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Do you find yourself at work, writing on the keyboard, staring at the monitor, and wondering about all the things you are currently missing out on? Well, maybe it is time for a change. Are you tired from working a nine to five? Hopeless that there are no other options for you? Then the good news is that many adventures are waiting for you. Expensive is not part of the dictionary!
Here are the cheapest countries in the world to live in, so you can finally start living the life you want and deserve.
10 Cheapest Countries in the World to Live In
If you are one of those people who want to escape the dreading daily routine that you are stuck in, then currently, the cheapest countries that offer affordable living in gorgeous scenery and amazing experiences are:
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Vietnam
- South Africa
- Ecuador
- Costa Rica
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- Bulgaria
Philippines
Philippines is filled with over seven thousand islands. Yes, you heard that right – seven thousand islands! It is known as a tropical paradise, and living in paradise doesn’t sound too bad now, does it? Well, you can do that with very affordable prices if you are thinking about moving to Philippines.
See how to get a visa for Philippines.
Living costs in the Philippines.
The Philippines are not only beautiful but also very affordable. Here are the average costs of living in the Philippines:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $1,453 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $739 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $100 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $624 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $323 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $68 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $40 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $4 |
| Fast food meal | From $3 to $4 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | $2 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
| 12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Filipino cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $3 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2.50 to $3 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.25 |
| 1 bottle of wine | Around $10 |
| Bread | From $1 to $1.20 |
The Philippine Peso is the currency used in the Philippines, and the current ratio is $1 to ₱51.
Cheapest Cities in the Philippines
Dumaguete
Dumaguete, also known as the city of gentle people, got its name from the locals who are used to living in a calm and slow atmosphere. Dumaguete is known for its high number of universities and colleges.
Davao
Davao is one of the fastest-growing and safest cities to live in. It is known for its mixture of urban architecture with malls and shopping centers and nature, and is close to the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Apo.
Bacolod
Known as the city of smiles, Bacolod offers a business and technological lifestyle, perfect for anyone who wants to live in a developed part of the country.
Portugal
Home of seafood, tasty wine, and the heart of football, Portugal offers more than just an experience. The beaches, the year-long sunny and warm weather, will surely make you ache for more of it. Portugal has beautiful landscapes and kind-hearted people, so it comes as no surprise that many foreigners want to start living there. You may be wondering how they could afford to live there; well, Portugal is actually one of the cheapest countries to live in.
See how to get a visa to Portugal.
Costs of Living in Portugal
Here are the average costs of living in Portugal:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $1,296 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $884 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $138 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $840 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $663 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $115 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $34 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $10 |
| Fast food meal | $7 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2.50 to $3 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | Less than $1 |
| 12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
| Portuguese cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $4.50 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.30 |
| 1 bottle of wine | Around $5 |
| Bread | Less than $1 |
Portugal uses Euro as their currency, and the current ratio is $1 to 0.90€.
Cheapest Cities in Portugal
When people hear about Portugal, they think of an expensive Mediterranean paradise, however, that is not the case whatsoever when it comes to pricing. You can live in a beautiful city while saving a few bucks as well.
Leiria
As a small and hip city, Leiria offers tranquility and friendly people. Walking next to the river and the buzzing of cafes and restaurants will surely make you feel like you are part of Portugal. All of this for a budget of $732 to $1070 per month.
Aveiro
If you are looking for sun, warmth, and fun, Aveiro offers many beautiful beaches you can visit while living there. If you are looking for sunshine, you can live in Aveiro from $732 to $788 per month.
Portimão
One of the best cities in the Algarve and the warmest city in Portugal, Portimão is a perfect destination if you want year-long warmth. The monthly budget is $732 to $845 per month.
Vietnam
One of the cheapest countries to live in is definitely Vietnam. Moving to Vietnam could be a great option for those who want to experience the country’s unique culture and way of life on a more long-term basis. Vietnam offers a beautiful mixture between the ancient and the modern, and with its beautiful landscape, beaches, and history, it is an experience you will never forget.
If you want to feel the emotion that Vietnam offers for longer than just a visit, look no further. Vietnam has a lot of opportunities for you to start living comfortably and enjoy the Vietnamese lifestyle.
See how to get a visa to Vietnam.
Costs of Living in Vietnam
Here are the average costs of living in Vietnam:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | Around $1,000 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | Around $750 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $74 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $526 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $378 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $27 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $12 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | From $2 to $3 |
| Fast food meal | From $3 to $4 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| 12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Vietnamese cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $6 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2 to $3 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1 |
| 1 bottle of wine | Around $12 |
| Bread | From $1 to $1.50 |
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, and its current ratio is $1 to 22650.00₫.
Cheapest Cities in Vietnam
Hanoi
One of the most well-reviewed places by backpackers, Hanoi offers culture, history, and modernity. Hanoi is filled with museums, rivers, architecture, and wild nightlife, enough to make you want more. If you want to live with all of these qualities, Hanoi requires a monthly budget of $655.
