Cheapest country to live in is an exciting and attractive topic. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a tropical beach, savoring a fresh breakfast for less than the cost of your morning coffee back home, and strolling through bustling markets filled with vibrant colors and exotic aromas. For many, this dream lifestyle might seem like a luxury reserved for the ultra – wealthy, but in some corners of the world, it’s a reality that comes with an affordable price tag. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking a wallet-friendly base, a retiree dreaming of stretching your savings, or simply an adventurer looking to experience more for less, there are incredible destinations where living well doesn’t mean spending big.
In this blog, we’ll uncover some of the cheapest countries to live in, where comfort, culture, and affordability blend seamlessly to create the perfect backdrop for a life well – lived.
Factors That Make a Country Affordable
- Accommodation
One of the biggest expenses for individuals living in any country is accommodation. A country’s affordability largely depends on the average cost of rent or property prices for homeowners. Typically, rent is cheaper in smaller towns or rural areas compared to major cities.
- Food
The cost of food is a significant factor in a country’s affordability. Locally sourced foods like fruits, vegetables, rice, and meats are generally cheaper than imported goods.
- Transportation
Countries with well-developed and affordable public transportation systems make it easier for residents to commute without owning a car.
- Healthcare
Healthcare costs vary greatly across countries, with public healthcare systems often being more affordable for residents than private care.
- Education
The cost of education is another important factor in determining affordability. Public schools in many developing countries offer free or very low – cost education.
- Government Policies and Taxes
Taxation rates in a country can directly affect the affordability of living there.
- Job Market and Salaries
While low salaries can make a country more affordable, it can also make it harder for locals to meet basic needs.
Top 10 Cheapest Country to Live in
Top 1. Thailand
- Population: 71,801,279
- Area: 513,120 SQ.KM
- Capital: Bangkok
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $23,423
- GDP: $515 billion
- Overall Rank: 29
Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese Peninsula. Bangkok is the state capital and largest city. Thailand comprises several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. Thailand’s climate is influenced by monsoon winds that have a seasonal character. Most of the country is classified as Köppen’s tropical savanna climate.
Thailand is an emerging economy and is considered a newly industrialised country. The economy of Thailand is heavily export-dependent, with exports accounting for more than two-thirds of gross domestic product (GDP). Thailand exports over US$105 billion worth of goods and services annually. Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. Thailand ranks midway in the wealth spread in Southeast Asia as it is the fourth richest nation according to GDP per capita, after Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia. Tourism makes up about 6% of the country’s economy.
Prior to the pandemic, Thailand was the world’s eighth most visited country according to the World Tourism rankings compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Asian tourists primarily visit Thailand for Bangkok and the historical, natural, and cultural sights in its vicinity. Western tourists not only visit Bangkok and surrounding area sand many travel to the southern beaches and islands. Thai culture and traditions incorporate influences from India, China, Cambodia, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Thailand’s national religion, Theravada Buddhism, is central to modern Thai identity. It is one of most affordable countries to travel and cheapest place to live in the world.
Top 2. Vietnam
- Population: 98,858,950
- Area: 331,210 SQ.KM
- Capital: Hanoi
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $15,194
- GDP: $430 billion
- Overall Rank: 44
Vietnam is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia. One of the two Marxist – Leninist states in Southeast Asia, Vietnam shares land borders with China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. Its capital is Hanoi and its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City commonly known as Saigon. Due to differences in latitude and the marked variety in topographical relief, Vietnam’s climate tends to vary considerably for each region.
Throughout the history of Vietnam, its economy has been based largely on agriculture – primarily wet rice cultivation. Since reunification, the country’s economy is shaped primarily by the CPV through Five Year Plans decided upon at the plenary sessions of the Central Committee and national congresses. The collectivisation of farms, factories, and capital goods was carried out as part of the establishment of central planning, with millions of people working for state enterprises. Under strict state control, Vietnam’s economy continued to be plagued by inefficiency, corruption in state – owned enterprises, poor quality and underproduction.
Tourism is an important element of economic activity in the nation, contributing 7.5% of the total GDP. The most visited destinations in Vietnam are the largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, with over 5.8 million international arrivals, followed by Hanoi with 4.6 million and Hạ Long, including Hạ Long Bay with 4.4 million arrivals. All three are ranked in the top 100 most visited cities in the world. Much of Vietnam’s modern transportation network can trace its roots to the French colonial era when it was used to facilitate the transportation of raw materials to its main ports. It was extensively expanded and modernised following the partition of Vietnam. Vietnamese culture is considered part of Sinosphere. Vietnam’s culture has developed over the centuries from indigenous ancient Đông Sơn culture with wet rice cultivation as its economic base. It is one of most affordable places to live in the world and least expensive countries to visit.
