Top Rated Affordable Beach Town In the quest for incredible yet budget-friendly travel destinations, creative thinking has been essential over the past year. As people strive to make up for missed vacations during the pandemic and deal with rising costs, finding affordable options has been a challenge. At the beginning of this summer season, hotel prices increased by 11% according to the Hopper booking app. Accommodation costs in popular vacation spots also saw significant spikes, reaching up to 51%. This has been quite a setback for travelers.
However, there’s good news. A recent study offers valuable insights into where you can enjoy the sun, have fun, and save money. Upgraded Points, a travel website, analyzed the expenses associated with staying in various top beach towns across the nation. They’ve compiled a list of the most economical and pricier places to consider for your travels in 2023. While the top-ranking location might not be familiar, it’s recommended to conduct some research promptly to secure an unexpectedly affordable week-long getaway or a quick trip before the information spreads.
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What were the criteria for identifying these budget-friendly beach towns?
Upgraded Points developed its list of the most affordable beach towns in the US by examining the nightly and weekly costs of Airbnb rentals in some of the country’s most sought-after beach destinations. Specifically, they focused on the top 75 beaches listed by Travel & Leisure and Southern Living. The aim was to identify locations where you can enjoy the best ocean views without breaking the bank over a seven-night stay.
The study also uncovered several fantastic beach getaways that are friendly on your wallet, starting with an island off the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Which town secured the title of the most affordable beach town in the United States?
Cedar Key, Florida, takes the crown for offering the most affordable beach accommodations, as revealed by Upgraded Points’ research. Situated on a small island about three miles off the West Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, and approximately an hour southwest of Gainesville, Cedar Key boasts an average nightly rate of $189 for a vacation rental home and $191 for a hotel stay. The average cost for an entire week comes to around $1,330.
This is in stark contrast to the over $6,400 you’d spend for a week in Montauk, New York, as indicated by the same study. But is the experience in Cedar Key worth the difference? What does the town offer, and does it truly stand out as one of the best beaches in Florida?
What characterizes a vacation in Cedar Key?
Cedar Key, Florida, might not be a familiar name to many. Described as a “serene village” and a “tranquil island community” by its chamber of commerce, this small municipality is home to just over 800 full-time residents. Accessible only via Highway 24, which traverses marshes and waterways en route to the island, Cedar Key stands in stark contrast to densely populated beach destinations commonly found along the East and West coasts.
Instead of towering hotels and bustling boardwalks, visitors are treated to charming cottages, single-family homes, and waterfront properties. Opting for a vacation home rental is likely your best bet, although motels, hotels, and camping sites are also available.
While the permanent population is around 800, this number swells considerably during peak vacation seasons when thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the beach and numerous other attractions. The island is renowned for its annual festivals focused on seafood, pirate heritage, and the arts. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, nature trails, kayaking, and coastal tours.
For those seeking a day trip, environmentally conscious tourists can explore the Cedar Key Wildlife Refuge, a federally protected sanctuary accessible only by water.
Other budget-friendly beach towns
If a journey to Florida’s Gulf Coast isn’t on your horizon, the Upgraded Points study highlights nine other comparably affordable beach destinations. Completing the top 10 list are:
• Ocean Springs, Mississippi
• Ocean Shores, Washington
• Port Aransas, Texas
• Galveston, Texas
• Ocean City, Maryland
• Pawleys Island, South Carolina
• San Juan Island, Washington
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (also offering several budget-friendly beachfront hotels)
• Bar Harbor, Maine
Whether you’re visiting these beach towns or discovering others that align with your travel preferences, you can often tailor your accommodations to your budget. For instance, Vacasa, a vacation rental management company, suggests that non-oceanfront properties are around 26% cheaper. So, if you’re willing to compromise on having a beachfront property, opting for a hotel or rental property a few blocks inland can significantly lower your travel costs. To maximize savings, it’s also worth determining the optimal timing for booking both accommodations and flights.