Beachfront Bargain or Hidden Expenses: How Much Does a Beach House Cost? (Updated for 2025)
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
How much does a beach house cost? This is a reasonable question for anyone who’s dreamed of sinHow much does a beach house cost? This is a reasonable question for anyone who’s dreamed of sinking their toes in the sand and enjoying sunset walks on the beach. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to answer without diving into cost considerations and intended uses. Find the perfect beach house at the right price by factoring specific expenses into your coastal escape.
Should You Buy a Beach House?
You can always count on real estate being a favorable investment opportunity — but a beach house? There are pros and cons to think about. For instance, many people choose to buy beach houses for the following reasons:
- Rental potential
- Vacation home
- Possible home value appreciation
- Tax benefits
- Better mental and physical health outcomes
- Recreational opportunities
- Sense of community
- Relaxing lifestyle
Understandably, many buyers may hesitate to buy a beach house in the current market. Although 2025 mortgage rates are down from last year’s 7.17% 30-year fixed rate at 6.81%, it’s still high, making it seemingly impossible to afford to purchase anything. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea if you can afford to buy a beach house as an investment property — especially if you plan to rent it out.
How Much Is a Beach House?
Beach house prices differ in every state, county and city. Your final price depends on your property selection. The average beach house starts at $300,000 and runs higher as market factors change. You should also factor other costs into the price of a beach house. You’ll have to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, appraisal fees, attorney fees and ongoing maintenance costs to buy and live in your home.
If you’re investing in a beach house property instead of moving there full time, the upfront costs may be worth it. You could make the money back twice over if your new house is within an in-demand vacation area among competitively priced rental homes. The profits depend on where you buy and how much the average home price is in that area.
| Location | Average Beach House Cost |
| Pascagoula, Mississippi | $165,610 |
| Deerfield Beach, Florida | $211,750 |
| Atlantic City, New Jersey | $242,450 |
| Port Richey, Florida | $254,925 |
| Port Lavaca, Texas | $292,000 |
| Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | $299,000 |
| Ocean Springs, Mississippi | $302,500 |
| Corpus Christi, Texas | $310,000 |
| Surfside Beach, South Carolina | $310,925 |
| Long Beach, Washington | $403,188 |
How Much Does a Beach House Cost to Rent?
You can rent a beach house out to vacationers for the same price as a hotel room. The final costs fluctuate with the seasons, plus the size of your house and its proximity to the beach. You can also charge rent similar to surrounding coastal homes if you rent your property to people who live there throughout the year. The final profit margin depends on other factors too. If you hire a management company to help with your tenants, they typically charge between 8%-12% out of every monthly rent payment. The percentage may be higher for short-term vacation rentals, since the high turnover rate for visitors increases the likelihood of property damage.
Key Cost Factors of Purchasing a Beach House
You’ve decided a beach house is the right choice for you and your family — or perhaps you’re ready to make roots somewhere relaxing and laidback. At this point, you might ask yourself, “How much does a beach house cost?” Here are four cost factors to consider for the perfect seaside dwelling.
Location
Location, location, location. If you’re interested in becoming a full-time resident of your beach house, you should concentrate on areas with fewer tourists. However, if you plan only to stay a few weeks and rent it out the rest of the year, the community must appeal to out-of-town visitors.
According to a recent Architectural Digest survey, four North Carolina beaches ranked among the top 10 best places to buy a summer vacation home: Wilmington-area beaches, Kitty Hawk, Emerald Isle and Ocracoke. Others included Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Long Beach, California.
Of course, these regions come with higher price points as populations flourish. In Florida — still a popular state in which to purchase beach houses — there’s been a 25% increase in home values in Jupiter, Daytona Beach, and Lauderhill. Of course, Sunny Isles Beach in Miami-Dade County maintains its white-hot market with a 106.4% appreciation.
Property Type
Single-family homes will always be costlier than townhomes and condominiums, but the closer you are to the shore, the higher the price tag for all properties. Likewise, condominiums and townhomes will likely have homeowners association (HOA) fees for maintenance and amenities.
Honolulu, Hawaii, has the highest HOA fees at $520 per month, likely due to the generally higher cost of living in the state. Meanwhile, residents of Deltona, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, Florida, pay roughly $330 monthly. San Diego and Los Angeles also have similar median monthly HOAs.
