Cheapest Places to Live Abroad in 2026
The math for living abroad has never been more compelling. Remote work has untethered millions of professionals from specific cities. Retirement savings stretch two to three times further in the right country. And the infrastructure in many affordable destinations -- fast internet, modern healthcare, international food -- has caught up with or surpassed what you find in mid-tier American or European cities.
This guide covers 15 of the cheapest places to live abroad in 2026, with real monthly cost breakdowns, visa options, internet speeds, safety considerations, and the honest trade-offs of each destination. These are not theoretical numbers. They are based on current expatriate reports, Numbeo data, and direct experience from our contributor network.
How We Calculated Costs
Every monthly budget assumes:
- One person living a comfortable (not luxury, not backpacker) lifestyle
- A private apartment (studio or one-bedroom) in a safe, central neighborhood
- Eating a mix of home-cooked meals and local restaurants (not exclusively tourist restaurants)
- Basic healthcare coverage or access
- Reliable internet for remote work
- Local transport (not owning a car)
The 15 Cheapest Places to Live Abroad
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Monthly budget: $800-1,200
Visa: Tourist visa (60 days, extendable), Education visa, Thailand LTR visa for remote workers
Chiang Mai has been the unofficial capital of budget expat life for over a decade, and it continues to earn that title. The city combines genuine Thai culture, a thriving international community, excellent food, and rock-bottom costs.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $250-400 |
| Food (mix of street food and cooking) | $200-300 |
| Transport (scooter rental) | $80-120 |
| Utilities + Internet | $50-80 |
| Healthcare (private clinic visits) | $20-50 |
| Coworking space | $80-150 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 100-300 Mbps (fiber widely available)
Safety: Very safe for expats. Petty theft exists but violent crime is rare.
Trade-offs: Air quality is poor during burning season (February-April). Visa runs every 60-90 days can be tedious. The monsoon season (June-October) brings daily rain.
2. Medellin, Colombia
Monthly budget: $1,000-1,500
Visa: Tourist visa (90 days, extendable to 180), Digital Nomad Visa (2 years)
Medellin has transformed from a notorious city into one of Latin America's most livable destinations. The Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods cater to expats with excellent infrastructure, while the city's spring-like climate (70-80F year-round) eliminates heating and cooling costs.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, Laureles) | $350-550 |
| Food | $250-400 |
| Transport (Metro + walking) | $30-50 |
| Utilities + Internet | $60-90 |
| Healthcare (EPS public system) | $30-80 |
| Coworking space | $100-180 |
| Miscellaneous | $120-180 |
Internet speed: 50-200 Mbps
Safety: Improving steadily but awareness is needed, especially at night. Stick to well-known neighborhoods.
Trade-offs: Spanish is essential for daily life outside expat bubbles. Bureaucracy is slow. Some neighborhoods are gentrifying rapidly, pushing up rents.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Monthly budget: $700-1,100
Visa: Visa-free for 1 year for most nationalities (US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia)
Georgia is the sleeper pick on this list. Tbilisi offers an astonishing combination of affordability, safety, cultural richness, and one of the most generous visa policies in the world. You can stay for an entire year without any visa paperwork.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $250-400 |
| Food | $150-250 |
| Transport (metro and bus) | $15-25 |
| Utilities + Internet | $40-70 |
| Healthcare (private) | $30-60 |
| Wine (seriously, budget for this) | $30-50 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 30-100 Mbps
Safety: Very safe. Georgia has a low crime rate and a strong police presence.
Trade-offs: Winter is cold (but not extreme). Georgian language is challenging. The economy is small, limiting local job opportunities. Summers can be hot in the city.
4. Da Nang, Vietnam
Monthly budget: $700-1,100
Visa: E-visa (90 days), multiple entry options available
Da Nang sits on Vietnam's central coast with beautiful beaches, a modern cityscape, and a growing digital nomad community. It is less chaotic than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City while offering similar affordability.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, near beach) | $250-400 |
| Food | $150-250 |
| Transport (motorbike rental) | $50-80 |
| Utilities + Internet | $40-60 |
| Healthcare | $20-40 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 50-150 Mbps
Safety: Very safe. Vietnam has low crime rates overall.
