The global cost of living crisis has left many people searching for affordable destinations where their money can go further. Whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, or simply someone looking to escape high living costs, there are still places on Earth where you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a tight budget. These destinations offer not just cheap rent and food, but also vibrant cultures, good infrastructure, and welcoming communities that make the trade-offs worthwhile.
Vietnam: Southeast Asia’s Hidden Gem for Budget Living
Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest places to live in the world, with the cost of living being roughly two-thirds lower than in the United States. In cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, average housing costs range from $250 to $400 per month, while smaller cities like Da Nang offer comfortable living for around $800 to $1,200 monthly total budget. A fully furnished apartment can be rented for as little as $300 per month, and street food meals cost under $2. The country offers excellent internet infrastructure, making it perfect for digital nomads, while the warm climate and rich culture provide an exceptional quality of life.
Albania: Europe’s Best-Kept Budget Secret
Even using Airbnb for convenience, you can find a nice two-bedroom apartment in Tirana for under $800 a month. The beaches of Albania look remarkably similar to those in Greece, yet apartment and restaurant prices drop in half when crossing the border, and getting off the main tourist route makes Albania even more affordable. Americans can stay for a full year on just a tourist visa, making it an excellent Schengen Zone alternative for nomads wanting to spend more than three months in Europe. The country offers a stunning Adriatic coastline, mountain landscapes, and a growing expat community.
Bulgaria: EU Living at Bargain Prices
Bulgaria remains a country where you can still find a nice apartment for less than $500 a month in most cities, with cities like Plovdiv and Sofia allowing you to live well for less than $800 monthly while being part of the EU. Sofia offers rental rates of $300 to $500, and groceries cost about $200 monthly. A visit to the doctor generally runs between 15 and 50 euros, haircuts cost around two dollars, and the amazing subway and tram system in Sofia makes getting around cheap and easy. The country provides both mountain recreation and Black Sea beaches, offering diverse lifestyle options.
Indonesia: Tropical Paradise on a Shoestring
Expats in big cities like Jakarta and Bali only need to spend around $500 to $600 per month on living costs for a single person, and with $1,000 you can live very comfortably, as the cost of living is 57% lower than in the UK and 62% lower than in the US. In smaller cities like Makassar, estimated monthly expenses for a single individual are around $300. In Bali, renting a villa with a pool can cost as little as $500 per month, and local food like Nasi Goreng costs just $1.50. The archipelago offers pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.
Mexico: Affordable Living Close to Home
Mexico ranks first in the 2025 Expat Insider survey for best countries for living abroad, featuring a lower cost of living, proximity to the US and Canada, and rich culture. With rent as low as $400 in some areas and tacos for less than $1, Mexico offers a temporary resident visa making it easier for expats to stay long-term. A family of three can live on $2,100 a month in cities like Guanajuato, while couples typically spend $1,500 to $1,800 monthly for a comfortable lifestyle. The country provides excellent healthcare, diverse climates, and easy access to North American amenities.
Thailand: The Digital Nomad Paradise
Popular cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok offer vibrant lifestyles with average monthly living costs of $800, and the cost of living is about 50% lower than in the United States. Rent for a fully furnished 65 square meter apartment just a short walk from the beach costs under $600, while lunch at a local café costs just $4. Thailand launched its Destination Thailand Visa in 2025, offering five-year access with 180-day stays per entry for approximately $280, specifically targeting digital nomads and remote workers. The country combines affordability with excellent infrastructure and world-class entertainment options.
Montenegro: Adriatic Charm Without the Price Tag
Even living by the sea, it’s not expensive to rent an apartment here, with Numbeo estimating monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Herceg Novi at $708. Living costs are estimated to be half what you’d spend in Spain. There’s only one place where you’ll deal with crowds of tourists, on the gorgeous Bay of Kotor. This small Balkan nation offers dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and a growing but still intimate expat community that hasn’t been overwhelmed by mass tourism.
Living well on less than $800 per month is absolutely possible in these seven destinations, each offering unique advantages from tropical beaches to European culture. Quality of life in these affordable destinations is often high, with expats enjoying vibrant cultures, rich histories, and a slower pace of life. The key is choosing the destination that matches your climate preferences, visa requirements, and lifestyle priorities rather than simply picking the cheapest option available.