Do you ever find yourself sitting at your desk, typing away while staring at the monitor, and pondering all the opportunities and experiences that are passing you by at the moment? So, it sounds like you need to shake things up a bit. Find the out the cheapest countries to live.
Are you worn out from working a standard workday of nine to five? Are you despondent about the fact that you have no other choices? If this is the case, the good news is that a wide variety of experiences are awaiting you. The word "expensive" does not even appear in the dictionary!
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Cheapest Countries to Live In Photo Credit: pexels.com |
Here is a list of the places throughout the world in which the cost of living is the lowest, so that you can begin finally living the life that you want and that you deserve.
The 10 Countries Around the World Where Living Costs Are the Lowest
If you are one of those people who wish to escape the depressing daily routine that they are caught in, then the following nations offer affordable living in magnificent landscape and fantastic experiences and are currently the cheapest countries that offer such a combination:
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Vietnam
- South Africa
- Ecuador
- Costa Rica
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- Bulgaria
Philippines
The Philippines comprises more than seven thousand individual islands. You read that number correctly: there are seven thousand islands. It is widely regarded as a tropical paradise, and the idea of making your home in a tropical paradise doesn't seem all that daunting, does it? In any case, the costs associated with doing so won't break the bank in the Philippines.
Learn how to relocate to the Philippines by applying for a visa.
Expenses associated with daily life in the Philippines.
Not only are the Philippines stunning, but they are also surprisingly inexpensive. The following is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with living in the Philippines:
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $1,453 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $739 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $100 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $624 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $323 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $68 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $40 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $4 |
Fast food meal | From $3 to $4 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | $2 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Filipino cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $3 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2.50 to $3 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.25 |
1 bottle of wine | Around $10 |
Bread | From $1 to $1.20 |
Currency in the Philippines is the Peso, and the current exchange rate for one U.S. dollar is 51 Pesos.
Best Value Cities in the Philippines
Dumaguete
The residents of Dumaguete have adopted a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle, earning the city the nickname "the city of gentle people." It is well-known that Dumaguete is home to a large number of educational institutions.
Davao
The city of Davao in the Philippines is rapidly expanding, and it is also one of the safest places to call home in the world. It is adjacent to Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, and is famous for its unique blend of urban design with malls and retail facilities and nature.
Bacolod
Bacolod, sometimes known as the "city of smiles," is a progressive metropolis in the Philippines that caters to those who value a high standard of living in the areas of business and technology.
Portugal
Portugal is more than simply a place to visit; it is also the birthplace of some of the world's best seafood, wine, and football. The beaches, along with the consistently pleasant climate, will leave you yearning for more. It's no wonder that many people from other countries are interested in making Portugal their permanent home, given the country's stunning scenery and welcoming population. The cost of living in Portugal is surprisingly low, which may explain how they can afford to relocate there.
Learn about the immigration processes in Portugal.
Average Cost of Living in Portugal
The following are some of Portugal's typical living expenses:
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $1,296 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $884 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $138 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $840 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $663 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $115 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $34 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $10 |
Fast food meal | $7 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2.50 to $3 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | Less than $1 |
12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
Portuguese cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $4.50 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.30 |
1 bottle of wine | Around $5 |
Bread | Less than $1 |
The Euro is Portugal's official currency, and the exchange rate for one dollar is now 0.90 euros.
Cities in Portugal With the Lowest Housing Costs
People have the misconception that Portugal is an expensive paradise in the Mediterranean when they hear about it; nevertheless, this is in no way the reality when it comes to the cost of living there. You can enjoy the benefits of living in a lovely city while also reducing your financial outlay.
Leiria
Leiria is known for its laid-back atmosphere and warm population thanks to its size and cool factor. You will undoubtedly get the impression that you are in Portugal if you take a stroll down the river and listen to the din that comes from the nearby restaurants and cafes. All of this may be accomplished on a monthly spending limit of between $732 and $1070.
Aveiro
If you want to soak up some sun, enjoy the warmth, and have some fun, Aveiro has a number of stunning beaches that you may go to during your time living there. Aveiro, Portugal is a great place to live if you enjoy the sun, and the cost of rent there ranges from $732 to $788 a month.
Portimão
Portimao, which is both one of the nicest cities in the Algarve and the hottest city in Portugal, is an ideal location to visit if you are looking for warmth throughout the entire year. The monthly budget ranges from 732 dollars to 845 dollars.
Vietnam
Vietnam is without a doubt recognized as being among the nations with the lowest overall living costs. You will have an experience in Vietnam that you will never forget because of its magnificent scenery, beaches, and history. Vietnam offers a stunning combination of the modern and the ancient in its architecture and culture.
There is no better place to go if you want to experience the feeling that Vietnam has to offer for more than just a short visit. You will have a lot of options in Vietnam to begin living a comfortable life and to take pleasure in the Vietnamese way of life.
Find out how to secure a visa in order to reside in Vietnam.
Expenses Related to Daily Life in Vietnam
The following is a breakdown of the typical costs of living in Vietnam:
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | Around $1,000 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | Around $750 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $74 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $526 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $378 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $27 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $12 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | From $2 to $3 |
Fast food meal | From $3 to $4 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $1.50 to $2 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Vietnamese cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $6 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2 to $3 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1 |
1 bottle of wine | Around $12 |
Bread | From $1 to $1.50 |
Cities in Vietnam with the Lowest Costs
Hanoi
Hanoi is regarded as one of the top destinations for travellers due to its combination of history, culture, and modernity. You won't be able to get enough of Hanoi's museums, rivers, architecture, or raucous nightlife, all of which will leave you wanting more. Living in Hanoi on a monthly budget of $655 is recommended if you wish to enjoy all of these aspects of the city.
