Even as inflation calms and the nation’s economic outlook remains solid, Americans continue to worry about rising living costs. For some, the increasingly expensive cost of living has prompted them to take drastic action and vote with their passports—that is, they’re spending more time abroad to do more with less.
Whether you’re ready to commit to living your best ex-pat life abroad or you simply want to travel and spend more quality time in more destinations without completely emptying your bank account, here are some countries that tend to be cheaper than the U.S. At least a couple of these may surprise you!
1. Spain
This may come as a considerable shock, but please hear us out. The average cost of living for a single adult with rent included clocks in under $1,800 per month.
For this price, you get a solid European standard of living, highly advanced infrastructure (including internet and transportation), easy access to some of the world’s most beautiful cities and beaches, and open doors to most of the rest of the continent thanks to Spain’s membership in the European Union’s Schengen Zone for customs-free travel.
2. South Korea
Even as South Korea has rapidly become one of the world’s most dynamic economic and cultural hubs, it’s still easy to get by as a single adult here for under $1,600 per month with rent included, even in the cool and chic capital city of Seoul. If you’re willing to venture out to other parts of this beautiful country, you can probably drive your cost of living even lower without sacrificing creature comforts like great food and high-speed internet.
3. Thailand
With the average cost of living under $600 for a single adult (that may not even reach $1,200 per month with rent included), Thailand continues to provide immense value in a region well-known among American expats for its great bargains. While hyper-popular tourist destinations like Phuket will cost a little more, you may still be able to afford it. Also, don’t sleep on the marvelous metropolis that is Bangkok.
4. Uruguay
Uruguay tends to have South America’s most stable democratic government, the most advanced economy, and the most sophisticated infrastructure. And with an average cost of living (for a single adult) under $1,200 per month with rent included, Uruguay offers incredible bang for your buck. The capital city of Montevideo may be the continent’s best-kept secret for urban sophistication, and Punta del Este is a fantastic beach town.
5. Turkey
While Turkey is quickly catching up with Europe in economic development, it remains remarkably cheap to live here. The average cost of living is well under $600 for one person, or around $1,100 per month with rent included. Of course, the country’s most popular destinations also tend to be the most expensive. But even in Istanbul and Antalya, you can live it up for way less than you’d pay in comparable cities and regions throughout Europe.
6. Indonesia
Thanks to the country’s increasingly strong economy and the growing popularity of tourism hubs like Bali, Westerners are heading east to enjoy an excellent quality of life in Indonesia.
Since the average cost of living remains under $600 per month, Indonesia remains very affordable despite its burgeoning popularity. Though Bali will likely cost more, you can even find bargains there, plus cities like Jakarta offer incredible value alongside cosmopolitan charm.
7. Colombia
In recent years, digital nomads and adventurous globetrotters have been flocking to Colombia for its colorful cities, incredible biodiversity, verdant mountains, and gorgeous beaches. With an average cost of living under $600 monthly, Colombia makes quite an astounding bargain! Even in Caribbean coastal cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta, it’s mind-blowingly easy to save money while living close to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
8. India
For under $400 per month, you can probably live in the world’s largest democracy with one of the world’s hottest economies and many of the world’s greatest wonders.
Though infrastructure can vary wildly throughout India, you can find housing with ample Western-style amenities in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. And with air travel becoming increasingly common throughout the country, it’s easier than ever to get out and explore this vast, amazing country.
9. Mexico
Mexico remains incredibly cheap even as it welcomes a flood of American expats seeking a more affordable North American dream south of the border. Depending on where you move, it’s possible to keep your overall living expenses under $1,000 per month. If you choose a popular tourism hub like Cancún or Los Cabos, expect to pay more. But in more hidden gems like Mérida, Huatulco, and La Paz, you can live well for (even) less.
10. Morocco
If you want an easy-breezy Mediterranean lifestyle that won’t blow all your money away, look south and west. For $500 per month or less, you can easily get by in Morocco. Not only does Morocco abound in uniquely tasty cuisine, but you can also take your pick on a unique home base. Fez is the only complete medieval city in the Arab world, Marrakech is a vibrant and safe labyrinth full of historical charm, and Casablanca is a lovely modern metropolis.
11. South Africa
Where can you find a country where English is widely spoken, the overall infrastructure is (relatively) advanced, the natural beauty is spectacular, and the cost of living is remarkably low? Try South Africa. It’s easy to get by for under $1,000 per month in one of the world’s most culturally and naturally diverse countries. Even if you opt for one of South Africa’s pricier cities, such as Cape Town, you’ll still save a lot while doing a lot.
12. Costa Rica
For years, American ex-pats have flocked to this Central American nation for an excellent quality of life that never seems to break the bank.
Even though Costa Rica has gradually become the most expensive country in Central America, it’s still a big bargain, as it’s still easy to live comfortably here for around $1,000 per month while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, lively cities, and villages, good quality health care, and easy access (via airplane) to the U.S.