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh is not only one of the cheapest cities in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia. The city is named after the communist leader with the same name, who led Vietnam into independence. If historical places are what you are looking for, Ho Chi Minh offers this experience for you for only $819 a month.
Hội An
Ancient and historical, Hội An is a perfect escape from the loud cities. You can be part of this calmness for $1,250 per month.
South Africa
Moving on to the heart and soul of Africa, South Africa offers a beautiful scenery that you can’t miss. Known as the “Rainbow Nation”, South Africa believes in togetherness and diversity, and foreigners love being part of this family feeling. Beautiful South Africa is one of the cheapest countries to live in, and that is a wonderful aspect as an addition to everything else it has to offer.
See how to get a visa to South Africa.
Costs of Living in South Africa
Here are the average costs of living in South Africa:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $996 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $722 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $85 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $584 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $416 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $53 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $49 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $8 |
| Fast food meal | From $3 to $4 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2 to $2.50 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
| 12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| South African cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | From $3.50 to $4 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2 to $3 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1.50 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.50 |
| 1 bottle of wine | Around $6 |
| Bread | Less than $1 |
The currency in South Africa is the South African rand. It is currently going for $1 to 15.6222 ZAR.
Cheapest Cities in South Africa
Johannesburg
Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg is the biggest city in South Africa. When you hear the name Johannesburg, you will immediately link it with finances and business as it is one of the 100 biggest urban cities in the world. The financial capital of South Africa, Johannesburg, is the perfect escape if you are looking for a fast-paced life.
Pretoria
Industrialized Pretoria offers an overview of one of the most developed cities in South Africa. The workforce is booming, and it is the cheapest place for buying property. If you are into industrialism and urbanism, living in Pretoria can be as cheap as 579$ a month.
Ecuador
From South Africa, we move to South America, in the heart of which Ecuador lies. If you love houses with Spanish colonial architecture, love the breezy weather, and walking on the archaic beaches, Ecuador is the perfect spot for you. If you love spring and want to experience it year-long, Ecuador has the perfect temperature from 60F, 70F, or at most 80F for a comfortable and relaxing feeling.
See how to apply for a visa to Ecuador.
Costs of Living in Ecuador
Here are the average of living in Ecuador:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $630 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $333 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $53 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $428 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $251 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $39 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $23 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $10 |
| Fast food meal | From $7 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2.50 to $3 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
| 12 eggs | From $1.50 to $2 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Ecuadorian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | From $4 to $4.50 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | $2 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1.50 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.50 |
| 1 bottle of wine | Around $15 |
| Bread | Less than $1 |
Ecuador uses the US Dollar as their currency.
Cheapest Cities in Ecuador
Santo Domingo
Full of forests and national parks, Santo Domingo is known for nature and fresh air. Home to many colorful birds and frogs, Santo Domingo is a beautiful and inviting place to live in. You can live in this colorful paradise for roughly $914 a month, including rent!
Cuenca
If you’re into fashion and interior, Cuenca is the heart of textile production. Cuenca is also known for exporting flowers to all corners of the world. If this sounds like your cup of tea, all you need is $1,600 a month to live comfortably.
Costa Rica
From caves to national parks and even waterfalls, delicious food, and vibrant colors, Costa Rica is the heart and soul of nature. Costa Rica is called the happiest place on earth and is known for its high life expectancy, and these sure are a selling point for everyone wanting to live there. The best part? It’s really cheap to live in Costa Rica!
Here is how to apply for a visa to Costa Rica.
Costs of Living in Costa Rica
Here is the average cost of living in Costa Rica:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $865 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $443 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $72 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $624 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $389 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $57 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $29 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $11 |
| Fast food meal | From $7 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $3 to $3.50 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1.20 |
| 12 eggs | From $2.50 to $3 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Costa Rican cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | From $4 to $4.50 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $3 to $3.50 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1.70 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.60 |
| 1 bottle of wine | Around $13 |
| Bread | $1.20 |
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón as their currency and the exchange ratio at the moment is $1 to ₡641.62
Cheapest Cities in Costa Rica
Liberia
If you are a cowboy at heart, and love seeing new animals that you have never seen before, Liberia will clench your thirst for new things. You can witness the wildlife and nature for only $754 a month.
La Zona de Los Santos
La Zona de Los Santos or The Zone of the Saints gives coffee lovers a beautiful scenery and quietness to set in. If tranquility is what you are after, it can be all yours for only $1,600 a month.
Malaysia
Islands, caves, temples, mountains, and even a prosperous city life, Malaysia has everything you need to move in. With wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and a new adventure every day, you will never feel bored for even a second in Malaysia. Malaysia is not only beautiful, but it is also one of the cheapest countries in the world. The required monthly budget for a comfortable life in Malaysia is around $1200 with rent.
See how to apply for a visa to Malaysia.
