Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit And Live
When billionaires are building multistory mega garages for their London town houses, being a millionaire just doesn’t hold the same cachet anymore.
Unfortunately, a million dollars is not enough to buy luxury in London, Manhattan, Tokyo, Paris or Singapore. in this Article we tapped into International Living, which releases an Annual Global Retirement Index of the top places to retire.
But don’t think this list is limited to retirees: It’s also for people who want to move to a place where the cost of living is much cheaper than in the U.S. that you might not have to work.
Right now, we count down 10 cheap and amazing places to live in 2021.
10. Vietnam Modern
Vietnam Modern cities, ancient historic sites, uncrowded beaches, some of the most welcoming people in the world and one of the strongest economies in Asia—this is Vietnam.
Vietnam’s exceptionally low cost of living is a major incentive, and most items cost less than half of what you would pay at home. It’s also an easy place to live, with English widely spoken. Vietnam’s most expensive city is Ho Chi Minh City, followed by Hanoi, the historic French-influenced capital city.
If you live outside of Vietnam’s two largest cities in places like Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Vung Tau, prices will be much less. Even in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, a couple can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for less than $1,100 per month.
If you live outside of Vietnam’s two largest cities, a budget of around $800 to $1,000 per month will provide a lovely house or apartment, all utilities, housekeeping, groceries, dining out every day if you choose and even the occasional massage.
If you have a larger budget, you’ll be living a life of luxury for a fraction of what you would pay in the West.
9. France
France has always been a big draw for expats. Between the easygoing lifestyle and the beautiful surroundings that France offers, people of all ages often decide to relocate there.
But what makes a prime location for a n expat? Affordable cost of living, low crime rate, an idyllic climate, and a distinctive, high-quality way of living.
Just a few reasons why people choose to make France their new home. In the Languedoc-Rousillon region, you’ll find a warm climate year-round, delightful medieval villages, white-sand beaches and prices that are still reasonable.
If you prefer a cooler climate, look to charming Normandy, just two hours from Paris. For mountain-lovers, the Rhône-Alpes region of France is a dream come true.
How much you spend on living costs in France depends on your lifestyle: Opting for the highlife in Paris will make a larger hole in your budget than living in a quiet corner such as the Charentes or the Auvergne.
A couple can live on a budget of $2,000 to $2,500— A single could shave about 20-30% off those numbers.
8. Spain Sun, fun, and happiness
That is the common denominator that every single city and town in the Spanish territory share.There’s no question of having to give up anything in living here. Outside the tourist zones, you may need to know a little Spanish to get by, but there are plenty of beach areas with large, English-speaking expat communities.
Spain has a surprising range of climates: hot and dry in the south and cool and mild in the north. Navarre, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia and the Basque country have forests, mountains, stunning coastline and delicous food.
Spain has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. Even in Madrid, one of the most expensive locations, you can live modestly on $2,000 a month. Because of the warm climate, many basic food items are inexpensive in Spain, as well.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is the most popular retirement haven for expats in Southeast Asia. And its neighbors, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, are good places for a weekend getaway.
This mix of peoples and cultures adds a lot of color and different architecture and cuisine to the country. The unofficial first language of the country is English.
If white-sand beaches are your dream, Malaysia consists of hundreds of islands. Known as a foodie haven, Penang’s largest city, George Town, is home to eclectic architecture, a vibrant art scene and the best street food in the world.
In Penang, a couple can live comfortably on $1,500 a month, including rent. Eat where the locals eat and you can’t go wrong with a meal for less than $5.
6. Ecuador
By living in Ecuador, you’ll be able to enjoy a quality of life that’s hard to beat anywhere else in the world. Whatever you want—small village life, big-city conveniences—you’ll find it in Ecuador.
If you like the outdoors, dream of owning a Spanish colonial home in a colonial city, or want to spend hours strolling on an undeveloped beach, then living in Ecuador may be for you.
Lush, green hills and fertile valleys are the norm. There are temperate climates in the Andes where you do not need a heating or cooling system.
