Vietnam
Vietnam is not only a great destination for the budget traveler. Prices for housing and food in this country allow you to stay here for a long time as a freelancer. And with knowledge of English, there is a chance to find a decent position in local companies (IT, teaching, service).
Mountains, sea, exotic forests and lakes - Vietnam is rich in a variety of recreational resources. So anyone can, after a couple of days off, find a hobby they like.
In Ho Chi Minh, one month of living costs about $1,000. In small towns near the ocean or in the north it is cheaper.
It is not difficult to find a studio apartment in the range of $200-400. Lunch in a cafe, on average, costs $1-3, and a cup of good coffee costs $1.5. Despite the exotic nature of the local cuisine, there are plenty of restaurants serving Western cuisine.
Going to Asia: the most interesting countries and inexpensive accommodation
This is one of the most interesting parts of the world and attracts with its mystery. We draw your attention to the relatively low prices for travel. We suggest looking at more detailed information by country (all prices in US dollars)
Indonesia
If your road is being built in this area, consider the weather conditions. The dry season, that is, with virtually no precipitation, lasts from March to September. The wet season begins in November and ends in March.
The cost of air tickets from Moscow is in the range of 400 and above. The opportunity to purchase tickets for less than 350 is extremely rare. Traveling from Russia to Indonesia is simplified by the fact that you do not need to apply for a visa. This is provided that the length of stay does not exceed 30 days.
Housing rent in Indonesia varies between 140-250 per month. The price is indicated for a one-room apartment. Price increases depend on location. The closer to the center, the more expensive accommodation will cost.
In an inexpensive restaurant you can eat for about 2 dollars, while in an expensive establishment you need to shell out more than 10. For comparison, a trip to McDonalds will cost about 3.
A local trip costs $0.28. A taxi costs from 50 cents per kilometer, and for a liter of gasoline you have to pay about 60 cents.
To go to the cinema, you need to have at least 3.50, a monthly subscription to a fitness club will cost about 27.
The most popular destinations are trips to cities such as Jakarta and Bandung, on the island. Java; Medan and Padang, which are located on the island. Sumatra; Banjarmasin, with Fr. Kalimantan and also Denpasar. The official language is Indonesian, although each island has its own language. Learning English is very common, sometimes you can even hear Russian.
Indonesia is a fairly calm country in terms of crime levels. Murder or violence is rare, although you need to be vigilant with thefts, which are quite common, especially towards tourists. Remember that on the islands of Java, Lombok and Bali, medicine is well developed, which cannot be said about remote areas of Indonesia.
The Internet situation there is difficult. It is extremely difficult to find a wireless one, and for mobile services you have to pay a considerable amount - from 2-3 dollars for 5 GB.
Cambodia
It is one of the cheapest countries to live in. It is recommended to go there during the dry season, which occurs from November to January. Then the air temperature is not so high. There is no direct connection between the capitals of Russia and Cambodia, so you need to get there by transit. The cost of the trip ranges from 450. Additionally, you need to pay for a visa. This can be done electronically for 37, at the visa center or upon arrival - for 30.
You should pay between 225-381 and above for rent per month. As for food, for a one-time trip to a cafe you need from 3 dollars. For 0.33 liters of water you need to pay 40 cents. A ticket for local transport costs from 2 dollars, and you can use a taxi for 1, per kilometer. The cost of a ticket at the cinema is 5.
One of the most interesting cities is the capital - Phnom Penh. They also often go to Sihanoukville and Ciel Reap. Locals in Cambodia speak Khmer. English is spoken in major cities and tourist centers.
In general, crime comes down to theft, so when traveling to Cambodia, protect your money and other valuables. Remember that 60 Mbps internet costs about $30 per month. In big cities, medicine is developed normally, but in the outback this issue is much more difficult.
Vietnam
The most popular, but also expensive, trip will be from May to November. This period is the swimming season. Tourists love to go to cities such as Mui Ne, Phan Thiet and Nha Trang. From Russia to Vietnam you can find air tickets starting from 220. Please note that Russians can stay in this country for 15 days without visas. The official language spoken by the population is Vietnamese. With English and Russian it is more difficult, but in big cities there are many experts.