Top 3. India
- Population: 1,428,627,663
- Area: 3,287,263 SQ.KM
- Capital: New Delhi
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $10,176
- GDP: $3.55 trillion
- Overall Rank: 33
India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country in the world by area and the most populous country. India accounts for the bulk of the Indian subcontinent, lying atop the Indian tectonic plate, a part of the Indo – Australian Plate. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Indian economy in 2024 was nominally worth $3.94 trillion which was the fifth – largest economy by market exchange rates and is, at around $15.0 trillion, the third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). With its average annual GDP growth rate of 5.8% over the past two decades, and reaching 6.1% during 2011 – 2012, India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
However, due to its low GDP per capita which ranks 136th in the world in nominal per capita income and 125th in per capita income adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP)—the vast majority of Indians fall into the low – income group. Despite economic growth during recent decades, India continues to face socio – economic challenges. India contained the largest number of people living below the World Bank’s international poverty line of US$1.25 per day. According to a Food and Agriculture Organization report in 2024, 13% of the population is undernourished. Indian cultural history spans more than 4,500 years.
During the Vedic period, the foundations of Hindu philosophy, mythology, theology and literature were laid, and many beliefs and practices which still exist today, such as dhárma, kárma, yóga, and mokṣa, were established. Much of Indian architecture, including the Taj Mahal, other works of Indo-Islamic Mughal architecture, and South Indian architecture, blends ancient local traditions with imported styles. It is one of most affordable countries to live in and most affordable countries to visit.
Top 4. Philippines
- Population: 117,337,368
- Area: 300,000 SQ.KM
- Capital: Manila
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $10,755
- GDP: $437 billion
- Overall Rank: 45
Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. In the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of 7,641 islands, with a total area of roughly 300,000 square kilometers, which are broadly categorized in three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Philippines has a tropical maritime climate which is usually hot and humid.
Philippine economy is the world’s 34th largest, with an estimated 2024 nominal gross domestic product of US$435.7 billion. As a newly industrialized country, the Philippine economy has been transitioning from an agricultural base to one with more emphasis on services and manufacturing. The country’s labor force was around 50 million as of 2024 and its unemployment rate was 3.1 percent. With an average annual growth rate of six to seven percent since around 2010, the Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s fastest – growing economies, driven primarily by its increasing reliance on the service sector. Regional development is uneven, however, with Manila gaining most of the new economic growth. Remittances from overseas Filipinos contribute significantly to the country’s economy, they reached a record US$37.20 billion in 2024, accounting for 8.5 percent of GDP. The Philippines is the world’s primary business process outsourcing (BPO) center. About 1.3 million Filipinos work in the BPO sector, primarily in customer service.
Philippines is a popular retirement destination for foreigners because of its climate and low cost of living. Philippines has significant cultural diversity, reinforced by the country’s fragmented geography. Spanish and American cultures profoundly influenced Filipino culture as a result of long colonization. It is one of inexpensive places to live and inexpensive countries to visit.
Top 5. Malaysia
- Population: 34,308,525
- Area: 329,847 SQ.KM
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $37,248
- GDP: $400 billion
- Overall Rank: 38
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. A federal constitutional monarchy, it consists of 13 states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo’s East Malaysia. Peninsular Malaysia shares a land and maritime border with Thailand and maritime borders with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Malaysia is a relatively open state-oriented and newly industrialised market economy. It has the world’s 36th-largest economy by nominal GDP and the 31st-largest by PPP. Malaysia is the world’s 23rd – largest exporter and 25th – largest importer. However, economic inequalities exist between different ethnic groups. International trade, facilitated by the shipping route in adjacent Strait of Malacca, and manufacturing are the key sectors. Malaysia is an exporter of natural and agricultural resources, and petroleum is a major export. Malaysia has once been the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country’s economy although Malaysia’s economic structure has been moving away from it. Malaysia remains one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil.
