Canada + USA · 5 places

Best places to live for beach life in Canada and the USA

Coastal cities and towns where the beach is part of the week, not a vacation. Compare climate, drive times and cost.

Order: Shortest drive to the water first. Figures are approximate and meant for comparing places, not official statistics.

Best for beach life in Canada

  1. #1 · British Columbia, Canada

    Vancouver

    Ocean, mountains and a big-city food scene in one place.

    January / July
    4°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    165
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    C$1,250,000
    Cost of living
    135 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingSkiingBig cityFood sceneNightlife
  2. #2 · British Columbia, Canada

    Victoria

    Canada's mildest winters and a relaxed harbour town.

    January / July
    5°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    C$950,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingGolfSmall town
  3. #3 · Nova Scotia, Canada

    Halifax

    An ocean city with a friendly, small-town feel.

    January / July
    -4°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 20 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    C$550,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    BeachLower costFood sceneSmall town

Best for beach life in the USA

  1. #1 · Florida, USA

    Miami

    Beaches, nightlife and no state income tax.

    January / July
    20°C / 29°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachNightlifeFood sceneBig city
  2. #2 · California, USA

    San Diego

    Surf, sunshine and mild weather all year.

    January / July
    14°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    265
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h / 15 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBeachSurfGolfFood scene
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Best places to live for beach life in Canada and the USA · Pinned