For accommodation you can choose a one-room apartment, the cost of which is from 250 per month. In a cafe you will have to pay $1.73 or more. A bottle of water costs 30 cents per 0.33 liters. Traveling by transport costs from 30 cents per trip, and a taxi will cost from 50 cents per kilometer. A trip to the cinema is around $3.50.
You can travel to this country without fear of crime, but always beware of theft. Medicine is developed at a fairly good level. Internet costs from $10.50 per month.
Laos
Tickets from Moscow with a mandatory transfer cost around $500. If you plan to stay in the country for less than 15 days, then you do not need to apply for a visa. When making it you need to pay from 20 dollars. The most expensive season in Laos is from November to March; the months from May to October are also popular.
Rent of a one-room apartment is estimated from 425 in remote areas. To eat in a cafe, you need to spend around 3 dollars. The cost of tickets for moving around the city is $0.54. For a taxi you have to pay from 2.50 per 1 kilometer. To go to the cinema you need to have at least 5 dollars, and for the Internet you will have to pay about 85 per month.
They communicate in Laotian, although English has been spreading very actively in recent years. Crime is a rare phenomenon and is mainly associated with theft. Medicine is extremely poorly developed, so in case of serious illnesses you need to go to a neighboring country
Thailand
The so-called velvet season, which is the most expensive, begins in November and lasts until mid-February. To get from Moscow to Thailand, you need to purchase air tickets, which cost about $230. If you are traveling to this country for tourist purposes and do not plan to stay there longer than 30 days, you will not need a visa.
You can stay in a one-room apartment, the price of which starts from 250. A trip to an inexpensive restaurant will cost from 1.87. Water in the amount of 0.33 liters can be purchased for 30 cents. A transport ticket costs $0.92. A taxi ride starts from 0.30 per 1 kilometer. But 1 cinema session will cost from 6.11.
Famous cities in Thailand: Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Bangkok. Thai is the official language in this country. English is also spoken in major cities. Thailand is considered one of the most peace-loving countries, so crimes here are extremely rare. But still keep an eye on your valuables. Internet per month will cost $21. Medicine is very developed, but expensive. Therefore, we recommend opening insurance.
India
It is believed that the best time to travel is from December to February. Remember that you need to apply for a visa. Its cost can reach 60 dollars. The flight will not be exactly cheap - one way around 170.
Away from the center of large cities, the cost of one-room apartments starts from $105 per month. In a restaurant you need to spend from 2.11 at a time, 033 liters of water costs 20 cents. A one-time transport ticket will cost 28 cents. A visit to the cinema costs 3.51 per ticket.
Beautiful cities in India are Delhi, Kerala, Agra, Goa and many others. The official language is Hindi. Although the population communicates in English, Urdu, Telugu.
Murders, violence and kidnappings are extremely rare. Thefts are not very common, although you should still be vigilant. Medicine is developed quite well.
Nepal
The most expensive seasons will be spring and autumn. It is during these two times of the year that the largest influx of tourists comes. Airfare ranges from $300. It is necessary to obtain a visa to this country. Its cost is $25 for 15 days, 40 - 30 days and 100 - 90 days.
For housing you need to count from 89 per month. Apartments close to the center will cost from 131. To eat in an inexpensive restaurant, you need to have from 1.76 dollars. Movie tickets cost 3.52. To use the Internet you have to pay $18.48 per month.
Interesting cities in this direction are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lalitpur, Dhangadhi and others. Local residents use Nepali to communicate. English is not widely spoken, but it will not be difficult for you to communicate with the residents. The crime rate is quite low. Sometimes thefts happen. Medicine is developed at a very weak level.
China
You can travel to one of the largest countries in the world at any time. You can visit two cities without visas: Hong Kong and Macau, for a period of 14 and 30 days. The cost of a visa is around 50 dollars.
You can rent an apartment for living. The cost of a one-room apartment is from 307 in remote areas of large cities. To go to a restaurant and eat economically, you need to shell out about $3.
For internal travel you need to purchase a ticket from 30 cents. While a taxi will cost from 35 cents per 1 kilometer. If you want to have fun, going to the movies will cost $6.60. For a month of Internet use you need to pay about 15.
