Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the World (2025 Guide)
Are you dreaming of a life filled with travel, rich culture, and lower living expenses? Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or someone looking to stretch your income, moving to a cheaper country can offer a better quality of life without breaking the bank. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the World in 2025 — based on cost of living, safety, quality of life, and accessibility for expats.
🌍 1. Vietnam
Why it’s cheap: Vietnam is a favorite among budget travelers and expats. Cities like Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City offer modern conveniences, rich street food culture, and low rent.
Monthly cost (1 person): $700–$1,000
Highlights: Affordable healthcare, vibrant culture, strong expat communities
Pro tip: Da Nang offers beach life with urban amenities.
🇮🇳 2. India
Why it’s cheap: India offers one of the lowest costs of living in the world. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the peaceful hills of Himachal Pradesh, you can live comfortably on a tight budget.
Monthly cost (1 person): $500–$800
Highlights: Low housing and food costs, English widely spoken
Pro tip: Cities like Jaipur and Udaipur are beautiful and cost-effective.
🇧🇴 3. Bolivia
Why it’s cheap: Bolivia is South America’s most affordable destination. Cities like La Paz and Sucre provide colonial charm and beautiful natural landscapes at very low prices.
Monthly cost (1 person): $600–$900
Highlights: Scenic beauty, low transportation costs
Pro tip: Sucre is especially popular with expats for its mild climate and affordable rent.
🇵🇭 4. Philippines
Why it’s cheap: With thousands of islands, a welcoming culture, and English as an official language, the Philippines is perfect for budget expats.
Monthly cost (1 person): $700–$1,000
Highlights: Island lifestyle, low rent, affordable domestic flights
Pro tip: Check out Dumaguete and Cebu for expat-friendly vibes.
🇲🇽 5. Mexico
Why it’s cheap: Mexico offers everything — beaches, cities, mountains — at prices far lower than in the U.S. or Europe. Places like Oaxaca, Guadalajara, and Merida are especially affordable.
Monthly cost (1 person): $800–$1,200
Highlights: Delicious food, great weather, digital nomad-friendly
Pro tip: Merida offers one of the safest environments in Mexico.
🇹🇭 6. Thailand
Why it’s cheap: Thailand remains one of the most popular affordable places to live thanks to its infrastructure, street food, and expat scene.
Monthly cost (1 person): $750–$1,200
Highlights: Tropical beaches, fast internet, cheap healthcare
Pro tip: Chiang Mai is a hotspot for digital nomads and long-stay expats.
🇨🇲 7. Cambodia
Why it’s cheap: Cambodia offers visas-on-arrival, super low costs, and an easygoing lifestyle. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are ideal for budget living.
Monthly cost (1 person): $600–$900
Highlights: Low rent, English-speaking locals, simple visa policies
Pro tip: Long-term expats praise the local culture and affordability of goods.
🇬🇪 8. Georgia (Tbilisi)
Why it’s cheap: Georgia is one of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems. It’s safe, scenic, and ideal for remote workers thanks to its visa-free entry for many countries.
Monthly cost (1 person): $650–$1,000
Highlights: Great wine, fast internet, mountain views
Pro tip: Georgia offers a one-year visa-free stay for many nationalities.
🇪🇬 9. Egypt
Why it’s cheap: Egypt is rich in history and affordable for those willing to live a little outside tourist areas. Cairo and Alexandria have growing expat scenes.
Monthly cost (1 person): $500–$800
Highlights: Inexpensive rent, cheap transportation, cultural heritage
Pro tip: Alexandria is more relaxed and offers better coastal living.
🇦🇱 10. Albania
Why it’s cheap: Albania is gaining popularity with digital nomads looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Europe that won’t drain their savings.
Monthly cost (1 person): $700–$1,000
Highlights: Mediterranean beaches, low crime, EU proximity
Pro tip: Tirana and coastal cities like Saranda are welcoming and budget-friendly.
🧾 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cheap Country for You
Living in a cheaper country doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or experience. Many of the countries listed offer excellent healthcare, strong expat communities, and vibrant cultures — all for a fraction of the cost of life in the U.S., UK, or Western Europe.
Before moving:
Research visa requirements
Join local expat forums and groups
Consider healthcare, safety, and internet speed for remote work