Malaysia has a multi – ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. Substantial influence exists from Chinese and Indian culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Badminton matches attract thousands of spectators and since 1948 Malaysia has been one of four countries to hold the Thomas Cup, the world team championship trophy of men’s badminton. It is one of places with lowest cost of living and cheapest country on earth.
Top 6. Indonesia
- Population: 277,534,122
- Area: 1,904,569 SQ.KM
- Capital: Jakarta
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $15,613
- GDP: $1.37 trillion
- Overall Rank: 41
Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guinea. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic state and the 14th – largest country by area, at 1,904,569 square kilometres. Indonesia lies along the equator, and its climate tends to be relatively even year-round.
Indonesia has a mixed economy in which the private sector and government play vital roles. As the only G20 member state in Southeast Asia, the country has the largest economy in the region and is classified as a newly industrialised country. Relatively steady inflation and an increase in GDP deflator and the Consumer Price Index have contributed to strong economic growth in recent years. Indonesia has abundant natural resources. Its primary industries are fishing, petroleum, timber, paper products, cotton cloth, tourism, petroleum mining, natural gas, bauxite, coal, and tin. Its main agricultural products are rice, coconuts, soybeans, bananas, coffee, tea, palm, rubber, and sugar cane. Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel.
Nature and culture are prime attractions of Indonesian tourism. The country has a well – preserved natural ecosystem with rainforests stretching over about 57% of Indonesia’s land. Forests on Sumatra and Kalimantan are examples of popular destinations, such as the Orangutan wildlife reserve. Moreover, Indonesia has one of the world’s longest coastlines measuring 54,716 kilometres. The ancient Borobudur and Prambanan temples, as well as Toraja and Bali with their traditional festivities, are some of the popular destinations for cultural tourism. Modern-day Indonesia has a multicultural, multilingual and multi – ethnic society with a complex cultural mixture that differs significantly from the original indigenous cultures. It is one of cheapest and safest places to live in the world and most affordable country to live.
Top 7. Mexico
- Population: 128,455,567
- Area: 1,964,375 SQ.KM
- Capital: Mexico City
- Region: North America
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $25,602
- GDP: $1.79 trillion
- Overall Rank: 34
Mexico is a country in the southern portion of North America. Almost all of Mexico lies in the North American Plate, with small parts of the Baja California peninsula on the Pacific and Cocos Plates. The climate of Mexico is varied due to the country’s size and topography. Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones.
As of April 2024, Mexico has the 12th largest nominal GDP (US$1.848 trillion), the 12th largest by purchasing power parity (US$3.303 trillion) and a GDP in PPP per capita of US$24,971. By 2050, Mexico could potentially become the world’s fifth or seventh – largest economy. The electronics industry of Mexico has grown enormously within the last decade. Mexico has the fifth largest electronics industry in the world after China, the United States, Japan and South Korea. Among the OECD countries, Mexico has the second – highest degree of economic disparity between the extremely poor and extremely rich, after Chile although it has been falling over the last decade, being one of few countries in which this is the case. The bottom ten percent in the income hierarchy disposes of 1.36% of the country’s resources, whereas the upper ten percent dispose of almost 36%. The OECD also notes that Mexico’s budgeted expenses for poverty alleviation and social development are only about a third of the OECD average. This is also reflected by the fact that infant mortality in Mexico is three times higher than the average among OECD nations whereas its literacy levels are in the median range of OECD nations.
Mexico was the 6th most visited country in the world and had the 15th highest income from tourism in the world which is also the highest in Latin America. The vast majority of tourists come to Mexico from the United States and Canada followed by Europe and Asia. Mexican culture reflects a long and complex history of interactions between various peoples through migration, conquest, and trade. The origin of the current Mexican cuisine was established during the Spanish colonial era, a mixture of the foods of Spain with native indigenous ingredients. It is one of cheap places to live worldwide and most affordable country to live in.
Top 8. China
- Population: 1,410,710,000
- Area: 9,596,960 SQ.KM
- Capital: Beijing
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $24,558
- GDP: $17.8 trillion
- Overall Rank: 16
China, officially the People’s Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the second – most populous country after India, representing 17.4% of the world population. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and borders fourteen countries by land. With an area of nearly 9.6 million square kilometers, it is the third – largest country by total land area. China’s landscape is vast and diverse, ranging from the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts in the arid north to the subtropical forests in the wetter south. China’s climate is mainly dominated by dry seasons and wet monsoons, which lead to pronounced temperature differences between winter and summer.