Cities worth visiting in China are Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai. The official language is Chinese. English is also quite common there.
You need to be vigilant - there are pickpockets. Chinese medicine is a unique phenomenon and it is developed at a fairly high level.
Türkiye
The most expensive season is considered to be from late spring to early autumn. Flights to Turkey from Moscow are relatively economical. Thus, the flight will cost you around $160 or more. Russians are allowed to stay in Turkey for 60 days without a visa.
Rent of one-room apartments will cost from 122 dollars, but be aware that prices can reach 250 per month. An economical lunch will be about $3, and you can get around the cities by local transport costing 40 cents. A taxi will cost 40 cents per kilometer. For going to the cinema you have to pay 2.73. And for Internet services - 77.
We recommend visiting Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya. The official language in this country is Turkish. Medical care in large cities is well developed, but in remote villages there are some problems with this issue.
Sri Lanka
The best season to travel depends on the destination and whether you are in the dry or rainy season. Flight prices are about $500. Russians need a visa to visit this country, but it is extremely easy to obtain, either electronically or after arrival. Its cost is 35.
Rental prices start from 121 per room. You can eat in an economical cafe for one and a half dollars. Transport links will cost 12 cents - by bus and from 30 cents 1 kilometer by taxi. If you want to have fun going to the movies, then prepare 3.71. The cost of using the Internet is from 11 dollars.
You can visit cities such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle. The languages spoken by the local population are Sinhala, Tamil and English. Due to political instability, Sri Lanka cannot be called absolutely safe, so be careful when traveling to non-tourist destinations.
Philippines
November to April is considered the best season to visit this country. When you do not plan to stay in the Philippines for more than 1 month, you do not need a visa. Ticket costs will be approximately $270 one way.
You can find housing for 131 in 1 month. Food costs will be about $2.80 for one trip to an inexpensive restaurant. To travel within cities, you need to purchase tickets for local transport from 17 cents. If you want to unwind by going to the movies, then prepare $4. The cost of Internet is from 38.
Interesting and largest cities are Manila, Davao, Cebu. There are two official languages here - English and Filipino. The crime rate has increased slightly recently. Medicine is at a good level.
Bulgaria
This country, although considered one of the budget ones in Europe, offers a good standard of living and great work opportunities. In Bulgaria, popular vacancies are in the field of tourism, education in English, and IT. Sofia is a beautiful city with history and low demands on the wallet. For a one-room apartment in the center, the normal price tag is $350. Living on the outskirts or in a smaller city (Burgas, Plovdiv, Varna) is even cheaper.
As usual in Europe, Bulgaria pleases with good medicine, well-established transport infrastructure and a peaceful situation within the country. From the Black Sea to the Balkan Mountains there are plenty of locations for a variety of recreation.
For a Russian expat, it will not be a problem to adapt to Bulgarian society thanks to the similar language, familiar cuisine and friendly relations between peoples.
China
In terms of costs, Asian cheap countries to live, of course, differ from cheap European ones. But speaking about moving to such a large country as China, one must understand that the standard of living and financial requirements in Hong Kong are much more serious than in the so-called Haikou (a large city on the island of Hainan). Salaries in China are higher than in most neighboring countries, and there is a strong demand for foreign specialists in some industries. The most popular job among Western immigrants is teaching English. There are also many au pair vacancies.
Au pair is a program in which a person lives with a foreign family (in their home) to learn the culture and language, and in return provides a service. Most often this refers to child care.
In large cities in China, it is easy to rent a one-room apartment for $300. In Haikou or Nanying these would be excellent apartments in the center. It is worth considering that outside of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong there are few people with good English. And finding culinary places without Asian recipes can be difficult.
How to judge the cheapest countries to live
The cost of living varies from country to country. Cities tend to have a higher cost of living than rural areas. The exception is often upscale beach towns.
Your needs and life choices will affect your cost of living. The cheapest place to live in the world will be different for different people. Your choices between eating in versus eating out, home help, and leisure will all affect your calculations.
You will need to carefully review cost of living calculations and estimates. Cost of living calculators use very different methods to create their cost of living estimates and come to different conclusions. We've used a range of resources to come up with our cheapest countries for expats to live in.
