Moving abroad doesn’t have to drain your savings. In some countries, $1,000 a month is enough to cover everyday life, enjoy local experiences, and still feel comfortable without constantly watching your wallet. Expats are finding places where living is manageable, fulfilling, and surprisingly affordable. So let’s take a look at 10 nations where your money stretches further and life abroad feels completely doable.
Thailand
You can actually live well in Thailand’s Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, for just $920 a month. Most people spend between $800–$2,000, depending on where they end up. Want more value? Try Isaan, Thailand’s northeastern region, famous for warm hospitality, spicy food, and a slower pace of life.
Vietnam
Street food culture thrives in Vietnam, where $1 buys a satisfying meal. One-bedroom apartments in central Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City cost from $400 to $700 monthly, while a complete lifestyle runs under $800. These advantages also attract digital nomads and retirees from across the globe.
Mexico
Living in Mexico won’t break the bank. City-center apartments usually cost $500–$900 a month, which makes it easy to keep expenses low. Plus, safe spots like Merida and San Miguel de Allende are popular with expats, and Mexico’s closeness to the U.S. and an impressive 0.67 expenditure score seal the deal on affordability.
Philippines
Across 7,000+ stunning islands, the Philippines welcomes budget-conscious residents with open arms. Monthly expenses generally fall between $600 and $1,200, depending on individual lifestyle choices. Meanwhile, city dwellers find apartments in Manila, the nation’s vibrant capital, for $400 to $700. And on average, monthly living expenses hover around $500.
Cambodia
Looking for long-term living abroad? Cambodia makes it simple with the E-class visa, a renewable option for expats. In Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital, apartments cost $300–$800, whereas in rural provinces, they drop to $400–$600 total. And then there’s Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, a temple complex that never stops drawing locals and visitors alike.
Colombia
Life in Colombia can be both exciting and budget-friendly. Medellin, usually called the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, has rent at $380–$770. Monthly costs hover $600–$900. Beyond daily life, celebrations like the Barranquilla Carnival display the country’s rhythm, dance, and cultural pride.
Peru
Living in Peru is surprisingly affordable. Singles spend about $540 monthly, and in Lima—the capital city on the Pacific coast—apartments run $300–$500. The country features the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and the Pacific coastline. Best of all, you can visit Machu Picchu, the famous Incan citadel.
Georgia
Here’s the deal: Georgia is affordable, artistic, and full of history. Singles spend just $596 monthly, with Tbilisi’s central apartments going for $300–$450. The country is also home to the world’s oldest winemaking tradition, over 8,000 years strong, and the capital’s buzzing arts scene keeps life exciting.
Romania
The Transylvania region in central Romania, famous for its castles and mountains, gives the country a legendary reputation. Yet life here is budget-friendly: singles spend about $713 a month. In Bucharest, the capital, central apartments rent for $530. Overall, most expats find it easy to live well under $1,000.
Paraguay
Paraguay might not get the spotlight like Brazil or Argentina, but it’s quietly perfect for budget-conscious expats. Monthly expenses average just $478, and renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city costs around $425. Between affordable living and the country’s mix of Spanish and Guarani culture, life here is surprisingly comfortable.
