Have you ever dreamt of living in a country where all your living expenses are under $1,000?
Well, if you have, then you’ll be pleased to know that the countries listed below offer exactly that!
This list has been created based on accommodation and living expenses per month, for a single person living on their own.
From countries in the Far East to tropical paradises in Central America, these are the 10 cheapest countries to live in worldwide.
Enjoy!
Table of Contents
The 10 Cheapest Countries to Live in Worldwide
The list of countries and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Forbes, Wikipedia & Nomad List.
These are the 10 cheapest countries to live in worldwide:
10. Cambodia
Cost: $812/Month
Kicking off our list of the cheapest countries to live in worldwide, is Cambodia.
Cambodia is centrally located in South East Asia and is also known as “Kampuchea, or the Kingdom of Cambodia.
It’s approximately 181,035 square kilometres in area and borders Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & The Gulf Of Thailand.
Cambodia’s capital city is Phnom Penh and its total population is around sixteen million people.
Overall, the cost of living in Cambodia is very cheap, costing under $1,000 a month.
Renting a small one-bedroom studio apartment in one of the cheapest cities in Cambodia, Sihanoukville, will cost you around $246 a month, or $32 a night in an Airbnb.
The currency in Cambodia is called “Riel” (KHR), and roughly 97.7% of the population practice Buddhism.
9. Thailand
Cost: $679/Month
Thailand is the ninth cheapest country to live in worldwide.
Officially called The Kingdom of Thailand, and previously called Siam, Thailand is a country located in the centre of South-East Asia and has 76 provinces.
At over 513,120km², Thailand is the fiftieth largest country in the world, with a total population of just over sixty-nine million people.
A one-bedroom studio apartment in one of the cheapest cities, Udon Thani, will cost you around $199 a month, or $40 a night in an Airbnb.
Thailands capital city is Bangkok, the currency is Thai Baht and 94.50% of the population are Buddhists.
8. Malaysia
Cost: $588/Month
Next on the list is Malaysia, costing as little as $588 a month for basic accommodation and living expenses.
Like the previous two countries, Malaysia is also located in South East Asia, and borders, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Malaysia consists of thirteen states and three federal territories, which are separated by the South China Sea into two regions.
The regions, the Peninsular of Malaysia and East Malaysia, are of similar size and the total area of Malaysia is 330,803km².
Malaysia’s has a total population of 31.6 million people and Kuala Lumpur is its capital city.
When booking accommodation, you’ll be looking at spending around $209 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in one of the cheapest cities, like Kota Kinabalu, or $35 a night for an Airbnb.
In Malaysia, you can enjoy a beer for around $1,57, a coffee for $0.60 and a basic meal out dinner out for $1.69.
7. Mexico
Cost: $587/Month
Mexico can be found in the southernmost portion of the United States.
As well as boarding the U.S., it also borders the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, Belize, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Mexico is the fifth-largest nation in the Americas, covering an approximate 2,000,000 km², and the thirteenth-largest state.
It has a current population of just over 129 million people and Mexico City is its capital.
83% of the population is Catholic and Mexico’s currency is Pesos (MXN).
A month in a one-bedroom studio apartment, in one of the cheapest cities in Mexico, Queretaro, will cost you around $256 a month, or $24 a night in an Airbnb.
When it comes to the essentials, like beer, coffee and eating out, you’re looking at spending around $1.54 for a beer, $1 for a coffee and $3.10 for a meal out.
6. Peru
Cost: $543/Month
The sixth cheapest country in the world to live in is Peru.
For an average living cost of around $543 a month, this Spanish speaking country is well worth checking out if you’re looking for a cheap place to live.
Peru is a country located in the western part of South America. It borders, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean.
Its current population is 32.17 million people, spread over a total area of 1,285,216 km².
73.7% of its population is Roman Catholic and the Peruvian currency is Sol (Pen).
When booking your accommodation, you’ll be looking at spending around $198 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, or $24 a night for an Airbnb. These prices are based on the city of Arequipa.
Whilst you’re there, you going to need to eat and drink. A normal size beer will cost you around $1.47, a coffee is approximately $0.98 and a meal out can be as little as $2.94.
5. Argentina
Cost: $542/Month
Coming in at number five on our list is Argentina.
A mere $542 a month can get a single person accommodation and living expenses for a whole month in one of the cheapest cities in Argentina, Salta.
Argentina is another Spanish speaking country, located in the southern half of South America.
It borders, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, the South Atlantic Ocean and the Drake Passage.
Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second largest after Brazil, with a total population of just over 44 million people and covering a mainland area of 2,780, 400 km².