Other factors to consider are what infrastructure and services your new home offers. Cheaper (or even free!) healthcare, excellent public transport and a quality education system can significantly reduce your costs. It's important to note that your cost of living will depend on how you (and possibly your family) use these services. The cheapest place to live is the one that has value to you.
South Korea
South Korean cities are inferior in terms of cost of living to the capitals of Vietnam or Thailand, but they provide the opportunity to work in one of the largest economies in the world. Employment in sales, IT, education (English again) or tourism can provide a good income.
There is no need to collect high price tags when traveling to Seoul. Busan, Suwon, Daegu, Daejeon are suitable for permanent residence. It’s easy to find a decent apartment there for $300-400 a month and a local restaurant with lunch for $5.
Philippines
Russians who go to the islands for permanent residence have the opportunity to work remotely. For work to be enjoyable, it must be combined with quality rest. On the islands you can enjoy beautiful nature, visit beaches and enjoy local cuisine.
Living in the Philippines will appeal to vegetarians, since the local cuisine consists of half fruit. You can rent an excellent house for $300-400 a month, and a trip to a cafe for one will cost only $2.
It is better to buy products here at the market. The prices there are scanty, and the choice is amazing.
Only a few can afford to move to a developed country, since the standard of living and, accordingly, prices there are very high. And for freelancers or retirees, less developed countries with cheaper but high-quality living conditions are perfect.
Thailand
The cheapest countries to live in would not be complete without this Asian state. For many, Thailand needs no introduction as a place where you can work and relax inexpensively. The economy is not well prepared for anything other than tourism, but the level of cost of housing and food allows you to easily engage in freelancing. Businesses in the service sector or teaching English have good prospects.
Chiang Mai is one of the most popular (read expensive) places in the country, but even here, renting a one-room apartment in the city center costs $200-300. In Bangkok, for the same money there are options near the business center. In both cases, it refers to living in a modern, Western-style neighborhood. Having a day off, it will be easy to get to a quiet place and relax your soul on the seashore.
A $3 seafood lunch is not uncommon. True, people with strong culinary habits will have to undergo adaptation - Western cuisine penetrates into the Land of Smiles slowly and uncertainly.
Nepal
From Vietnam again to the west, towards India, to its neighboring Nepal. This country is almost mystical, it has become an important spiritual center of Asia. Travelers who love to philosophize and are looking for their path in life go here. But for poor tourists, Nepal, first of all, is home to a huge number of attractions, temples, and it also attracts here with its fantastically beautiful nature. You can get to know all this very cheaply if you rent a one-room apartment in Kathmandu for no more than $200. And lunch in a restaurant here is not a luxury; the most expensive dish costs no more than $8.
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Poland
The Polish Republic is a great place to live, which combines a low cost (for EU countries) of living with decent social infrastructure, wages and entertainment. Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, Poznan, Gdansk are beautiful cities with a rich history and ample employment opportunities. Ignorance of the Polish language is not a problem if you speak English. Large global companies continue to expand in Eastern Europe, so there is a demand for specialists in the banking sector, finance, education, IT, and the service sector.
Poland is part of the Schengen zone, which means there will be no difficulties organizing a European tour from East to West during your vacation. Or a trip to Berlin for the weekend.
You can find an apartment for $300-400 near the center with good transportation and a couple of establishments nearby that are ready to become your favorites. Lunch - $5, coffee - $1-1.5, beer - $1.5-2. The bonus will be: Warsaw nightclubs, medieval architecture, castles, picturesque lakes, as well as ski and even sea resorts.
India
India is rightfully included in this ranking of the cheapest countries to live. This is a state where a few hundred dollars a month is enough for a comfortable stay. Depending on the state and size of the city, you can rent a 1 BHK apartment in the range of $50 to $250 (in central Delhi).
The country is developing industry, the service sector and innovative areas, so the demand for foreign specialists is high. There is no need to learn the local language - in the former British colony, all Indians speak English.
Freelancers who dream of working from a laptop while lying in a hammock should pay attention to Goa. There are many options for permanent residence here for $150-200. Fresh fruit, ocean, exotic nature and lunch for $2-3 are included.
