Are you seeking financial freedom without sacrificing comfort? Whether you’re planning to retire early, travel full-time, or just cut back on expenses, discovering the cheapest places to live can open the door to a fulfilling life at a fraction of the cost. From Latin America to Southeast Asia, there are countries offering both affordability and exceptional living standards.
20 Cheapest Places to Live Around The World
Moving to countries with low cost of living and high quality of life isn’t just about saving money—it’s about elevating your lifestyle. Many of these locations offer excellent healthcare, efficient transportation, delicious cuisine, and warm communities.
What’s even better? Several of these are among the cheapest places to live in the world that speak English, making integration even easier for expats.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
- Average Monthly Cost: $600–$800
- Why It’s Cheap: Low rent, inexpensive local produce, affordable transit
- Lifestyle & Culture: Tbilisi is a rising star for digital nomads and expats, thanks to its liberal visa policy and low living costs. The city combines old-world charm with hip cafes, co-working spaces, and rich history. English is increasingly spoken among young people, and the Georgian hospitality, unique cuisine (like khachapuri), and scenic landscapes offer an enriching experience. Georgia is fast becoming one of the top 10 cheapest countries to live under $1000/month.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$750
- Why It’s Cheap: Extremely low housing and food costs
- Lifestyle & Culture: A digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful and affordable lifestyle. With its mountainous surroundings, hundreds of Buddhist temples, and vibrant night markets, it’s both spiritual and fun. Co-working spaces, cafes with fiber internet, and friendly locals make it a favorite. It ranks consistently among the top 10 cheapest places to live in the world
3. Lviv, Ukraine
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$700
- Why It’s Cheap: Cheap rent, food, and public transport
- Lifestyle & Culture: Known for its European charm, Lviv is one of the cheapest cities in Europe. Despite the current political situation, western Ukraine remains calm and full of culture, art, and architecture. The coffee culture is strong, and the expat community is growing. Internet and utilities are affordable and reliable.
4. Medellín, Colombia
- Average Monthly Cost: $700–$900
- Why It’s Cheap: Inexpensive healthcare and housing
- Lifestyle & Culture: Once infamous, Medellín is now a thriving city known for its innovation, eternal spring climate, and metro system. Medellín is one of the cheapest places to live in the world that is safe. It has a booming expat community, modern amenities, and a unique culture rooted in Colombian hospitality. Affordable Spanish classes, excellent food, and vibrant nightlife make it a great long-term base.
5. Sofia, Bulgaria
- Average Monthly Cost: $650–$850
- Why It’s Cheap: Low cost of utilities and food
- Lifestyle & Culture: As one of the top 10 cheapest countries in the world, Bulgaria offers incredible value with decent infrastructure. Sofia is a blend of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and modern vibes. The city has great Wi-Fi, low rent, and a relaxed pace of life. English is widely spoken, especially in business and tech scenes.
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$700
- Why It’s Cheap: Budget-friendly street food and apartments
- Lifestyle & Culture: Hanoi offers a chaotic charm with its French colonial architecture, rich history, and thriving street food scene. With lively markets, lakeside parks, and countless cafés, it’s a feast for the senses. Many expats teach English here or work remotely. Healthcare and transportation are very affordable. Hanoi is a major contender on any cheapest countries to live list.
7. La Paz, Bolivia
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$650
- Why It’s Cheap: Low-cost public services and housing
- Lifestyle & Culture: As one of the highest capital cities in the world, La Paz offers breathtaking views and a truly unique cultural experience. With indigenous traditions and Spanish influences, the city is vibrant and eclectic. Local produce is very cheap, and transportation options like minibuses make getting around easy and inexpensive.
8. Bucharest, Romania
- Average Monthly Cost: $600–$850
- Why It’s Cheap: Budget rent and utility prices
- Lifestyle & Culture: Romania’s capital is rapidly modernizing while still offering a low cost of living. Bucharest has a buzzing tech scene, a growing startup culture, and affordable, fast internet. The nightlife is vibrant, and you can enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine at local prices. EU residency and healthcare are also perks for eligible expats.
9. Cebu, Philippines
- Average Monthly Cost: $600–$850
- Why It’s Cheap: Affordable rent, cheap domestic travel
- Lifestyle & Culture: Cebu blends urban convenience with island living. Known for its beaches and diving spots, It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in the world that speak English. Most locals speak English, and the cost of living is low, particularly outside the main city. The pace of life is slower, and the culture is deeply warm and community-focused.
10. Skopje, North Macedonia
Lifestyle & Culture: Skopje offers quirky charm and affordability in the heart of the Balkans. The city has a low cost of living with a mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern influences. Its expanding Wi-Fi infrastructure and lack of visa restrictions for many nationalities make it ideal for remote workers. Plus, the surrounding nature is perfect for weekend escapes.
Average Monthly Cost: $500–$700
Why It’s Cheap: Budget utilities, food, and rent
11. Pokhara, Nepal
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$700
- Why It’s Cheap: Low rent, affordable food, minimal transport costs
- Lifestyle & Culture: Known for its calm lakes, lush greenery, and panoramic Himalayan views, Pokhara is ideal for peace-seekers. Whether you’re into meditation, hiking, or just enjoying a slower pace of life, this lakeside town delivers serenity and affordability. Food and accommodation are very budget-friendly, and internet connectivity is improving steadily. Local culture is welcoming, with frequent festivals and spiritual events.