If you’re considering living in Argentina, as it’s one of the cheapest countries in the world; then you’ll be pleased to know that you can get a one-bedroom apartment for $100 a month, or roughly $27 a night depending on the time of year. This will be located in the city of Salta.
A meal out will cost you approximately $1.70, beer is around $0.80 and coffee is roughly $0.55.
4. Vietnam
Cost: $500/Month
Vietnam will cost you all of $500 to live in for an entire month, as it’s one of the cheapest countries in the world by far.
It’s the easternmost country on the South-East Asian Indochinese Peninsula and shares borders with China, Laos and Cambodia.
Vietnam has approximately 95.5 million people living across a total of 331,212 km².
Its capital city is Hanoi, but Ho Chi Minh city is its most populated city.
When choosing a place to stay in Vietnam, the cheapest city, Nah Trang, will cost you around $259 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city, or $24 a night in an Airbnb.
All your other essentials like food, beer and coffee will cost approximately, $0.58 for a coffee, $0.86 for a beer and $1.73 for a meal out.
There are lots of cheap things to do to keep you busy in Vietnam, and once you’ve been living there for a while, like most places on the list, you’ll probably be able to find even cheaper accommodation and activities.
3. Nepal
Cost: $450/Month
Breaking the $500 a month mark is Nepal, which is the third cheapest country to live in worldwide.
Nepal is located in South-East Asia, mainly in the Himalayas, but also includes parts in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
It has a total current population of 29.3 million people living across a total landmass of 147,181km².
Bordering China and India, Nepal is the forty-eighth largest country by population and the ninety-third largest country by area in the world.
$164 will get you a one-bedroom studio apartment in one of Nepal’s cheapest cities, Pokhara; or you’ll spend approximately $23 a night in an Airbnb.
One beer will cost you around $1, coffee is approximately $0.73 and a meal out can cost around $2.08.
2. Bolivia
Cost: $431/Month
Bolivia is a landlocked country, located in the western part of South-America.
Its current population is approximately 11.05 million people living across a total area of 1,098,581km².
The capital city of Bolivia is Sucre, and Bolivia is made up of a multiethnic society, including, American Indians, Africans, Asians, Europeans and Mestizos.
Bolivia is the fifth largest country in South America and the 27th largest country in the world.
For those of you that speak Spanish, you’ll be pleased to know that Spanish is the official and predominant language of Bolivia; however, there are also thirty-six other indigenous languages spoken in the country.
A one-bedroom studio apartment in La Paz, one of the cheapest cities in Bolivia, will cost you around $145 a month, or $23 a night in an Airbnb.
Both beer and coffee are around about $1 each, and you certainly won’t break the bank when eating out, as a typical meal will cost you all of $2.
1. Indonesia
Cost: $340/Month
The cheapest place to live in, worldwide, is Indonesia.
Indonesia, or the Republic of Indonesia, is located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, in South-East Asia.
Home to approximately 17,000 islands, it’s the worlds largest island country and has a total population of 264 million people, which also makes it the worlds 4th most populated country.
There are certain places in Indonesia, like Bali and Jakarta that are more comparable on price to other major western cities around the world.
However, places like Senggigi in Lombok can provide you with accommodation and living expenses for as little as $340 a month.
You’re looking at paying approximately $142 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment, or $12 a night for a hotel.
The luxury essentials like beer, coffee and coconuts cost as little as $0.89 for a beer, $0.10 for a coconut, $0.71 for coffee and $1.77 for a meal out.
Indonesia is the cheapest country to live in worldwide.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 cheapest countries to live in worldwide. If you liked this list, then check out our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in as well.
How about that, $340 a month for all your accommodation and living expenses, that’s amazing, right?
And, to top it off, you’ll also be living on a tropical paradise island!
So, you can sip coconuts and go to the beach whenever you want. How good is that?!
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 cheapest countries to live in worldwide:
- Indonesia – $340
- Bolivia – $431
- Nepal – $450
- Vietnam – $500
- Argentina – $542
- Peru – $543
- Mexico – $587
- Malaysia – $588
- Thailand – $679
- Cambodia – $812
Which of these cheapest countries could you live in? Leave a comment below.
FAQs
Which country has lowest cost of living? ›
- Thailand. #1 in Affordable. #28 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Vietnam. #2 in Affordable. #47 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- India. #3 in Affordable. #31 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Philippines. #4 in Affordable. ...
- Indonesia. #5 in Affordable. ...
- Malaysia. #6 in Affordable. ...
- China. #7 in Affordable. ...
- Mexico. #8 in Affordable.