If you are planning to live in India, remember that the country has poor healthcare, areas with high crime, and poor internet.
Live - don't bother! 6 Cheapest Countries in the World
Did you know that you can live in a beautiful city by the sea, and your living expenses will be lower or comparable to your expenses in your hometown? The list below will be useful to anyone who is planning to change their place of residence, as well as a long budget vacation, or simply wants to live in an unusual place for little money.
We've tried to find the best budget country in every region of the world - all you have to do is choose!
1. Laos
Budget: $250-500 per month
This country, located in Southeast Asia, immediately captivates budget tourists with its prices. Of course, in Laos you can live comfortably within the range of 250-500 dollars. Such prices are due to the fact that Laos is the only country in the region that does not have its own access to the sea, which significantly cuts off the wide tourist flow, but can delight you with picturesque nature, friendly people, and a very rich history. If you want to live inexpensively in a hot country with a tropical climate, but the sea is not important to you, then you should consider Laos as a good option.
Photo: burocratia.ru
2. Cambodia
Budget: $500-700 per month
The Kingdom of Cambodia, also located in Southeast Asia, is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand and has many beaches. Previously, everyone vied with each other to talk about Thailand, where you can have a great holiday or live for pennies, without denying yourself almost anything, but, unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Cambodia is not very different from Thailand in terms of attractions, sea and atmosphere, but is still not spoiled by the massive influx of tourists and the influx of big money. It is a tropical paradise with bounty beaches, scenic views and centuries-old landmarks.
Photo: tonkosti.ru
3. Peru
Budget: $400-800 per month
The hardest part is getting to Peru. Not only is the country located on the other side of the world, but it is also separated from South America by a mountain range that occupies 1/3 of the country's area. Peru has a very rich history and culture, beautiful mountains, and is also washed by the Pacific Ocean - and all this for relatively little money.
It is worth considering that although prices in the country itself are low, the cost of air tickets there is extremely high due to the remoteness of the region, so it is better to fly there for a long period of time.
Photo: journal.tinkoff.ru
4. Georgia
Budget: $400-700 per month
You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to completely change your surroundings and live in a place that will bring you pleasure. The former Soviet republic has transformed in recent years - the country is safe, clean, and most importantly, budget-friendly. It is also worth noting that everyone can find here something that interests them. For some it will be delicious food, for others it will be mountains and picturesque views, as well as the Black Sea coast in the summer season and a very hospitable local population with whom you will not have a language barrier.
Photo: rusunion.com
5. Albania
Budget: $600-1000 per month
In the European region it is quite difficult to find a budget country, and all searches will lead here - to Albania. At first, this will cause a slight smile, because many people know this country only from jokes about the “Albanian language,” which was popular in the mid-2000s. In fact, the country is a real pearl of the Old World, which is not much different from Croatia and Montenegro, but significantly cheaper.
In Albania you will find a beautiful azure sea, narrow stone streets of ancient European cities, and delicious food on every corner. The country has not yet been spoiled by the attention of tourists; you can hardly find similar prices anywhere in Europe; only Bosnia and Herzegovina can compete with it.
Photo: tui.ru
6. Morocco
Budget: $450-850 per month
There are a dozen countries in Africa with a budget lower than Morocco, but the main goal is not maximum savings, but the greatest return on money spent on living expenses. The country is a former French colony where the French left behind excellent infrastructure, fabulous cities, as well as vineyards with trained staff, so lovers of French wine will be pleasantly surprised. Despite the fact that the country is Muslim, the rules are quite liberal, and the streets are safe.
Morocco has an excellent dry, hot climate that most tourists will enjoy. The country is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
Photo: surfway.ru
Based on materials from the site miraxtravel.com
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Czech
In terms of costs, the Czech Republic is not as budget-friendly as other cheap countries to live in Europe. But with successful employment, it provides stability, a high level of comfort, security and healthcare. There are in-demand professions in the banking sector, IT, services and tourism.
It is better to move with knowledge of English - English-speaking positions pay more. However, the Czech language is not difficult to learn, because it is vaguely similar to Russian.
The Czech Republic means free movement within the Schengen area. True, you don’t have to go somewhere to have quality leisure time. The country has world-famous ski resorts, lakes, and national parks. Cities that preserve hundreds of traces of history are of considerable interest.
