Living abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. In 2025, many countries still offer low costs of living, reliable internet, vibrant communities, and great lifestyles for digital nomads, retirees, and budget travelers.
Here’s a list of the 20 cheapest countries to live comfortably in 2025, with average costs, highlights, and reasons to consider them.
Top 20 Cheapest Countries
1. Vietnam
- Average cost: $800–$1,200/month
- Highlights: Affordable apartments, delicious street food, strong expat hubs in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi.
- Great for: Digital nomads + retirees.
2. Thailand
- Average cost: $900–$1,300/month
- Highlights: Beaches, culture, amazing food, Chiang Mai & Bangkok digital nomad scenes.
- Great for: Long-term travelers.
3. Philippines
- Average cost: $700–$1,100/month
- Highlights: English widely spoken, island lifestyle, friendly locals.
- Great for: Island lovers.
4. Cambodia
- Average cost: $700–$1,000/month
- Highlights: Very cheap rent, laid-back lifestyle, Siem Reap & Phnom Penh expats.
- Great for: Budget living.
5. Indonesia (Bali & beyond)
- Average cost: $900–$1,200/month
- Highlights: Bali coworking hubs, low living costs outside tourist areas.
- Great for: Remote workers.
6. Malaysia
- Average cost: $1,000–$1,400/month
- Highlights: Modern infrastructure, multicultural food, Kuala Lumpur & Penang.
- Great for: Comfort + affordability.
7. India
- Average cost: $500–$900/month
- Highlights: Extremely low costs, diverse culture, Bangalore & Goa expat hubs.
- Great for: Ultra-budget nomads.
8. Nepal
- Average cost: $500–$800/month
- Highlights: Mountains, nature, Kathmandu & Pokhara lifestyle.
- Great for: Nature lovers + minimalists.
9. Sri Lanka
- Average cost: $700–$1,000/month
- Highlights: Beaches, tea hills, growing nomad scene.
- Great for: Slow travelers.
10. Georgia
- Average cost: $800–$1,200/month
- Highlights: Digital nomad visa, Tbilisi food & culture, European-Asian mix.
- Great for: Nomads who want Europe vibes on a budget.
11. Armenia
- Average cost: $700–$1,000/month
- Highlights: Affordable rent, safe, friendly locals.
- Great for: Culture + history lovers.
12. Turkey
- Average cost: $900–$1,300/month
- Highlights: Istanbul city life, Cappadocia, Mediterranean coast.
- Great for: Nomads who love food & culture.
13. Mexico
- Average cost: $1,000–$1,500/month
- Highlights: Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca.
- Great for: Nomads + retirees.
14. Colombia
- Average cost: $800–$1,200/month
- Highlights: Medellín (digital nomad capital), affordable living, great climate.
- Great for: Remote workers.
15. Ecuador
- Average cost: $800–$1,100/month
- Highlights: Quito, Cuenca, Galapagos (for trips), low rents.
- Great for: Retirees + expats.
16. Peru
- Average cost: $800–$1,100/month
- Highlights: Lima food scene, Cusco culture, Machu Picchu access.
- Great for: Adventure travelers.
17. Bolivia
- Average cost: $600–$900/month
- Highlights: One of South America’s cheapest countries, great landscapes.
- Great for: Ultra-budget explorers.
18. Honduras
- Average cost: $700–$1,000/month
- Highlights: Caribbean vibes, Roatán island, affordable lifestyle.
- Great for: Beach nomads.
19. Albania
- Average cost: $900–$1,300/month
- Highlights: Beaches, European vibe, Tirana & Saranda expat growth.
- Great for: Europe lifestyle at low cost.
20. Romania
- Average cost: $1,000–$1,400/month
- Highlights: Fast internet, Bucharest & Cluj hubs, EU access.
- Great for: Digital nomads in Europe.
Tips for Choosing the Right Country
- Check visa policies (digital nomad visas are growing in 2025).
- Research healthcare + safety before moving.
- Consider language and culture fit.
- Always budget extra for travel + emergencies.
In 2025, you don’t need to be rich to live well abroad. With as little as $700–$1,200 per month, you can enjoy food, rent, and an exciting lifestyle in many countries.
👉 Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or traveler, these 20 cheapest countries offer comfort, culture, and opportunity without breaking the bank.