Trade-offs: Typhoon season (September-November) brings heavy rain and occasional flooding. English proficiency is limited outside tourist areas. Air quality can be poor during certain months.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Monthly budget: $1,000-1,600
Visa: Tourist visa (180 days on arrival), Temporary Resident Visa (1-4 years)
Mexico City is one of the world's great cities, full stop. World-class museums, food that rivals any culinary capital, vibrant neighborhoods, and a cost of living that makes New York or London look absurd. The Roma Norte and Condesa neighborhoods are expat favorites, but areas like Coyoacan and San Rafael offer even better value.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, Roma/Condesa) | $400-700 |
| Food | $250-400 |
| Transport (Metro, Metrobus, Uber) | $40-80 |
| Utilities + Internet | $50-80 |
| Healthcare (private) | $40-80 |
| Miscellaneous | $150-200 |
Internet speed: 50-200 Mbps
Safety: Neighborhood-dependent. Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacan are safe and well-patrolled. Exercise normal urban awareness.
Trade-offs: Altitude (7,350 ft) causes adjustment headaches for some. Traffic is legendary. Earthquake risk exists. The gentrification debate is real and worth understanding.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Monthly budget: $1,400-2,000
Visa: D7 Passive Income Visa, Digital Nomad Visa (requires proof of income)
Lisbon is the most expensive city on this list, but it earns its spot because it offers Western European quality of life at a fraction of Paris or London prices. The food, weather, culture, safety, and walkability are exceptional.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $700-1,000 |
| Food | $300-450 |
| Transport (Metro pass) | $45 |
| Utilities + Internet | $80-120 |
| Healthcare (SNS public) | $30-60 |
| Miscellaneous | $150-250 |
Internet speed: 100-500 Mbps (Portugal has excellent fiber infrastructure)
Safety: Very safe. One of the safest capitals in Europe.
Trade-offs: Rents have risen significantly since 2020. Summer tourists crowd popular neighborhoods. Bureaucratic processes (SEF, now AIMA) can be slow for visa processing.
7. Bali, Indonesia (Canggu/Ubud)
Monthly budget: $900-1,400
Visa: B211A visa (60 days, extendable), Digital Nomad Visa (available through second-home visa program)
Bali remains a magnet for remote workers despite rising prices. The draw is obvious: tropical weather, surfing, yoga, rice-terrace scenery, and a massive international community. Canggu is the social hub, while Ubud offers a quieter, more cultural experience.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR villa or studio) | $300-600 |
| Food | $200-350 |
| Transport (scooter rental) | $60-90 |
| Utilities + Internet | $40-70 |
| Healthcare (private clinic) | $20-50 |
| Coworking space | $100-180 |
| Miscellaneous | $120-180 |
Internet speed: 20-100 Mbps (improving but inconsistent in some areas)
Safety: Generally safe. Traffic accidents on scooters are the biggest risk.
Trade-offs: Internet can be unreliable during storms. The "Bali bubble" can feel disconnected from real Indonesian culture. Rainy season (November-March) is humid and wet. Visa logistics require attention.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Monthly budget: $1,100-1,600
Visa: Schengen tourist visa (90 days in 180), White Card (digital nomad permit)
Budapest delivers a Central European capital experience at a fraction of Vienna or Prague prices. The thermal baths, ruin bars, Danube riverfront, and incredible architecture create a lifestyle that is hard to beat at this price point.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $500-750 |
| Food | $250-350 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | $35 |
| Utilities + Internet | $80-120 |
| Healthcare (private) | $40-80 |
| Miscellaneous | $120-180 |
Internet speed: 100-500 Mbps
Safety: Very safe. Low crime rates for a European capital.
Trade-offs: Hungarian language is extremely difficult to learn. Winters are cold and gray. Political climate can be polarizing.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Monthly budget: $800-1,300
Visa: Tourist visa (90 days visa-free for most nationalities), DE Rantau digital nomad visa
Kuala Lumpur is Southeast Asia's most underrated city for expats. Modern infrastructure, world-class food from Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, excellent public transport, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere at budget prices.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center condo with pool/gym) | $350-550 |
| Food | $200-300 |
| Transport (MRT/LRT + Grab) | $40-70 |
| Utilities + Internet | $50-80 |
| Healthcare (private) | $30-60 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 100-300 Mbps
Safety: Generally safe. Standard urban awareness applies.