China has the world’s second – largest economy in terms of nominal GDP and the world’s largest in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). China is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies with its economic growth having been almost consistently above 6 percent since the introduction of economic reforms in 1978. As of at least 2024, China has the world’s second-largest equity markets and futures markets, as well as the third-largest bond market. Since economic reforms began in 1978, China has developed into a highly diversified economy and one of the most consequential players in international trade. Major sectors of competitive strength include manufacturing, retail, mining, steel, textiles, automobiles, energy generation, green energy, banking, electronics, telecommunications, real estate, e-commerce, and tourism.
China hosts the world’s second-largest number of World Heritage Sites (56) after Italy, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations (first in the Asia-Pacific). Since ancient times, Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by Confucianism. Chinese culture, in turn, has heavily influenced East Asia and Southeast Asia. Chinese cuisine is highly diverse, drawing on several millennia of culinary history and geographical variety, in which the most influential are known as the “Eight Major Cuisines”. It is one of cheapest and safest places to live in the world.
Top 9. Turkey
- Population: 85,326,000
- Area: 783,562 SQ.KM
- Capital: Ankara
- Region: Middle East
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $44,151
- GDP: $1.11 trillion
- Overall Rank: 31
Turkey is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a smaller part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. With Turkish straits and Sea of Marmara in between, Turkey bridges Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. The coastal areas of Turkey bordering the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas have a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters.
Turkey is an upper-middle-income country and an emerging market. A founding member of the OECD and G20, it is the 17th – largest economy by nominal and the 12th – largest economy by PPP – adjusted GDP in the world. It is classified among newly industrialized countries. Services account for the majority of GDP, whereas industry accounts for more than 30%. Turkey has a diversified economy, main industries include automobiles, electronics, textiles, construction, steel, mining, and food processing.
In the 19th century, Turkish identity was debated in the Ottoman Empire, with three main views: Turkism, Islamism and Westernism. In addition to Europe or Islam, Turkish culture was also influenced by Anatolia’s native cultures. Things such as music, folk dance, or kebap variety may be used to identify a local area. Turkey also has a national culture, such as national sports leagues, music bands, film stars, and trends in fashion. It is one of lowest cost of living countries and inexpensive place to live.
Top 10. Bangladesh
- Population: 172,954,319
- Area: 148,460 SQ.KM
- Capital: Dhaka
- Region: Asia
- GDP Per Capita, PPP: $9,066
- GDP: $437 billion
- Overall Rank: 71
Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world and seventh most densely populated with a population of 173,562,364 in an area of 148,460 square kilometres. Bangladesh shares land borders with India to the north, west, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast. Bangladesh is in South Asia on the Bay of Bengal. It is surrounded almost entirely by neighbouring India, and shares a small border with Myanmar to its southeast, though it lies very close to Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Bangladesh’s climate is tropical, with a mild winter from October to March and a hot, humid summer from March to June.
Bangladesh is the second largest economy in South Asia after India. The country has outpaced India and Pakistan in terms of per capita income. According to the World Bank, “when the newly independent country of Bangladesh was born on December 16, 1971, it was the second poorest country in the world – making the country’s transformation over the next 50 years one of the great development stories. Since then, poverty has been cut in half at record speed. Enrollment in primary school is now nearly universal. Hundreds of thousands of women have entered the workforce. Steady progress has been made on maternal and child health. And the country is better buttressed against the destructive forces posed by climate change and natural disasters.” The tourism industry is expanding, contributing some 3.02% of total GDP. Bangladeshi cuisine, formed by its geographic location and climate, is rich and diverse sharing its culinary heritage with the neighbouring Indian state of West Bengal. It is one of cheapest country to live in and most affordable countries to travel.
Average Cost of Living and Salary Per Month in Cheapest Country to Live in
Here is a table of the average cost of living per month (in USD) including major categories such as accommodation, food, transportation, education, healthcare, entertainment, and the average salary per month for the cheapest country to live in.