Rent of a 1-room apartment in the center of Prague - $700, in Brno - $469. Lunch at the establishment will cost $6-7 or $4-5, respectively. A mug of beer - $1.5-2, coffee - $2-2.5. In smaller cities (Pilsen, Ostrava, Liberec, Olomouc, Hradec Kralove, Ceske Budejovice) the price tags are lower. Moreover, they are no less charming in appearance, and the road to Prague, if necessary, takes several hours.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
By European standards, all the states formed after the collapse of Yugoslavia are cheap countries to live in. Bosnia is no exception. Due to the split of the republic, Bosnia has some economic and geopolitical problems, but the situation inside is calm and stable.
On the one hand, without knowing the language, finding a job in local companies will be difficult. On the other hand, prices for food and housing make it an option for freelancers. As a holiday destination, Bosnia and Herzegovina is best known to lovers of mountain hiking and skiing on snowy slopes. But the country also has access to the Adriatic Sea with excellent beaches. If you wish, it is not difficult to travel to neighboring Montenegro or Croatia. The country has preserved a lot of monuments from antiquity, the Middle Ages, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods.
For remote work, it is better to choose Mostar, not Sarajevo. Prices are more affordable and closer to the sea. A one-room apartment in the center will cost $200-250 (in the capital it is $150-200 more expensive).
Cambodia
When looking through lists of the cheapest countries to live, it is impossible to miss Cambodia. It is located on the Indochina Peninsula, so it will satisfy all the desires of people who dream of renouncing civilization.
Of course, the infrastructure here is inferior to Thailand, but this is easily paid for by cheap products, rental housing, and leisure. Housing prices directly depend on the city, region, number of square meters and amenities. Renting a two- or three-room apartment will cost $30-50, and monthly rent for a bungalow overlooking the ocean will cost $250-350.
Serbia
For a Russian immigrant, there are several reasons to choose Serbia as a country to live in: good relations between peoples, easy to learn the language, familiar culture and cuisine. In addition, she herself is very beautiful and interesting. Belgrade is an inexpensive European capital, but accommodation in Zemun (suburb), Novi Sad, Pancevo or Subotica is much more affordable.
For comparison, renting a one-room apartment in the center of Novi Sad (the second largest and most important city) is $150-200 per month, in Belgrade - $250-300. Lunch or dinner at a place near home in both cases costs $4-5. Drink coffee or beer in the evening - $1-2.
Countries with the cheapest real estate
Expensive accommodation is not always accompanied by expensive real estate. An excellent example of this is Spain. The protracted crisis of 2008-2015 hit real estate prices hard. In some regions, the cost of apartments is comparable to Turkish prices. An apartment in a country with rich culture and fine cuisine can be purchased for €40,000.
Those who do not want to travel far from their home country should pay attention to Bulgaria. This country has some of the lowest real estate prices and is also very cheap to live in. A studio apartment a kilometer from the sea can be purchased for just €20,000.
Foreign policy problems do not prevent Turkey from being one of the leading countries in the sale of real estate. An ordinary apartment with a good renovation can be purchased for €40,000. For €60,000 you can find a luxury option. Most often, apartments in Turkey are purchased for subsequent rental.
Montenegro is a country with the sea and beautiful views. And it also has a very reasonable price tag for housing. For €45,000 you can buy an apartment with panoramic glazing and modern furniture.
Greece
The Hellenic Republic is a collection of all the options you can imagine for a comfortable stay and pleasant leisure time. Excellent beach holidays, amazing historical locations, mild climate and a common customs space with the European Union are just some of them. With or without knowledge of English, you can find a job in tourism - the demand for this area among foreigners (including from the CIS) is not decreasing.
Greece has low prices for accommodation by Mediterranean standards. In the center of Athens there are options for long-term rental of a 1-room apartment for $250-300. In order to save money, it is better not to go to restaurants - the average price of lunch is $10-12.