Trade-offs: Heat and humidity are constant (85-95F year-round). Haze from agricultural burning affects air quality some months. Alcohol is expensive due to taxes.
10. Tirana, Albania
Monthly budget: $700-1,100
Visa: Visa-free for 1 year for US citizens, 90 days for most EU citizens
Albania is Europe's next big expat destination. Tirana is rapidly modernizing, with new cafes, coworking spaces, and restaurants opening constantly. The cost of living is among the lowest in Europe, and the Albanian Riviera coastline rivals Greece and Croatia at a fraction of the price.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $250-400 |
| Food | $150-250 |
| Transport (bus + walking) | $20-30 |
| Utilities + Internet | $50-80 |
| Healthcare | $20-50 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 30-100 Mbps (improving rapidly)
Safety: Safe for expats. Albania has improved dramatically in recent years.
Trade-offs: Infrastructure outside Tirana can be rough. Albanian is a challenging language. The digital nomad community is smaller than in established hubs. Winters are cold.
11. Oaxaca, Mexico
Monthly budget: $800-1,200
Visa: Same as Mexico City (180-day tourist visa on arrival)
Oaxaca is Mexico's cultural and culinary capital, offering arguably the best food in the Americas at prices that border on absurd. The colonial center, indigenous culture, mezcal scene, and surrounding natural beauty create a lifestyle that keeps expats for years.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $300-500 |
| Food | $200-300 |
| Transport (walking + colectivos) | $15-30 |
| Utilities + Internet | $40-60 |
| Healthcare | $30-50 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 30-80 Mbps
Safety: Safe in the city center and tourist areas.
Trade-offs: Internet can be slower and less reliable than Mexico City. Smaller city with fewer Western-style amenities. Hot season (April-May) is very warm. Limited direct international flights.
12. Bansko, Bulgaria
Monthly budget: $700-1,000
Visa: Schengen rules (90 days in 180), Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa
Bansko is not just a ski town. In the off-season, it has become a thriving digital nomad hub with coworking spaces like Coworking Bansko (one of the first in Europe), a tight-knit international community, and some of the lowest costs in Europe.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment) | $200-350 |
| Food | $150-250 |
| Transport (walking, car unnecessary) | $10-20 |
| Utilities + Internet | $50-70 |
| Healthcare | $20-40 |
| Coworking | $80-120 |
| Miscellaneous | $80-120 |
Internet speed: 50-200 Mbps
Safety: Extremely safe. Low crime.
Trade-offs: Small town with limited nightlife and entertainment outside the ski season community events. Remote location. Very cold winters.
13. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Monthly budget: $800-1,200
Visa: E-visa (90 days)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a chaotic, energetic, and deeply affordable metropolis. District 1 and District 3 are popular with expats, while Binh Thanh and District 7 (Phu My Hung) offer more residential options.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, central) | $300-500 |
| Food | $150-250 |
| Transport (Grab motorbike + bus) | $40-70 |
| Utilities + Internet | $40-60 |
| Healthcare | $20-40 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 50-150 Mbps
Safety: Safe for expats. Bag snatching exists but is preventable with awareness.
Trade-offs: Traffic is intense and crossing the street requires bravery. Air pollution can be poor. The heat is relentless (85-95F with humidity). Visa logistics require planning.
14. Merida, Mexico
Monthly budget: $900-1,300
Visa: Same as Mexico City
Merida is the capital of the Yucatan, with Mayan culture, colonial architecture, cenotes within driving distance, and a growing expat community that skews older and more settled than Mexico City or Oaxaca.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, Centro) | $350-550 |
| Food | $200-300 |
| Transport (bus + occasional taxi) | $25-40 |
| Utilities + Internet | $50-80 |
| Healthcare (private) | $30-60 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-150 |
Internet speed: 50-150 Mbps
Safety: One of the safest cities in Mexico consistently.
Trade-offs: Heat is extreme in summer (95-105F, April-September). The city can feel slow-paced for younger expats. Beach access requires a 30-45 minute drive to Progreso.
15. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Monthly budget: $600-1,000
Visa: E-visa (30 days), easily extendable, business visa available for long-term stays
Phnom Penh is the cheapest capital city on this list for comfortable living. The riverside promenade, French colonial architecture, and the growing food scene create a surprisingly pleasant urban environment.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, central) | $200-400 |
| Food | $120-200 |
| Transport (tuk-tuk + walking) | $30-50 |
| Utilities + Internet | $40-60 |
| Healthcare | $20-40 |
| Miscellaneous | $80-120 |
Internet speed: 20-80 Mbps
Safety: Generally safe. Standard precautions apply.
Trade-offs: Infrastructure is still developing. Healthcare quality is limited for serious issues (many expats fly to Bangkok). Extreme heat and humidity. Dust and pollution in the dry season.
Comparison Table: All 15 Destinations
| Destination | Monthly Budget | Visa Ease | Internet | Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai | $800-1,200 | Moderate | Excellent | Very Safe | Digital nomads |
| Medellin | $1,000-1,500 | Good | Good | Moderate | Young professionals |
| Tbilisi | $700-1,100 | Excellent | Good | Very Safe | Budget-first expats |
| Da Nang | $700-1,100 | Moderate | Good | Very Safe | Beach lovers |
| Mexico City | $1,000-1,600 | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Culture seekers |
| Lisbon | $1,400-2,000 | Good | Excellent | Very Safe | European lifestyle |
| Bali | $900-1,400 | Moderate | Moderate | Safe | Wellness/surf crowd |
| Budapest | $1,100-1,600 | Moderate | Excellent | Very Safe | European culture |
| Kuala Lumpur | $800-1,300 | Good | Excellent | Safe | Urban comfort |
| Tirana | $700-1,100 | Good | Good | Safe | Adventurous expats |
| Oaxaca | $800-1,200 | Excellent | Moderate | Safe | Foodies |
| Bansko | $700-1,000 | Moderate | Good | Very Safe | Community-focused |
| Ho Chi Minh City | $800-1,200 | Moderate | Good | Safe | Energy seekers |
| Merida | $900-1,300 | Excellent | Good | Very Safe | Retirees, families |
| Phnom Penh | $600-1,000 | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Extreme budgeters |
Key Considerations Before Moving Abroad
Healthcare
Most affordable destinations have two tiers: public healthcare (cheap but variable quality) and private healthcare (moderate cost, often excellent quality). In Thailand, Colombia, and Mexico, private hospitals are world-class and cost 50-80% less than equivalent US care. Always carry international health insurance or a robust travel insurance policy. SafetyWing ($45/month) and World Nomads are popular choices.
Banking and Finances
Open a multi-currency account with Wise before you leave. It gives you local bank details in multiple currencies, a debit card with no foreign transaction fees, and the real exchange rate. Keep a US or home-country bank account active for receiving income and paying any remaining domestic bills.
Taxes
Moving abroad does not automatically eliminate your tax obligations. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live (though the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion currently exempts approximately $126,500 in 2026). Consult a tax professional who specializes in expatriate taxation before making the move.
Internet for Remote Work
If you work remotely, test the internet before committing to a long-term rental. Ask for a speed test, try a video call, and check reliability during peak hours. Coworking spaces often have more reliable internet than residential connections and serve as a backup if your home connection fails.
Planning Your Move Abroad
The logistics of relocating abroad -- even temporarily -- involve dozens of moving parts: visa timelines, accommodation searches, flight booking, healthcare setup, banking, and on-the-ground orientation. Tools like TripGenie can help you plan the travel and logistics side of your move, from finding the best flight routes to building an initial exploration itinerary for scouting neighborhoods and getting settled.
The Bottom Line
Living abroad on $700-1,500 per month is not a fantasy. It is the daily reality for hundreds of thousands of expats, remote workers, and retirees. The destinations on this list offer not just low costs but genuine quality of life: good food, interesting culture, safety, reliable internet, and communities of like-minded people who made the same leap.
The hardest part is not the money. It is the decision. Once you book that first one-way ticket and settle into a $300/month apartment with faster internet than your old place back home, the only question you will have is why you did not do it sooner.
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Written by
TripGenie Team
The TripGenie team is passionate about making travel planning effortless with AI. We combine travel expertise with cutting-edge technology to help you explore the world.
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