Ho Chi Minh
Not only is Ho Chi Minh one of the most affordable cities in Vietnam, but it is also one of the most affordable cities in Southeast Asia. The communist leader who guided Vietnam to independence was given the same name as the city, hence the city was named after him. If visiting historical sites is something that interests you, Ho Chi Minh can provide this experience for you at the low price of $819 each month.
Há»™i An
Hi An is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For a payment of $1,250 per month, you can become a part of this peace.
South Africa,
South Africa, which is located in the center of Africa and is home to some of the continent's most breathtaking landscapes, is the next stop on our tour. South Africa is often referred to as the "Rainbow Nation" due to its commitment to inclusiveness and diversity. Visitors from other countries enjoy the opportunity to participate in the country's strong sense of community. Beautiful South Africa is one of the countries in which living costs are among the lowest, and this is a wonderful aspect in addition to everything else that it has to offer because of all that it has to offer.
Learn how to relocate to South Africa by applying for a visa.
Expenses Related to Daily Life in South Africa
The following is a list of the typical expenses associated with living in South Africa:
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $996 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $722 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $85 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $584 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $416 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $53 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $49 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $8 |
Fast food meal | From $3 to $4 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2 to $2.50 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
12 eggs | From $2 to $2.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
South African cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | From $3.50 to $4 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $2 to $3 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1.50 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.50 |
1 bottle of wine | Around $6 |
Bread | Less than $1 |
South Africa's official currency is referred to as the rand. One dollar buys you around 15.6222 South African Rand at the moment.
Affordable South African Urban Areas
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is popularly called "The City of Gold." Since it is one of the world's 100 largest cities, the word "Johannesburg" conjures images of money and commerce. If you're searching for a quick pace of life, go no further than Johannesburg, South Africa's financial center.
Pretoria
Industrialized You may get a feel for one of South Africa's most progressive cities throughout your time in Pretoria. The job market is thriving, and housing is at an all-time low price. To get your fix of urban and industrial life in Pretoria for as little as $579 a month, you can't do much better than this South African capital.
Ecuador
As we make our way around the globe from South Africa to South America, we will make a stop at Ecuador, which is located in the very heart of the continent. Ecuador is a fantastic place to visit if you enjoy cool breezes, Spanish colonial buildings, and exploring beaches that date back hundreds of years. Those who yearn for spring all year round will find it in Ecuador, where temperatures rarely rise beyond 80 degrees Fahrenheit and typically hover around 60.
Learn where to get a visa to Ecuador.
Income and Expenditure in Ecuador
The average costs of living in Ecuador are as follows:
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $630 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $333 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $53 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $428 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $251 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $39 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $23 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $10 |
Fast food meal | From $7 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2.50 to $3 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
12 eggs | From $1.50 to $2 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Ecuadorian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | From $4 to $4.50 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | $2 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1.50 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.50 |
1 bottle of wine | Around $15 |
Bread | Less than $1 |
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $865 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $443 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $72 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $624 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $389 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $57 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $29 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $11 |
Fast food meal | From $7 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $3 to $3.50 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1.20 |
12 eggs | From $2.50 to $3 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Costa Rican cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | From $4 to $4.50 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $3 to $3.50 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1.70 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $1.60 |
1 bottle of wine | Around $13 |
Bread | $1.20 |
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $686 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $421 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $75 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $428 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $273 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $53 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $29 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $4 |
Fast food meal | From $3.50 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | From $2 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1.50 |
12 eggs | From $2 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Malaysian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | $7 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | $3 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $1 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $3 |
1 bottle of wine | $20 |
Bread | Less than $1 |
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $931 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $450 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $52 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $541 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $296 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $38 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $19 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $12 |
Fast food meal | $6 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | Around $3 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
12 eggs | From $1.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Mexican cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $3 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $2.50 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.20 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | $1.20 |
1 bottle of wine | $13 |
Bread | $1 |
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $1,115 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $626 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $50 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $425 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $256 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $34 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $19 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | Around $3 |
Fast food meal | Around $4 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | Around $2 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | From $1 |
12 eggs | From $1.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1 to $1.50 |
Indonesian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | Around $4.50 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | Around $3 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $1.40 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | Around $2.50 |
1 bottle of wine | $24 |
Bread | $1.20 |
Housing | Monthly Price |
---|---|
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area | $617 |
85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in the normal priced area | $404 |
Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for an 85m2 (900 sqft) apartment | $107 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in an expensive area | $406 |
45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment in a normal priced area | $274 |
Utilities (heating and electricity) for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio apartment | $66 |
Internet 8 Mbps | $8 |
Food | Price |
---|---|
Basic lunch menu + a drink | $9 |
Fast food meal | $5 |
Chicken Breast 500 gr (1 lb.) | Around $3 |
Milk 1 liter (1 qt.) | $1.30 |
12 eggs | From $1.50 |
Tomatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | $1.50 |
Bulgarian cheese 500 gr (16 oz.) | $4 |
Apples 1 kg (2 lb.) | $1.50 |
Potatoes 1 kg (2 lb.) | From $0.50 |
Beer 0.5 l (16 oz) | $0.70 |
1 bottle of wine | $13 |
Bread | $0.40 |
Covid 19 Tips
- Under the Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF), all countries/regions will be classified under the General Travel or Restricted Category and accord border measures by individual traveller’s vaccination status. Currently, all countries/regions come under the General Travel Category. There are no countries/regions in the Restricted Category at the moment.
- Advisory for Singaporean students studying overseas can be found on the MOE website and the Travel Advisory on the MOH website. Common concerns pertaining to the advisory have been addressed here. FAQs on the MOH website (under Border Measures) also provide information for students on overseas studies.
- Updates on Singapore’s border control measures in response to COVID-19 can be found on the ICA website. Information on the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration can be found here.
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