Moving to gulf shores?

my husband and i are thinking of moving to gulf shores, well some little town close to the beach (not right on it). maybe, an hour or less away. we don't want to jump in...were saving at least 10k before we move, but i was just wondering how living expenses from this area (coastal alabama) differ from our home in madison, alabama (just outside huntsville). i'm asking, you know advice, knowledge, experience, etc. from people who've made that move.