| Country | Accommodation (USD) | Food (USD) | Transportation (USD) | Education (USD) | Healthcare (USD) | Entertainment (USD) | Total Cost of Living (USD) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 200-500 | 150-250 | 30-50 | 50-100 | 30-70 | 50-100 | 510-1070 | 600-1000 |
| Vietnam | 150-400 | 100-200 | 20-40 | 30-80 | 20-50 | 40-80 | 360-850 | 400-700 |
| India | 100-300 | 100-150 | 15-30 | 20-50 | 15-30 | 30-60 | 275-620 | 250-600 |
| Philippines | 150-400 | 100-200 | 20-40 | 50-100 | 20-50 | 40-80 | 380-870 | 300-600 |
| Malaysia | 200-500 | 150-250 | 30-50 | 50-100 | 30-70 | 50-100 | 510-1070 | 800-1200 |
| Indonesia | 150-400 | 100-200 | 20-40 | 30-80 | 20-50 | 40-80 | 360-850 | 400-700 |
| Mexico | 200-500 | 150-250 | 30-60 | 50-100 | 30-70 | 50-100 | 510-1080 | 600-1000 |
| China | 300-800 | 150-300 | 50-100 | 100-300 | 50-100 | 100-200 | 750-1800 | 800-1500 |
| Turkey | 200-500 | 150-250 | 30-60 | 50-100 | 30-70 | 50-100 | 510-1080 | 400-800 |
| Bangladesh | 100-300 | 80-150 | 15-30 | 20-50 | 15-30 | 20-50 | 240-610 | 150-400 |
Things to Consider Before Moving to Cheapest Country
- Economic and Political Stability
A country’s affordability might come at the cost of economic instability. Frequent political upheavals, civil unrest, or corruption can affect safety and the quality of life.
- Healthcare System
Ensure you have health insurance that covers emergencies, routine checkups, and specialized care.
- Language and Cultural Barriers
Moving to a country where you don’t speak the local language can lead to communication challenges. Understand and respect the country’s traditions, customs, and social norms.
- Job and Income Opportunities
If you plan to work, research job opportunities in your field and whether the country allows foreigners to work in those roles.
- Safety and Security
Look into crime statistics, focusing on issues like theft, scams, or violent crime. Some affordable countries may have higher crime rates in certain areas, so choose your location carefully.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the allure of living in an affordable country is more than just about saving money – it’s about unlocking a lifestyle that’s rich in culture, experiences, and possibilities. Whether it’s the low housing costs of Vietnam, the vibrant street food culture in Mexico, or the warm tropical lifestyle in Thailand, the cheapest countries to live in offer far more than just financial relief. By understanding the key factors that make these countries affordable, evaluating average living costs, and carefully considering your personal circumstances before making the move, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling and financially sustainable adventure. However, the decision to relocate is not one to be taken lightly – ensure that you have a solid plan, whether it’s for long-term living, work, or travel, and take the time to immerse yourself in a place that feels like home. As you embark on your journey to find the ideal destination, remember that sometimes, the most valuable experiences in life don’t come with a hefty price tag—they come from the connections you make, the stories you create, and the memories you cherish along the way.
After you have decided which cheapest country to live in, accommodation is the first and foremost thing to consider. uhomes.com is a dynamic rental platform designed to meet the needs of renters who value both affordability and quality. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a family, uhomes.com offers a wide range of rental properties that cater to different budgets and preferences in cheapest country to live in.
FAQ
Retiring abroad on $1,000 per month doesn’t mean sacrificing quality of life. Many countries offer excellent health care, infrastructure and amenities at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam.
Canada is one of the easiest countries for Americans to move to with plenty of immigration pathways for skilled workers and those with close family ties. As the closest neighbour to the US, there are more opportunities for cross-border employment from US-based companies, making transfer a possibility.
Most Americans moving abroad look north to Canada or across the Atlantic to Europe, where popular destinations include Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Spain, according to Henley & Partners.
For those who wish to retire to safe havens that offer cheap living expenses, some of the cheapest and safest countries to retire to include Indonesia, Ghana, Romania, North Macedonia, and Vietnam.
Data drawn from an analysis of over 500,000 property listings reveals that Madagascar has the world’s cheapest apartment rental. For house-hunters or ‘staycationers’, the lowest rental price in the country is 1500 Malagasy ariary – or about 60 US cents per month.
Switzerland
Switzerland is indeed a good option to consider relocating to; at the same time, it is the most expensive country in the world to live in. Cost of Groceries: High; a basic grocery bill for a family can range around CHF 800-1,000 monthly.
Switzerland’s freely elected officials determine and implement national and local policy through a decentralized governance system. The 26 cantons have significant control over economic and social policy, with the federal government’s powers largely limited to foreign affairs and some economic matters.