You can find the cheapest countries in the world. You can find the safest countries to live in. But if you want both, Eastern Europe (Georgia, Serbia, Belarus, Armenia) is a great place to start. If you know what you're doing in Asia, places like Taiwan and Malaysia are also very safe and reasonably affordable.
Where is the cheapest place in the world to live comfortably? ›1. COLOMBIA. One of the main benefits of living in Colombia is the low cost of living. And what's more, it's a low cost of living in a country that offers many of the first-world amenities and infrastructure that you'd expect in a much more expensive location.
What is the cheapest English speaking country to live in? ›- St. Lucia.
- Jamaica.
- Dominica.
- Canada.
- Barbados.
- Malta.
- St. Kitts and Nevis.
- The United Kingdom.
- Sandpoint, ID.
- Gulfport, FL.
- Montpelier, VT.
- San Marcos, TX.
- Greenville, SC.
- Canandaigua, NY.
- Port Townsend, WA.
- Logan, UT.
- Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
- Kansas. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Oklahoma. ...
- Georgia. ...
- Tennessee. ...
- Missouri. ...
- Iowa.
Which are the easiest countries to immigrate to from the US? Portugal, Malta and Spain are some of the easiest countries to relocate to from the United States. American citizens can either gain permanent residency or apply for citizenships via each country's Citizenship by Invest programs.
What is the best country to move to from the US? ›But there are many more: check our Best countries to move from the USA list. Greece, Cyprus, Andorra, Portugal, the Caribbean and Malta are among the most favourable places for US expats.
What is the easiest country to move to? ›- 1.1. 1 – United States.
- 1.2. 2 – Canada.
- 1.3. 3 – Germany.
- 1.4. 4 – Australia.
- 1.5. 5 – Portugal.
- Jackson, Mississippi. Average weather summer: 73°F to 92°F.
- Birmingham, Alabama. Average weather summer: 72°F to 90°F. ...
- Shreveport, Louisiana. Average weather summer: 72°F to 90°F. ...
- Memphis, Tennessee. Average weather summer: 74°F to 91°F. ...
- Columbus, Georgia. ...
- Mobile, Alabama. ...
- Little Rock, Arkansas. ...
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ...
What countries can I live in if I only know English? ›
...
15 Expat Countries that Speak English (and Make Sense Tax-Wise)
- Bahamas. ...
- Belize. ...
- Bermuda. ...
- Dominica. ...
- Gibraltar. ...
- Ireland. ...
- Isle of Man. ...
- Jersey.
Panama. Panama topped the Global Retirement Index by International Living. To your advantage, the country makes several moves to attract expats. For instance, the government won't tax income earned outside the U.S. This can benefit you if you continue to invest in a retirement plan you opened in America.
What is the safest free country to live in? ›Iceland, with a score of 1.107, has held this position on the GPI for over a decade. The GPI scores countries based on level of societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict and degree of militarization.
Which country has the least crime? ›1. Iceland. Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is also the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. With a low homicide rate, low level of violent crime, and limited access to small arms, Iceland is truly a peaceful country for its residents and visitors.
Which country is best for living? ›- Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
- Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
- Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
- Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
- Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
- Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.
- San Diego, California.
- Hartford, Connecticut.
- Portland, Maine.
- Reno, Nevada.
- Fort Collins, Colorado.
- Boston, Massachusetts.
- Madison, Wisconsin.
- Trenton, New Jersey.
Atlanta, Georgia is the best place to live in the U.S. in 2022 because of its booming jobs market and eye on equality.
Where is the easiest place to start a new life? ›- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Anyone looking for a fresh start will find a kindred spirit in Pittsburgh itself. ...
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. ...
- Salt Lake City, Utah. ...
- Jacksonville, Florida. ...
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ...
- Cleveland, Ohio. ...
- Denver, Colorado. ...
- Nashville, Tennessee.
Overall, renters have experienced a 15% increase in housing costs since February 2021. As mortgage rates rise, it becomes more expensive to buy, which boosts demand for rentals and allows landlords to charge more. Tulsa, Oklahoma has the cheapest rent in the U.S.
What is the best state to live in financially? ›Best to Worst States: What Is the Range of Economic Conditions? Washington State was found to be the best state to live in, while Hawaii ranked last. The chief benefits offered by Washington are an average median income that ranks fourth nationally and the fact that it has no state income tax.
What's the cheapest state to buy a house? ›
The cheapest state to buy a house in the US is West Virgina, with an average home there costing $129,103. That number is almost $30,000 less than average home price in the next cheapest state, Mississippi ($157,828), and less than half the US national average of $344,141, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
What is the safest country for Americans to live? ›- Australia: Safe, Beautiful and Secure. ...