Square Footage
The average beach house cost also starts with the home’s square footage. A 1,500-square-foot beach house costs $450,000, while luxury residences top $1 million. Ultimately, it depends on the coastal region and materials used.
Generally, a stilted beach house runs $250-$350 per square foot. These pilings raise beach houses about 10 feet off the ground, protecting them from storm surges and high tides — extremely beneficial if you live in Florida, the Gulf Coast, Georgia or the Carolinas.
Quality Materials
Some building materials are more expensive than others, but you don’t want to skimp on durability and longevity with a beach house. Seaside dwellings receive ample wear and tear from tropical cyclones to salt air.
Stucco, cement and cedar are more moisture-resistant than other siding materials, while metal roofs are much better at withstanding powerful winds, rain and debris. Composite decking, vinyl and fiberglass are other quality materials to ensure a safe structure.
Of course, all of these materials have much higher upfront costs. Nevertheless, they’ll save you money in the long term by preventing expensive damages.
Additional Beach House Expenses to Consider
The purchasing price is one of many expenses when determining the cost of a beach house. Additional factors like hefty homeowners insurance and maintenance fees must also be considered. Here’s a breakdown of both.
Homeowners Insurance
Climate change could dampen your beach house dreams. By 2050, experts predict that $106 billion worth of coastal homes will fall below sea level and accrue damages from saltwater intrusion.
As a result, homeowners can expect 60% higher flood insurance premiums by 2040 — that is if they can find it. Precipitation from tropical storms will likely increase by 20%, while the U.S. may see more frequent “100-year floods” in and around rivers. However, many insurance companies have pulled out of states susceptible to flooding and natural disasters, which they claim mostly involve legalities and claims fraud.
Floridians had difficulty obtaining coverage in 2023, as the leading flood insurance companies left homeowners scrambling. Florida residents already pay the most for homeowners insurance premiums at an average of $8,739 annually — much higher than the average $2,341 across the rest of the U.S.
Even with companies like Manatee Insurance Exchange, Orion180 and Ovation Home Insurance Exchange writing new policies for homeowners in 2024, rates will likely remain high. There is also the risk of these companies pulling out of Florida after the first major storm hits.
Maintenance
Due to environmental factors, beach house maintenance is much costlier than the 1% maintenance budget for a traditional home. Salt air and humidity form rust on doors, windows and outdoor equipment. Over time, moisture also turns to mold and mildew.
Roof damage may cause water damage inside your home, too. Inspecting your home annually — or after every storm — is critical to finding and remedying damages from the onset. Otherwise, you could have bigger problems to contend with.
Always budget for more maintenance when you own a beach home — it’s not uncommon for the unexpected to occur. Once you find out how much beach houses cost, remember the costs of ongoing maintenance work. The weather conditions, seasonal storms and indoor conditions like sand wearing down the floors will all contribute to the home’s long-term costs.
Pilings
You may look into the cost of pilings for beach houses as the ocean creeps toward your property. Pilings are the columns that homes sit on to lift them above storm-related flooding. Water damage occurs over time, necessitating foundation repairs.
Piling foundation repairs can cost around $11,480, but that number also changes with each case. Someone with taller pilings and extensive damage will pay more than someone who needs one or two pilings replaced. Local repair companies can provide quotes based on your home’s square footage, piling height, material type and the damage unique to your property.
Beach Bliss on a Budget
Not all beach houses are out of reach when it comes to price. You can find a quaint coastal cottage at the right price if you do your homework. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a beach house, plenty of options exist to meet your needs.
Original Publish Date 5/10/2024 — Updated 7/1/2025
About The Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and a dedicated freelance writer with over six years of experience in the home and garden industry. Her passion for landscaping and sustainable practices is deeply rooted in her upbringing — growing up in a family of contractors, she was exposed to the world of construction and design from a young age. This hands-on experience fostered her love for nature and gardening, giving her a green thumb and a keen eye for creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Throughout her career, Rose has honed her expertise in researching and writing about sustainable construction practices, focusing on innovative technologies that enhance the built environment while minimizing environmental impact. She is particularly interested in green roofing, water-efficient landscaping, and integrating native plants in design, all reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Rose's work has appeared in various publications, where she shares valuable insights and practical tips for seasoned professionals and novice DIY-ers.
In addition to her writing, Rose enjoys collaborating with landscape architects and contractors on projects that emphasize eco-friendly design and sustainable materials. She believes that every garden has the potential to be a vibrant ecosystem and works to inspire others to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.
