The Cheapest Places to Live Before Prices Skyrocket Everywhere

Moving to another country can be an exciting way to reduce your living costs, enjoy a different lifestyle, or experience a change of scenery.

If you’re looking for affordable destinations that offer a high quality of life, here are ten of the cheapest places to live in the world.

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1. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most affordable places to live, offering a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes.

Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi provide a mix of modern and traditional lifestyles, while smaller towns offer a slower pace of life.

• Cost of Living: A single person can live comfortably on around $1,000 to $1,200 monthly, including rent, utilities, food, and entertainment. Couples can live on $1,500 to $1,800.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $400 to $600 per month, while it’s even cheaper outside the city.
• Benefits: Excellent street food, friendly locals, cheap transportation, and beautiful natural attractions.
• Visa: Vietnam offers an easy visa process, and you can extend your visa up to 3 months for a longer stay.

2. Portugal

Portugal is becoming increasingly popular among expats due to its affordable cost of living, warm climate, and welcoming culture. The country offers stunning coastlines, historic cities, and a relaxed lifestyle.

• Cost of Living: A couple can live comfortably for about $2,000 to $2,500 per month, depending on the location and lifestyle. Lisbon is more expensive, but smaller cities like Porto or Faro are more affordable.
• Accommodation: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon can range from $700 to $1,200, while in smaller cities, it’s around $400 to $600.
• Benefits: Mild climate, excellent healthcare, high quality of life, and English is widely spoken.
• Visa: Portugal offers a D7 Visa for non-EU residents, making it easy to relocate, especially for those with passive income.

3. Mexico

Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with something for everyone – from bustling cities like Mexico City to laid-back beach towns like Tulum and Puerto Vallarta.

• Cost of Living: A single person can comfortably live in Mexico for about $1,200 to $1,500 per month or around $2,000 to $2,500 for a couple.
• Accommodation: Rent varies by location but expect to pay around $400 to $700 for a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood.
• Benefits: Delicious cuisine, vibrant culture, friendly locals, and easy access to the U.S. and Canada.
• Visa: Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa, allowing you to stay up to four years.

4. Thailand

Thailand is a favorite among digital nomads, retirees, and expats for its affordability, warm weather, and welcoming culture. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok offer modern amenities and a high standard of living at a fraction of the cost in Western countries.

• Cost of Living: A single person can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 monthly, while couples can manage on $1,800 to $2,200.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok costs around $500 to $800; in Chiang Mai, it’s as low as $300 to $500.
• Benefits: Fantastic street food, affordable healthcare, and an active expat community.
• Visa: Thailand offers a 10-year Visa scheme for retirees and long-term residents.

5. Colombia

Colombia is a beautiful country that offers a high quality of life at an affordable price. Cities like Medellín and Bogotá are known for their vibrant culture, friendly people, and year-round spring-like weather.

• Cost of Living: A single person can comfortably live on $1,000 to $1,500 per month, while a couple might spend around $1,800 to $2,200.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Medellín costs about $300 to $600.
• Benefits: Excellent healthcare, diverse landscapes, and a thriving expat community.
• Visa: Colombia offers a Retirement Visa and a Temporary Resident Visa, making it easy for expats to live long-term.

6. Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the cheapest places to live in Southeast Asia. Its low cost of living, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage make it a great place to live.

• Cost of Living: A single person can live comfortably on $800 to $1,200 monthly, while couples can manage on $1,500 to $1,800.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh costs around $250 to $500 monthly.
• Benefits: Affordable healthcare, plenty of expat communities, and stunning ancient temples.
• Visa: Cambodia offers a simple visa process for long-term stays with an easy renewal process.

7. Ecuador

Ecuador is an affordable destination in South America that offers diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches to rainforests. Cities like Cuenca are popular among expats for their charming colonial architecture and low cost of living.

• Cost of Living: A single person can comfortably live on $1,200 to $1,500 per month, or around $1,800 to $2,200 for a couple.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Cuenca costs about $300 to $500.
• Benefits: Low cost of living, affordable healthcare, and a warm climate year-round.
• Visa: Ecuador offers a Retirement Visa, a straightforward process for expats looking to stay long-term.

8. Nicaragua

Nicaragua is one of the most affordable countries in Central America. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lakes, and volcanoes. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking a low-cost lifestyle.

• Cost of Living: A single person can live comfortably on $800 to $1,200 monthly, while couples can manage on $1,400 to $1,800.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment costs around $200 to $500 monthly, depending on the location.
• Benefits: Stunning natural beauty, low cost of living, and a relaxed lifestyle.
• Visa: Nicaragua offers a Retirement Residency program, making relocating easier for retirees.

9. Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a European lifestyle at a fraction of the cost compared to Western European countries. It’s a great place for expats looking for an affordable life in Europe with a rich history and culture.

• Cost of Living: A single person can live comfortably on $900 to $1,200 monthly, while couples can manage on $1,500 to $2,000.
• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Sofia costs around $300 to $500.
• Benefits: Low taxes, beautiful scenery, and a well-connected transportation network.
• Visa: Bulgaria offers a long-term visa for those interested in staying more than 90 days.

10. Indonesia (Bali)

Bali, Indonesia, is a paradise for expats and digital nomads seeking a tropical lifestyle on a budget. The island offers beautiful beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and an active expat community.

• Cost of Living: A single person can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,400 per month, while couples might spend around $1,800 to $2,200.
• Accommodation: Depending on location and amenities, a one-bedroom villa or apartment can cost as little as $300 to $600 per month.
• Benefits: Warm weather year-round, delicious food, and a thriving digital nomad community.
• Visa: Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival and a Social-Cultural Visa, allowing longer stays.

Cheapest Place to Live In the World

Whether you’re looking to stretch your savings, live a more relaxed lifestyle, or simply experience a new culture, these ten countries offer some of the cheapest and most appealing options for living abroad.

From the vibrant culture of Vietnam to the tropical paradise of Bali, there’s a perfect destination for every budget and lifestyle.

Before making any decisions, be sure to research visa requirements, healthcare, and local customs to ensure a smooth transition into your new life abroad.