15 Cheapest Countries to Live Abroad in 2025
How We Chose These Countries
This list is based on cost of living data from our Cost of Living Comparator, combined with practical considerations like visa accessibility, safety, internet quality, and overall quality of life for foreign residents. We focused on countries where expats and digital nomads can live comfortably on a modest budget — not just survive, but enjoy a good standard of living.
All budget estimates represent approximate monthly costs for a single person living a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle, including rent, food, transport, and basic entertainment. Your actual costs will depend on your location within the country, lifestyle choices, and personal spending habits.
Asia
Asia offers some of the most affordable destinations in the world for expats, with excellent food, warm climates, and increasingly good infrastructure for remote workers.
1. Vietnam
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,300
Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations for budget-conscious expats and digital nomads. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer vibrant urban lifestyles with excellent street food, affordable rent, and a growing number of co-working spaces. Da Nang, on the central coast, combines beach living with low costs.
Vietnam offers e-visas for many nationalities (typically 90 days). Longer-term visa options are more limited, so check the latest entry requirements. Internet speeds in major cities are generally reliable and fast.
Explore Vietnam on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
2. Cambodia
Approximate monthly budget: USD 700–1,200
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable countries. Phnom Penh has a growing expat scene, while Siem Reap offers a more relaxed pace near the Angkor temple complex. The country is notably easy to stay in long-term, with business visas that can be extended indefinitely.
The cost of living is very low, though infrastructure and healthcare are less developed than in neighbouring Thailand or Vietnam. Many expats use USD for daily transactions, as both currencies circulate widely.
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3. Thailand
Approximate monthly budget: USD 900–1,500
Thailand is the classic destination for affordable living abroad. Chiang Mai remains a digital nomad hub with low costs and a strong community, while Bangkok offers a more cosmopolitan experience at slightly higher prices. The islands (Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta) provide beach living on a budget.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa now provides a legitimate option for remote workers, though the income requirements are relatively high. Tourist visas and extensions remain common for shorter stays.
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4. Indonesia
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,400
Bali has become synonymous with the digital nomad lifestyle, offering affordable living, a huge international community, and a unique cultural experience. Beyond Bali, cities like Yogyakarta and Bandung offer even lower costs. Jakarta is more expensive but provides a true metropolitan experience.
Indonesia launched a digital nomad visa (B211A remote worker visa) that allows stays for remote workers. Visa options are evolving, so verify current requirements before planning your move.
Explore Indonesia on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
5. Nepal
Approximate monthly budget: USD 600–1,000
Nepal is one of the cheapest countries in the world for expats. Kathmandu and Pokhara have small but welcoming expat communities. The country offers incredible natural beauty, from the Himalayas to subtropical lowlands, and a low cost of living.
Internet can be inconsistent, particularly outside Kathmandu, which is worth considering if you work remotely. Tourist visas are available on arrival for most nationalities, with extensions possible.
Explore Nepal on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
Latin America
Latin America combines affordable living with rich cultures, diverse landscapes, and — in many countries — straightforward visa processes for long-term stays.
6. Colombia
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,400
Colombia has seen a surge in popularity among expats and digital nomads in recent years. Medellin’s year-round spring-like climate, affordable cost of living, and modern infrastructure make it a top choice. Bogota offers a larger city experience, while the Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta) provides beach living.
Colombia offers a digital nomad visa that allows stays of up to two years. The country’s improving safety, vibrant culture, and warm people make it increasingly attractive.
Explore Colombia on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
7. Ecuador
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,300
Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, which eliminates exchange rate concerns for American expats. Cuenca is particularly popular with retirees and expats, offering a pleasant climate, colonial architecture, and low living costs. Quito and the coastal city of Guayaquil are also affordable.
Ecuador offers relatively accessible residency options, including a retirement visa with modest income requirements.
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8. Mexico
Approximate monthly budget: USD 1,000–1,800
Mexico offers enormous variety, from the beaches of the Riviera Maya to the cultural richness of Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Guanajuato. Mexico City has become a major digital nomad destination, though rising demand has pushed up rents in popular neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa.