Romania
This country is rightly included in the list of the cheapest countries to live. An abundance of inexpensive and tasty food, good internet, a safe environment in cities, a lot of beautiful areas for walking - all this is Romania. The greatest activity is in Bucharest. Other cities: Timisoara, Constanta or Ploiesti are inferior to the capital only in the intensity of nightlife. In Romania, you can have an inexpensive holiday at a ski resort (Sinaia, Poiana Brasov, Predeal) or near the Black Sea.
Positions for those who speak English, French or Italian are well paid because they are opened by large companies in the financial, banking, heavy industry, and IT sectors. The shortage of qualified specialists is felt in medicine and engineering fields.
Montenegro
Montenegro, popular among Russian tourists, located on the Adriatic coast, can be considered as an option for permanent residence. Great tourist demand supports the development of the state. Despite the fact that visitors are still the main source of income, industry, banking and IT are growing in Montenegro.
Unlike hotels, rental housing is inexpensive. Especially if you don’t live right by the sea. In the capital Podgorica, it is not a problem to find one-room apartments for $200-300. And the road to the sea by car will take no more than two hours.
Albania
According to various estimates, Albania is the most accessible country in Europe (although local residents are unlikely to agree with this). Developing on the remains of the totalitarian communist regime, it tries to use all recreational resources. Therefore, Albanians are actively involved in tourism on the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Renting housing in one of the resorts for a long time makes sense only for remote workers. And “office” professions are in demand in Tirana, the capital and economic center of the country.
Armenia
Cheap countries to live in and the final position is Armenia. The advantages in comparison with most states on this list are obvious. There is inexpensive housing, cheap and tasty food, beautiful places to relax and a friendly attitude towards guests (especially Russians). Almost 80% of the population knows Russian at a native level, which is also an important aspect. The demand for qualified specialists is high in IT, medicine, mining industry, and pharmaceuticals.
In the center of Yerevan, apartments are rented for $200-300 per month. For lunch in the city center, $8-11 is enough. The price of a cup of coffee or a glass of beer is $1-1.5. There is almost no point in considering other cities for living. Yes, they are cheaper, but there are practically no high-paying jobs in them.
Read: 15 best countries for remote work
The cheapest places to live in America
Central America, South America and the Caribbean offer a huge range of options for expats to choose from. Luckily, some of the cheapest countries for expats to live are also some of the most hospitable.
Panama
Panama is a country on the rise for expats. Although it is geographically small, it packs a huge amount into this area. Expats have a choice of the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, or the temperate mountainous regions in between.
The Panamanian government has actively encouraged health tourism. These policies have helped build a world-class private health care system that costs a fraction of equivalent care in the United States.
Panama links its currency, Bilboa, to the US dollar at a 1:1 exchange rate. The average salary in Panama is about $1,300 per month.
Utilities, including high-speed Internet, are also cheap, even for the region.
The fact that Panama has a zero tax rate on foreign income also makes a huge difference to many expats' budgets!
Local food, both in supermarkets and restaurants, is reasonably priced and of excellent quality. The fusion of Spanish, Caribbean, African and local traditions makes eating in Panama a real pleasure.
Argentina
Unlike Panama, Argentina is huge. From the European architecture of Buenos Aires to the local beauty of the Pampas, the country offers endless choices.
The average salary in Argentina is about 800 US dollars per month.
The Argentine peso has fallen in value compared to most currencies in recent years. This deflation means that emigrants' earnings and savings go much further. Imported goods are expensive, but you will pay less for locally made goods than elsewhere.
Rental prices can be as much as 75% lower than a similar location in the US.
Eating out, entertainment and exercise will all cost a fraction of what people in the US and Europe are used to paying.
There are many visa options available to expats in Argentina and you can read about these on our Argentina page. We also have a fantastic immigration law partner you can book with to understand the best visa or citizenship route for you and your family.
Grenada
We've included Grenada in our list of the cheapest counties in the Caribbean. It's more expensive than many mainland countries, but it offers great value if you want Caribbean island life.
Because many things are imported at extra cost, but local products and food items are very cheap.
Housing and real estate are as much as 50% lower than the equivalent in the US mainland.
Healthcare on the island is good, but you will need good insurance for serious problems. If you need advanced or emergency care, you will often need transportation off the island, and without insurance this can be expensive.
Grenada is one of the cheapest places to live in the English-speaking world.