- Japan: Safety in Cities and Beyond. ...
- Portugal: Culture, Lower Cost of Living, and Safety. ...
- Why Canada is So Safe. ...
- Denmark: A Safe Country in Europe. ...
- Singapore: Safety, With Restrictions. ...
- New Zealand: Safety for All.
...
As of February 2023, US passport holders can travel visa free to 143 countries and territories:
- Albania.
- American Samoa.
- Andorra.
- Anguilla.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Argentina.
- Armenia.
- Aruba.
A new Australian study ranked Canada as the most popular relocation destination.
Which country gives citizenship easily? ›Many countries allow you to acquire permanent residency or citizenship. You can become a permanent resident via investments, marriage, naturalisation, etc. Some easiest countries to get citizenship to include Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, Thailand, Australia and Ireland.
Which country welcomes immigrants the most? ›- Canada.
- Australia.
- New Zealand.
- Germany.
- United Kingdom.
- United States.
- UAE.
- Norway.
- Global Talent visa :https://youtu.be/QWAYtsLf5uI.
- High Potential Visa :https://youtu.be/zncrBiq1SXI.
- New Zealand :https://youtu.be/8VeCx4w2DS8.
- Austria: https://youtu.be/-fIX2laFdZk.
What state has the best weather? Many cities in southern and central California like San Diego and Santa Barbara have year-round temperatures typically between 60 and 85 degrees and see little rainfall, making California the state with the best weather!
What country Cannot speak English well? ›These include China, The Gambia, Malawi, Colombia, Swaziland, Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Algeria, Uganda, Yemen, Chile and Tanzania. We also used the EF English Proficiency Index, which ranks countries according to their English language proficiency.
Who speaks best English in the world? ›Can you collect Social Security if you live abroad? ›
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them.
Where can you live on $1,000 dollars a month? ›- Argentina. The cost of living in Argentina is up to 60% less than in the United States. ...
- Croatia. Croatia doesn't get enough credit as a budget-friendly destination for expats. ...
- Grenada. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Zimbabwe.
1. Portugal. Portugal has ranked as the best country to retire to in the world for four years in a row, with this year scoring a staggering 87.43 out of 100 points.
What country can I live in for $1000 a month? ›- Argentina. The cost of living in Argentina is up to 60% less than in the United States. ...
- Croatia. Croatia doesn't get enough credit as a budget-friendly destination for expats. ...
- Grenada. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Zimbabwe.
- Vietnam.
- South Africa.
- Ecuador.
- Costa Rica.
- Malaysia.
- Mexico.
- Indonesia.
- Bulgaria.
United States is 16.4% more expensive than Norway.
What country can I live like a king? ›- Cuenca, Ecuador. ...
- Coronado, Panama. ...
- San José, Costa Rica. ...
- Koh Samui, Thailand. ...
- Vienna, Austria. ...
- Capetown, South Africa. ...
- Merida, Mexico. ...
- Montevideo, Uruguay.
Country | Overall Ranking | Insider Monkey |
---|---|---|
Canada | 1 | 1 |
New Zealand | 2 | 4 |
Mexico | 3 | 6 |
Australia | 4 |
Albinen, Switzerland
The urgency of bringing this figure up is why the Swiss government has started paying people to relocate there. Families who move to Albinen can expect to receive up to 25,000 Swiss francs (almost $27,000) per adult, and up to 10,000 francs (almost $11,000) per child.
- Portugal. Cost of Living Index: 42.18. ...
- Malaysia. Cost of Living Index: 34.41. ...
- Spain. Cost of Living Index: 47.51. ...
- Costa Rica. Cost of Living Index: 43.65. ...
- Panama. Cost of Living Index: 48.25. ...
- Czechia (The Czech Republic) Cost of Living Index: 44.33. ...
- Peru. ...
- Slovenia.
Can an American just move to Norway? ›
The exact circumstances for how to move to Norway from a non EU/EEA country will depend on your country of citizenship (find more information here), but essentially you will need to apply for a residence permit that will fall under one of these categories: family immigration, work immigration, study, au pair, and ...
Can a US citizen retire to Norway? ›Although there is no retirement visa, Norway does grant citizenship and permanent residence visas. To obtain permanent residence, a person must meet several criteria, including an annual income of at least NOK 191,422, or about $21,300. Applicants must also learn Norwegian and pass the relevant tests.
What is minimum wage in Norway? ›Because Norway does not have a minimum wage, there is no mandatory minimum rate of pay for workers in Norway. Pay rates must be agreed upon directly with the employer through collective bargaining or other means of negotiating a fair living wage.