafés cost more, but you can still live under $1,500 a month if you plan carefully.
Coworking spaces charge around $100 per month. Many cafés are laptop-friendly, with decent Wi-Fi and fans overhead.
Remote Work and Daily Life
Wi-Fi has improved, but speeds still vary. Power cuts happen, especially during storms. Most digital workers have a backup plan, like a SIM card or co-working membership.
Life here leans outdoors. People surf in the morning, work late, and meet for dinner. The heat can slow you down in the afternoon, so routines often shift. Some work from 7 to 11, then again after sunset.
The social scene is steady but relaxed. You will meet creatives, freelancers, nomads, and locals. There are music nights, beach cleanups, and film screenings if you want to join in.
Downsides and Things to Know
This is still a small town. Infrastructure doesn’t always keep up with demand. Water cuts, power outages, and road noise are common. The airport is small, with limited flights.
During high season, prices rise. So does the crowd (it can get busy). If you prefer quiet, come in the shoulder months, or aim for places like Larnaka.
Spanish helps. Many locals speak some English, but not everyone. It’s easier to get by if you make the effort.
Practical Snapshot
Monthly Budget: $1,200–1,600
Internet: 20 to 100 Mbps, depends on location
Best For: Surfers, creatives, flexible workers
Visa Situation: 180 days for most nationalities
Vibe: Energetic, laid-back, sun-worn
Pro Tip: Book long-term rentals in person if you can, since prices are lower than online listings (and book in off-season, if you can)
Hoi An (Vietnam)
The streets are quiet in the morning. A woman sweeps leaves from her doorstep. Lanterns hang above the alleyways, still lit from the night before. You walk past a tailor, a noodle cart, and a row of yellow walls that look the same as they did a hundred years ago. The old town is waking up, slowly.
Why It Stands Out
Hoi A truly is a gem. It is small and beautiful, and it works for daily life. You can walk almost anywhere. The beach is ten minutes away. The food is fresh, and the routine is simple.
It is calm. You hear it in the way people speak. You feel it in the pace of the day. A few travelers come and go, but many people stay longer than they planned. They rent a house, buy a bike, and start to treat the market vendors like neighbours.
You do not need much, and that is part of the appeal.
Cost of Living
You can rent a house with a garden for $300 to $500. A modern apartment might cost $600 or more, especially near the beach. Electricity is extra, especially if you use air conditioning. Many rentals include cleaning and laundry.
Meals are cheap. A bowl of cao lầu or mì Quảng costs about $1.50. Coffee is even less. Western food is more expensive. Monthly costs land between $900 and $1,300 for most people.
You can get by with a bicycle, but many people rent a scooter. Internet is included in most rentals. SIM cards are fast and cheap.
Remote Work and Daily Life
Most people work from home or from cafés. Wi-Fi is stable, and mobile data is fast. There are a few co-working spaces as well by now.
The heat changes how people plan their day. Early mornings and evenings are active. Afternoons are slow. It’s common to rest after lunch, then return to work once the sun drops.
Hoi An has a gentle social scene. There are meetups, farmers markets, and creative workshops. People are friendly but not intrusive. You can stay private or join in. There’s no pressure either way.
Downsides and Things to Know
Flooding happens during rainy season, especially in October and November. Some parts of the old town become hard to reach. Plan ahead if you stay long-term.
Hoi A gets busy during national holidays and weekends. Tour groups crowd the old town, especially in the evenings. Many locals rely on tourism.
Healthcare is limited to basic care. For anything complex, people go to Da Nang, which is about 40 minutes away.
Practical Snapshot
Monthly Budget: $900–1,300
Internet: 50 to 100 Mbps
Best For: Writers, couples, solo travelers
Visa Situation: 30 days with easy e-visa extensions
Vibe: Soft, thoughtful, slow
Pro Tip: Rent just outside the old town for peace and cheaper prices, but stay close enough to walk in
Overview: The 5 Towns
These five towns are affordable, calm, and close to the sea. You can live, work, and settle into a daily routine without much effort. Each place has its own rhythm, but they all support a slower, steady kind of life.
These towns are for people who want to live simply and work from calm places near the sea. They are for remote workers, couples on a single income, and anyone who prefers comfort over noise. If you are looking for steady internet, warm weather, and room to slow down, they make sense.
How to Choose the Right One
If you want warm weather and a strong remote work scene, go with Koh Phangan.
If you prefer European food, language, and healthcare, choose Larnaka.
If you like small-town living with friendly locals, try Dumaguete.
If you want surf, creativity, and a bit more energy, look at Puerto Escondido.
If you enjoy walking, good food, and a slower pace, consider Hoi An.
Thanks for reading - I wrote this for people who want a softer way to live and work. Not just for a week, but for real life. These towns offer just enough comfort to settle in, and just enough quiet to hear yourself think.
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Thanks for reading and see you soon! ❤️
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You didn’t mention the packs of wild leopards eating humans in Hoi An. Happens every day. Twice some days.
And the rock apes that steal babies.
And Godzilla.
And dogs with bees in their mouths. When they bite you the bees sting you too.
Don’t go. It’s awful. And everything there causes cancer. And baldness.
In summary, it’s the most awful place to ever go, and no one should move here.
There. I meant there.
Did I mention the dogs?
Quite the influx of Israelis coming into Cyprus now…