TOP-10 Countries for Ocean Living in 2025
Living by the ocean is not just a beautiful postcard image. It's a special philosophy of existence where every morning begins with the sound of waves, and sunsets become a daily ritual. In 2025, more and more people are considering moving to the ocean, seeking a balance between comfortable living, developed infrastructure, and proximity to nature. Let's explore the countries that offer the best conditions for such a lifestyle.
What Makes a Country Ideal for Ocean Living
When choosing a place to relocate to the ocean, it's important to consider more than just scenic beauty. Climate conditions, safety, healthcare accessibility, cost of living, legalization opportunities, and infrastructure development—all these factors play a crucial role.
Modern ocean destinations offer not only year-round beach recreation but also opportunities for remote work, business development, and quality education for children. Many countries have developed special programs to attract foreigners, including digital nomad visas and pathways to residency.
1. Portugal — European Elegance on the Atlantic
Portugal deservedly ranks among the top destinations for ocean living. The country is washed by the Atlantic Ocean for thousands of kilometers and offers diverse living options.
The Algarve region in the south is considered an ideal place for beach lifestyle. Here, more than 440 beaches are marked with the "Blue Flag," confirming their cleanliness and safety. Water temperature in summer reaches 23-25°C, and the mild Mediterranean climate allows enjoying the sun almost year-round.
The Lisbon Riviera is a string of resort towns near the capital, where beach relaxation combines with access to cultural life. The towns of Cascais and Estoril attract expats with developed infrastructure, English-speaking schools, and an active community.
The cost of living in Portugal is one of the most affordable in Western Europe—about 670-730 euros per month for one person excluding rent. Portuguese residence permit opens free movement within the Schengen zone, and after five years, one can apply for citizenship.
2. Spain — Mediterranean Lifestyle
Spain offers a unique combination of the Mediterranean Sea in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the north and west. The country ranks in the top ten for quality of life among European states.
Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Valencia—each region has its own character. Valencia in 2025 continues to lead as a city for digital nomads, offering developed infrastructure, safety, and active year-round life. Mediterranean Sea water temperature in summer warms up to 27°C.
Spain attracts not only with its climate but also with legalization opportunities. The digital nomad visa allows obtaining residence permit for three years with possibility of extension. Average salary is 1,700 euros, which covers comfortable living considering local prices.
3. Australia — Life at the Edge of the World
Australia is washed by three oceans—the Pacific, Indian, and Southern. The cities of Sydney and Melbourne traditionally rank among the world's most comfortable cities to live in.
Australia's coastline stretches for tens of thousands of kilometers and offers endless beach diversity—from calm bays to world-class surf spots. Climate varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, allowing you to choose optimal conditions.
The country attracts with high salaries, stable economy, and excellent healthcare system. Australian multicultural society is open to immigrants, especially to specialists in IT, healthcare, and mining. Clean beaches, national parks, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities make Australia ideal for nature lovers.
4. New Zealand — Pristine Nature of Oceania
New Zealand is surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. The country is famous for environmental cleanliness, low crime rate, and high quality of life.
New Zealand's ocean coastline features dramatic landscapes—rocky shores alternate with secluded sandy beaches, and marine reserves allow observing dolphins and whales. The cities of Auckland and Wellington offer developed infrastructure while being close to nature.
The country attracts with political stability, developed education and healthcare systems. New Zealand ranks among the safest countries for women and families with children. Immigration programs are open to qualified specialists and entrepreneurs.
5. Thailand — Tropical Paradise of Asia
Thailand is washed by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Siam, which are parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans respectively. The country has become a magnet for expats thanks to low cost of living and year-round warmth.
Phuket, Krabi, Samui—islands with developed tourist infrastructure offer comfortable life by the sea. Water temperature stays at 28-30°C year-round. Thai cuisine, Buddhist culture, and friendliness of locals create a special atmosphere.
Cost of living in Thailand allows comfortable existence on $800-1,200 per month. Visa programs for retirees and remote workers make the country accessible for long-term residence. Quality healthcare at affordable prices is another strong argument in favor of Thailand.
6. Indonesia — Island Mosaic
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, consisting of more than 17,000 islands washed by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Bali has become synonymous with paradise living for digital nomads from around the world.
The island offers an ideal combination of beaches, surfing, yoga, and spiritual practices. Ubud with its rice terraces and Canggu with surf beaches attract different types of residents. Water temperature consistently stays at 28-29°C.
Cost of living in Bali remains one of the lowest among ocean destinations—from $600 per month you can live comfortably. Developed expat community, coworking spaces, English-speaking schools make adaptation easy. Visa relaxations of 2025 simplified long-term stays.
7. Greece — Mediterranean Classic
Greece is washed by several seas that are part of the Mediterranean basin and the Atlantic through Gibraltar. Thousands of islands offer a unique lifestyle combining ancient history and modern comfort.
Crete, Corfu, Rhodes—each island has its own character. Mainland Greece with the Peloponnese coast also attracts sea lovers. Climate allows swimming from May to October, and mild winters are comfortable for living.
Greece offers affordable residence permit programs through property purchase from 250,000 euros. Cost of living is lower than in Northern Europe while maintaining European quality of services. Greek cuisine based on fresh seafood and olive oil promotes healthy longevity.
8. Mexico — Latin American Energy
Mexico is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic in the east, offering diverse coastal landscapes. The country attracts Americans and Canadians with accessibility and proximity to home.
Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun on the Caribbean coast and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean offer developed tourist infrastructure. Water temperature stays around 26-28°C year-round. Mexican culture, cuisine, and festivals create a vibrant atmosphere.
Cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than North American standards—$800-1,500 per month ensures comfortable existence. Visa programs for temporary and permanent residents are accessible and straightforward. Developed Russian-speaking community helps with adaptation.
9. Croatia — Pearl of the Adriatic
Croatia is washed by the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean basin. The coastline stretching 1,778 kilometers is dotted with picturesque bays and medieval towns.
Dubrovnik, Split, Istria Peninsula offer a combination of beach recreation and cultural heritage. Croatian beaches are famous for water cleanliness—many are marked with the "Blue Flag." Climate is mild Mediterranean with warm summers and cool winters.
As an EU member, Croatia provides access to the European labor market and education. Cost of living is lower than in Western Europe, attracting retirees and remote workers. Safety, ecology, and product quality make the country attractive for family relocation.
10. Brazil — Continent of Opportunities by the Ocean
When it comes to ocean living with genuine soul and energy, Brazil represents a unique destination that many unjustly overlook. The country boasts one of the longest coastlines in the world—7,491 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, opening up endless diversity of places to live.
Diversity of Ocean Coastline
The Brazilian coast is not a monotonous strip of beaches but a kaleidoscope of climate zones, landscapes, and cultures. From the tropical north with its coral reefs to the subtropical south with cool currents—everyone can find their perfect climate.
Rio de Janeiro embodies the ocean lifestyle in global consciousness. The famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are not just places for swimming, they are centers of social life where locals spend time with family, engage in sports, and watch sunsets. The Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain create an unique urban landscape framed by the ocean.
Florianópolis on Santa Catarina Island is called Brazil's paradise for surfers and nature lovers. The island offers more than 40 beaches for every taste—from calm bays for family relaxation to powerful waves for professional surfing. A developed IT industry is concentrated here, attracting digital nomads.
Salvador is Brazil's cultural capital, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of All Saints. The city combines African roots, colonial architecture, and modern infrastructure. Salvador's beaches are diverse—there are both calm places for relaxation and wave spots for diving and surfing.
Fortaleza, Recife, Natal—the northeastern coast offers eternal summer with water temperature of 27-29°C year-round. These cities are developing tourist infrastructure while maintaining authenticity and affordable prices.
Climate for Year-Round Living
Water temperature on the Brazilian coast is comfortable for swimming at any time of year. In northern regions it stays at 28-29°C, in central regions—26-27°C, and in the south—23-25°C. This allows choosing optimal conditions depending on personal preferences.
Climate varies from equatorial in the north to subtropical in the south. On the coast, you can live and enjoy the ocean year-round, avoiding extreme heat or cold. The rainy season from May to September doesn't interfere with beach recreation—downpours are short-lived, and sunny days predominate.
Affordability and Quality of Life
Cost of living in Brazil is significantly lower than European and North American standards. In resort towns on the coast, you can live comfortably on $800-1,200 per month, including apartment rent, food, and entertainment. Real estate is also affordable—a two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood by the ocean can be purchased from $100,000.
Brazilian cuisine is a celebration of taste based on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and diverse meats. Feijoada, moqueca (fish stew), açaí, and caipirinha are gastronomic symbols of the country. Fresh fish and seafood on the coast are available daily at reasonable prices.
Path to Legalization
Brazil offers clear paths to obtaining residency. Purchasing real estate worth from $182,000 opens the possibility of obtaining residence permit. Property owners can apply for citizenship after just three years of residence, which is faster than the standard term.
Brazilian passport provides visa-free access to 169 countries, including the European Union and United Kingdom. This opens new horizons for travel and business. Brazil's neutral political position on the international arena makes investments more protected from geopolitical risks.
Energy and Culture of Ocean Living
Brazilian culture is inseparably linked with the ocean. Beaches are places of socialization where people of all ages spend time, play sports, dance, and communicate. Footvolley (beach volleyball), capoeira on sand, music and dances—all this is part of everyday life by the ocean.
Carnivals, festivals, street celebrations fill life with bright colors and emotions. Brazilians are known for their friendliness, openness, and ability to enjoy life. Adaptation in such an environment happens naturally, especially if you're open to new experiences.
Developing real estate market, growing economy, and improving infrastructure make Brazil a promising destination for long-term living. Major cities offer quality healthcare and education, while resort areas offer a measured pace of life surrounded by nature.
How to Choose Your Place by the Ocean
When choosing a country for ocean living, consider several key factors:
Climate preferences — do you like constant warmth or prefer changing seasons? What water temperature is comfortable for you?
Budget — what financial resources are you ready to invest monthly? Consider rent, food, healthcare, transportation.
Legalization — how easy is it to obtain a visa or residence permit? Are there citizenship prospects?
Infrastructure — is access to international schools, quality healthcare, airports important to you?
Community — do you want to live among expats or prefer integration into local society?
Language — are you ready to learn a new language or is an English-speaking environment important?
Each country on this list offers a unique ocean living experience. European destinations attract with stability and developed infrastructure, Asian ones—with exoticism and affordability, Latin American ones—with energy and authenticity. The choice depends on your priorities and readiness for a new lifestyle.
Living by the ocean is not just changing your address. It's changing your rhythm of existence when nature becomes part of everyday life, and the sound of waves becomes familiar background. In 2025, the world is more open than ever, and the opportunity to build your dream life by the ocean is available to everyone ready to take a step toward change.
The ocean calls those who are ready for adventure and new experiences. Whatever destination you choose, life by the water will bring unforgettable impressions and the opportunity to look at the world from a different angle.