12. Penang, Malaysia
- Average Monthly Cost: $700–$900
- Why It’s Cheap: Low healthcare and living costs, subsidized public services
- Lifestyle & Culture: Often called Southeast Asia’s culinary capital, Penang blends modernity with tradition. The historic George Town is a hub for artists and freelancers, offering cozy cafes, affordable housing, and a solid expat network. The island’s healthcare is world-class and budget-friendly, and transportation is reliable. Multilingual locals (Malay, English, Tamil, and Chinese) make integration easy.
13. Cusco, Peru
- Average Monthly Cost: $600–$800
- Why It’s Cheap: Low cost of housing and local transport
- Lifestyle & Culture: Famous for being the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is a charming city where Incan heritage meets colonial Spanish influence. Markets brim with affordable produce, and traditional dishes like “lomo saltado” cost just a few dollars. The expat community is thriving due to tourism, and many English-speaking locals help ease the transition.
14. Oaxaca, Mexico
- Average Monthly Cost: $700–$900
- Why It’s Cheap: Inexpensive real estate and local produce
- Lifestyle & Culture: Oaxaca is rich in indigenous culture, vibrant street art, and culinary excellence. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s perfect for creative minds and culture lovers. Local rents are low, especially in neighborhoods outside the central tourist zone. The city also offers modern healthcare and infrastructure, balanced by a traditional Mexican vibe.
15. Krakow, Poland
- Average Monthly Cost: $800–$1,000
- Why It’s Cheap: Affordable rent and public transportation
- Lifestyle & Culture: Krakow has retained its old-world charm while offering modern conveniences. With its student population and emerging tech scene, it’s a great place for young expats and remote workers. Internet speeds are fast, coffee shops abound, and nightlife is bustling yet affordable. The city is walkable, and public transport is efficient and cheap. It’s also among the top 10 cheapest places to live in the world if you’re seeking safety, nightlife, and history.
16. Tunis, Tunisia
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$700
- Why It’s Cheap: Subsidized utilities, low rent, cheap food
- Lifestyle & Culture: Tunisia’s capital offers Mediterranean beauty with North African flair. With mild winters and warm summers, it’s a year-round destination. French and Arabic are widely spoken. Internet access is reasonable, and housing—especially outside the city center—is very affordable. It’s a great base for exploring ancient ruins and desert landscapes.
17. Belgrade, Serbia
- Average Monthly Cost: $700–$850
- Why It’s Cheap: Low entertainment and dining costs
- Lifestyle & Culture: Belgrade is one of Europe’s most exciting yet affordable capitals. It offers a rich history, energetic nightlife, and a growing digital nomad community. Apartments can be rented for as low as $300/month, and eating out is very affordable. Serbians are warm and hospitable, and English is widely spoken among the youth. A perfect example of how cheapest countries to live can offer rich experiences without rich budgets.
18. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
- Average Monthly Cost: $800–$1,000
- Why It’s Cheap: Abundance of cheap villas and food
- Lifestyle & Culture: Canggu is Bali’s go-to spot for digital nomads and surfers. With coworking spaces like Dojo and cafes that double as remote offices, it’s a haven for remote professionals. Despite a tourism boom, costs remain manageable if you eat local and live slightly off the beaten path. Yoga, surfing, and a vibrant wellness community add to its appeal.
19. Yerevan, Armenia
- Average Monthly Cost: $650–$800
- Why It’s Cheap: Affordable housing and services
- Lifestyle & Culture: Armenia’s capital is rapidly gaining popularity among remote workers due to its low cost of living, friendly visa policies, and strong internet connectivity. The city offers beautiful views of Mount Ararat, historic sites, and a lively café culture. English is becoming more common, especially among younger people.
20. Da Lat, Vietnam
- Average Monthly Cost: $500–$700
- Why It’s Cheap: Low real estate prices, budget-friendly lifestyle
- Lifestyle & Culture: Located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is often dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its mild climate. Known for its French colonial architecture and pine forests, it’s a popular destination for domestic and international travelers. It’s more peaceful than big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, making it ideal for those wanting a quiet, affordable life close to nature.
Bonus Picks: Cheapest Places to Live in the US
If you prefer staying domestic, here are a few cheapest places to live in the US where you can still enjoy an affordable lifestyle:
- Tulsa, Oklahoma – Offering remote worker incentives and affordable housing
- Knoxville, Tennessee – Low taxes and a thriving downtown
- Fort Wayne, Indiana – Ranked for its low cost and quality amenities
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Affordable big-city living with green spaces
- Huntsville, Alabama – Great for tech workers and nature lovers alike
FAQs
Conclusion: Your Next Destination Awaits
Choosing from the cheapest places to live in the world isn’t just about budget—it’s about aligning your lifestyle with your values. Whether you’re searching for the 10 cheapest countries to live under $1000/month, want to stay in the cheapest places to live in the US, or are drawn to the cheapest places to live in the world that speak English, there’s something out there for everyone. Take the first step toward a simpler, more rewarding life today.
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