The Best Beach Towns In California For A Retiree

Finding the best place to retire in California can be tricky, and a huge reason for that is affordability. Indeed, California's home prices, rents, and taxes are so high that Bankrate listed it as one of the ten worst states to retire in 2025. The average price for a home in California, as of late 2025, was just over $750,000 according to Zillow, while nationally, the average price was $359,241. In terms of rent, the average monthly rate in California was about $2,750 at the end of 2025 — about 38% higher than the national average. The cost of living is so high that it will push up the minimum wage in California in 2026 to between $16.90 and $23 an hour, depending on the location.

Still, there are some relatively affordable places to live in California, where rents and home prices are below the Golden State's average. And for those who always wanted to spend their later years living near the beach or along the coast, there are plenty of suitable beach towns to retire in California. Listed below are some waterfront municipalities where homes (at least by California standards) are affordable enough for someone with a decent nest egg to retire. These picks also take into account the area's liveability, particularly regarding health care and amenities. 

Located on the central coast in San Luis Obispo County, Oceano is a census-designated place of about 7,300 people, where those 65 and older make up 27.2% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Aside from many local farms, Oceano is home to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge and the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, which is the only state park where people can drive their cars on the beach. 

In terms of livability, Oceano received a score of 65 out of a possible maximum of 100 from AreaVibes, with an "A" for health and safety due to its close proximity to hospitals, pharmacies, and doctors, most of which are in neighboring Arroyo Grande. Also: The town's overall cost of living is 2% lower, and crime is 10% lower than the California average, per AreaVibes.

As of the end of November 2025, the average cost of a home in this beach town was just over $650,000, which is about $97,000 lower than the state average, per Zillow.

With a population of just 307 (16.5% of whom are 65 or older, per the U.S. Census Bureau), Trinidad is a city in the northern California region of Humboldt County. It's home to Trinidad State Beach, Trinidad Head Beach, College Cove Beach, and Martin Creek Beach. Trinidad received a score of 69 out of 100 from AreaVibes. Meanwhile, for access to health care and safety, Trinidad got an A+ grade. Trinidad's crime rates are also 58% lower than the statewide average.

Homes in Trinidad cost an average of $575,000 as of the end of 2025, which is roughly $180,000 lower than the statewide average, per Zillow. Rental rates average $2,400 a month, which is 20% higher than the national average but $350 lower than the California average. However, the city's overall cost of living is 8% higher than the state average and 51% higher than the national average.

Another community in Humboldt County, Eureka is a sizable municipality for that part of northern California — and the largest beach city in the state north of San Francisco. As of 2024, just over 25,000 people live in Eureka, per the U.S. Census Bureau, with 15.9% being 65 and over. Some of the attractions located in Eureka include the Carson Mansion, Morris Graves Museum of Art, Sequoia Park Zoo, and the Redwood Discover Museum.

In terms of livability, AreaVibes gives Eureka a score of 63. The city also gets an A- grade for amenities due to its abundance of parks, stores, restaurants, and entertainment within walking distance. Eureka also received an A+ grade for health and safety for the multiple health care facilities within city limits. Unfortunately, Eureka's crime rate is 63% higher than the statewide average and 98% higher than the national average.

As of late 2025, Zillow reports an average home price of over $407,000 in Eureka, which is about $350,000 lower than the California average. But the real bargain comes in renting: As of December 2025, the average monthly rate was $1,675, which is 16% lower than the national average and about 40% lower than the statewide average. The value of money may not go too far if you live in California, but cost of living in Eureka is 14% lower than the statewide average.

More of a city than a town, Vallejo was home to over 123,000 people in 2024, per the U.S. Census Bureau, with 16.9% aged 65 or older. It's also home to Benicia State Recreation Area, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, and Mare Island.

AreaVibes gave Vallejo a livability score of 68 for its access to public transportation, available housing, and strong economy. It received an A grade for health and safety thanks to its plentiful health care facilities and fire and police stations, and a B grade for its amenities (restaurants, parks, and entertainment). Unfortunately, Vallejo's crime rate was 84% higher than California's.

While its overall cost of living is 4% higher than the state average, Vallejo is one of the most affordable places to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the end of November, Vallejo's average home price was just over $515,000, which is approximately $235,000 lower than the statewide average, per Zillow. Average rent in the city, as of mid-December 2025, was $2,100 a month, just $100 higher than the national average and $650 lower than the California average. Compare those figures to the city of San Francisco, about 30 miles away from Vallejo, where the average home price in November was $1.25 million and the average rent in December was $3,551 a month.

Located in California's northwesternmost county of Del Norte, Crescent City has a population of just over 6,200 people as of 2024, per the U.S. Census Bureau, with 14.5% aged 65 or older. For those who love beaches, there are 12 of them in or near Crescent City, and at least a dozen trails run through the nearby redwood forests.

Besides its beautiful natural surroundings, Crescent City is an extremely affordable place to live. As of late 2025, the average price of a home was approximately $360,000, which is $390,000 less than the statewide average, per Zillow. The average rental rate as of mid-December 2025 was $1,500 a month, which is $500 below the U.S. average and $1,250 lower than the state average. Per AreaVibes, Crescent City's cost of living is 27% lower than the statewide average. Crescent City also received an A+ grade for health and safety from AreaVibes for its clear air and being home to numerous health facilities, including Sutter Coast Hospital.