One Of The Best Places To Live In Texas Is An Affordable Beach Town With A Lower Cost Of Living

If you think living near the beach is out of your budget, think again. While many coastal communities have a high cost of living and exorbitant home prices, you can still find a few beach towns in the United States that are surprisingly affordable. The cost of living in Texas, for instance, is about 5% lower than the national average, according to RentCafe, and the state has many cities along its coastline that are quite affordable. Galveston, a beach town that lies just south of Houston, is considered one of the best places to live in Texas if you want to reside in an affordable spot on the Gulf coast with a low cost of living.

In fact, Payscale reports that the cost of living in Galveston is 8% lower than the national average, with many regular monthly expenses costing less than in other parts of the country. Housing, one of the biggest expenses for most American households, is a shocking 25% lower than the national average. Galveston's median home price sits at around $387,000, and the median rent in this affordable beach town is just $1,165 per month. Compare that to the national average median home price of around $440,000, as reported by Redfin, and the national average median rent price of $1,750, as reported by RentCafe, and you can see that Galveston definitely has a lower cost of living.

Aside from its reasonable housing prices for a beachside community, Galveston has many cost advantages that appeal to families, retirees, and couples looking for an affordable place to settle. Utilities, which typically include your power, gas, water, and trash bills, are around 7% lower in Galveston than the national average, according to Payscale. The source also reports that you can expect to pay an average of 6% less for transportation costs, which includes taxi and bus fares, as well as fuel when it's time to refill your gas tank.

If you need to visit the doctor or dentist, it won't break the bank in Galveston. Healthcare costs for residents of the Texas beach town are 2% lower than the national average, saving you every time you seek medical care. Even prescription drugs and visits to the veterinarian to care for your four-legged friends should be more reasonable in Galveston than in other seaside locations around the country. Groceries, another big monthly cost for most households, are 1% cheaper on average as well, so you can afford to buy even the most expensive items at the grocery store worry-free.

Obviously, being near the beach is a big draw to living in Galveston, and you'll have easy access to the island's more than 30 miles of shoreline that stretches from East Beach on the east end to San Luis Beach on the west side. Residents can also visit Galveston Island State Park, a birder's paradise that sits almost in the middle of the island.

Moody Gardens is a top attraction in Galveston that offers fun for the entire family. It features an aquarium pyramid, a rainforest pyramid, the Discovery Museum, and so much more. There's always something going on at Moody Gardens, too, from holiday events to music festivals that educate and entertain all year long. Fishermen can spend the day trying their luck at Galveston's 61st Street Fishing Pier, and if you don't have your own gear, it's not a problem; you can rent it right there.

After a day of strolling along the beach hunting for shells and enjoying the surf, stop by one of the local restaurant establishments to enjoy a tasty meal at a reasonable price. Doc Holiday's Roadhouse has all your classic American favorites, including burgers, steaks, and pizzas. Or you can pay a visit to The Gumbo Diner to get a taste of some southern Cajun food, and don't forget to try the beignets because they're to die for.