Costs of Living in Malaysia
Here is the average cost of living in Malaysia:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $686 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $421 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $75 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $428 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $273 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $53 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $29 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $4 |
| Fast food meal | From $3.50 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1.50 |
| 12 eggs | From $2 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Malaysian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | $7 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | $3 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $3 |
| 1 bottle of wine | $20 |
| Bread | Less than $1 |
The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit, and the conversion rate is currently $1 to RM4.20.
Cheapest Cities in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Yes, you read that right. The Metropol capital city of Malaysia is one of the cheapest cities to live in. Shopping centers, museums, botanical gardens, tall towers, China town, aquariums, theme parks, everything you can ever think of, you can find in Kuala Lumpur. You can experience all of these attractions for only $980 a month.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the second biggest city in Malaysia, and with that comes a lot of shopping malls and amusem*nt parks ready for you to enjoy. If you are a shopaholic or adrenaline junkie, you can live in Johor Bahru for roughly $900 a month.
Mexico
Tacos, burritos, taquitos, and tequila on a beautiful beach sounds like absolute paradise, right? Well, what if we told you that Mexico is actually one of the cheapest countries to live in. Yes, really!
See how to get a visa to Mexico.
Costs of living in Mexico
Here are the average costs of living in Mexico:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $931 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $450 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $52 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $541 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $296 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $38 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $19 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $12 |
| Fast food meal | $6 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | Around $3 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
| 12 eggs | From $1.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Mexican cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $3 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $2.50 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.20 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | $1.20 |
| 1 bottle of wine | $13 |
| Bread | $1 |
Mexico uses the Peso as their currency, and the current ratio is US$1 to Mex$20.50.
Cheapest Cities in Mexico
San Cristóbal de las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas has a lot of positive boom going around it. The people are amazing, the food is immaculate, it is one of the safest cities to live in, and it offers many attractions for a very low price of $724.
Cancún
When you ask most people what they think of when you mention the word paradise or what their happy place would look like, they will say a blue crystal clear water on a white sandy beach. And that is precisely what Cancún is. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and fantastic weather, living in paradise is not expensive at all. And the best part is that you can live in Cancún for only $1,057 per month.
Indonesia
If the Philippines blew your mind with 7,000 islands, wait until you hear about Indonesia. It has around 17,000 beautiful islands that are waiting for you to visit and even live on them! Expensive, you say? Well, that is not the case whatsoever since Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries in the world to live in!
See how to get a visa to Indonesia.
Costs of living in Indonesia
Here are the average costs of living in Indonesia:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $1,115 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $626 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $50 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $425 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $256 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $34 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $19 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | Around $3 |
| Fast food meal | Around $4 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | Around $2 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
| 12 eggs | From $1.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
| Indonesian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $4.50 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $3 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.40 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $2.50 |
| 1 bottle of wine | $24 |
| Bread | $1.20 |
The currency used in Indonesia is Indonesian rupiah, and the exchange value is $1 to Rp14,356.60.
Cheapest Cities in Indonesia
Solo/Surakarta
Home of museums, culture art, and the art of batik, Surakarta, also known as Solo, will give you a home feeling for a monthly budget of only $526.
Yogyakarta
Culture and religion Yogyakarta is the perfect depiction of Indonesia. It is known for its beautiful and mesmerizing temples, and it provides the peace and calmness that one needs when wanting to escape a daily routine.
Bulgaria
As part of the European Union, Bulgaria is filled with culture, tradition, history, and folklore. If the fast-paced city life has got you feeling down, Bulgaria is a fantastic change of pace for you! Not only the oldest country in Europe, but Bulgaria is also one of the cheapest to live in.
See how to get a visa to Bulgaria.
Costs of living in Bulgaria
Here are the average costs of living in Bulgaria:
| Housing | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $617 |
| 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $404 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $107 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $406 |
| 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $274 |
| Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $66 |
| Internet 8 Mbps | $8 |
| Food | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic lunch menu + a drink | $9 |
| Fast food meal | $5 |
| Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | Around $3 |
| Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | $1.30 |
| 12 eggs | From $1.50 |
| Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | $1.50 |
| Bulgarian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | $4 |
| Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | $1.50 |
| Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $0.50 |
| Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | $0.70 |
| 1 bottle of wine | $13 |
| Bread | $0.40 |
Bulgarians use lev as their currency, and the current exchange ratio is $1 to лв1.73.
Cheapest Cities in Bulgaria
Plovdiv
Historical and antique architecture will follow you the moment you step into Plovdiv. The quiet city and kind people are perfect for people looking to escape from the busy city life. You can live in Plovdiv for very cheap, and it will only cost you around $679 a month.
Bansko
Mountains, snow, skiing, snowboarding, and adrenaline rush pure. Bansko is heaven for people who love winter and the snow. Bansko is small and comfortable and is perfect for mountain lovers to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the available winter sports. You only need about $700 a month to be part of this snowy paradise.
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