Quito is the country’s capital and Cuenca is Ecuador’s most popular expat destination. Ecuador have affordable prices for your pocket.
For instance, in Cuenca, a frugal single person can get by on less than $1,000 per month. Since the land produces excellent food, mostly with year-round growing seasons, prices at local mercados are low. Household help is available for $10 to $20 per day, and services like pedicures and haircuts are very cheap.
No need for heating and cooling bills in most of the country, you don’t need a car, paying 30 cents or less for buses, and $2 to $5 for cab rides. Rentals are abundant and affordable: Imagine a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in downtown Cuenca for just $400 a month.
5. Colombia
Located at the northwestern tip of the South American continent, Colombia is a trending hotspot for retirees and others looking for a low-cost but comfortable life abroad.
For the last several years it has ranked highly in the index thanks to its lower cost of living, stunning scenery, world-class healthcare, close proximity to the U.S. and the warm, welcoming Colombian people.
One of the major draws to this beautiful country is its climate. It’s warm and tropical on the Caribbean coast. There’s an eternal spring in the lower Andes mountains. And it’s cooler in the upper mountains. You can go out and have breakfast or lunch for $5 or a nice dinner for $10.
Getting a retirement visa to live in Colombia is also quite easy. The mountain city of Medellín, says the cost of living is 50% less than it was living in a small city in Maine.Think $1,400 to $1,900 a month for a couple, even less for a single person.
4. Mexico
Life is simple in Mexico.There’s high-quality healthcare, stunning beaches, a vibrant cultural scene and a low cost of living. Because of its geographic diversity, you’ll find every climate: from warm and dry to hot and sultry to spring-like temperatures all year in the Colonial Highlands.
Popular spots include the Lake Chapala area and San Miguel de Allende, which are brimming with expats who can make a newcomer feel welcome.
The cost of living is notoriously low. A couple live in Mexico in relative luxury (think maid service, a gardener, and dinners out) on a budget of less than $2,500 a month, depending on the location—including rent and healthcare.
For instance, in Toluca, a home with a front yard and backyard, costs less than $500 a month, a fancy restaurant costs $20 for two people and Uber rides are about $1 to $2, wherever you’re going.
3. Costa Rica
Adventure junkies hold Costa Rica—Spanish for “rich coast”—dear to their hearts. That’s because this compact country is bursting at the seams with waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and miles of pristine beaches. There are so many reasons to love this stunningly beautiful Central American gem.
There’s also affordable medical care, a dozen microclimates, abundant nature, warm locals, a straightforward residency process.
Choose from rainforests, seaside villages and mountain towns. In the capital of San Jose, the capital, and the surrounding Central Valley you’ll find a temperate “eternal spring” climate.
In the Central Valley home to about two-thirds of Costa Rica’s population a single person can live on between $1,500 and $1,800 a month Many couples report living well on $2,000 a month including all their costs, but that amount can go down to $1,600, depending on where you live and how you spend your budget.
2. Panama
This tiny Central American nation, home to the famous Panama Canal, has regularly garnered a top spot on the International Living Annual Global Retirement Index. Panama is warm and tropical. The currency is the U.S. dollar. The tax burden is low. There’s a large English-speaking population—including excellent doctors.
High-speed internet and cell coverage are remarkable, as is the power, air and water quality. Most people are attracted to the cosmopolitan capital, Panama City.
An hour from Panama City is Coronado, where many Panamanians have beach homes. In Panama City, a couple can live on on a monthly budget of as little as $1,800.
A single could shave about 20-30% off those numbers. If you find that you like living here, it is surprisingly cheap and easy to retire to Panama.Another advantage to Panama: zero income tax if you earn revenue in other countries.
1. Portugal
There is so much to love about living in Portugal. The friendly people, romantic architecture, sunny beaches, port wine, and haunting fado music make for a unique experience. In most regions of Portugal, there’s a pleasant climate year-round.