Mexico’s temporary resident visa is straightforward to obtain for many nationalities, and tourist entries allow stays of up to 180 days. The proximity to the United States and Canada makes it particularly convenient for North American expats.
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9. Argentina
Approximate monthly budget: USD 700–1,200
Argentina offers a high quality of life at low costs in dollar terms, though its volatile economy means prices can shift rapidly. Buenos Aires is a world-class city with European-influenced architecture, outstanding food and wine, and a vibrant cultural scene — all at a fraction of the cost of comparable European cities.
Argentina introduced a digital nomad visa (Rentista visa for remote workers) and the economic situation has made it particularly affordable for those earning in foreign currencies. Be aware that inflation and exchange rate fluctuations can affect your budget.
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10. Peru
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,300
Peru offers a rich cultural heritage, extraordinary cuisine, and diverse geography — from the Andes to the Amazon to the Pacific coast. Lima is the main hub for expats, with Cusco and Arequipa offering more affordable and scenic alternatives.
Peru is generally affordable, with low costs for food, transport, and entertainment. Tourist visas allow stays of up to 183 days, and various residency options are available for longer stays.
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Europe
While Europe is generally more expensive than Asia or Latin America, several countries in Eastern and Southern Europe offer a surprisingly affordable cost of living combined with EU or EU-adjacent benefits.
11. Bulgaria
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,300
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in the European Union. Sofia, the capital, has a growing tech scene and international community. Plovdiv, the second-largest city, is even more affordable and has a charming old town. Bulgaria joined the Schengen area, making travel within Europe seamless.
As an EU member state, Bulgaria offers straightforward residency options for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens can explore freelance visas and other residency pathways.
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12. Romania
Approximate monthly budget: USD 800–1,400
Romania offers fast internet (some of the fastest in Europe), a low cost of living, and a growing international community. Bucharest is the main hub, while Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara have vibrant tech sectors. Romania is an EU member state, providing access to the broader European market.
Romania introduced a digital nomad visa for non-EU remote workers, making it more accessible for longer stays.
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13. Georgia
Approximate monthly budget: USD 700–1,200
Georgia (the country, not the US state) has become a favourite among digital nomads for its extremely low cost of living, welcoming visa policies (visa-free entry for one year for citizens of many countries), and the “Remotely from Georgia” programme for remote workers.
Tbilisi offers an eclectic mix of ancient history and modern cafes, with a rapidly improving co-working scene. Georgian cuisine is outstanding, and the wine culture is among the oldest in the world.
Explore Georgia on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
14. Portugal
Approximate monthly budget: USD 1,200–2,000
Portugal is pricier than the Eastern European options on this list but remains affordable by Western European standards. Lisbon prices have risen, but cities like Porto, Braga, and the Algarve region offer better value. The D7 visa and digital nomad visa (D8) make Portugal accessible for remote workers and people with passive income.
Portugal offers excellent weather, safety, and a high quality of life. It is one of the most popular expat destinations in Europe for good reason.
Explore Portugal on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
15. Turkey
Approximate monthly budget: USD 700–1,200
Turkey offers a low cost of living, rich history, and a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia. Istanbul is a vibrant, world-class city where you can live well on a modest budget, while coastal cities like Antalya and Izmir offer beach living at even lower costs.
Turkey offers a residence permit for foreigners that is relatively straightforward to obtain. The Turkish lira’s depreciation has made the country particularly affordable for those earning in foreign currencies, though this also means prices for imported goods have risen.
Explore Turkey on RoamHub | Check visa requirements
Managing Your Money Abroad
Regardless of which country you choose, managing international finances efficiently is important for keeping costs down. Wise offers multi-currency accounts and international transfers at competitive exchange rates, making it a popular choice among expats worldwide.
For health and travel insurance, SafetyWing provides affordable coverage designed for nomads and remote workers, and World Nomads offers flexible travel insurance for adventurous travellers.
Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. See our disclaimer for details.
Start Comparing
Use our Cost of Living Comparator to compare any of these countries with your current location and see how far your budget could stretch.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Costs are approximate and can vary significantly based on lifestyle, location within each country, and economic conditions. Visa requirements change frequently — always verify the latest rules before making plans.
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