Wanting to have a change of scenery is something that a lot of people often wish for. However, not everyone who wants to live someplace else is able to realize their dream due to a wide variety of reasons. Foremost on this list of reasons is the fact that not everyone can afford to move. However, contrary to popular belief, there are many places not only in the country but in the rest of the world where the lifestyle is cheap and the cost of living is quite affordable. As many experienced adventurers would concur, seeing the world does not necessarily entail having to pay millions for it. Sometimes, all one would need to take is his backpack and some guts.
The top 10 cheapest places to live in the world are listed below with the goal of helping people in their decision-making process. And no, not all of these places belong to the so-called third world. Read on to find out where to live comfortably without spending a fortune.
1. Hungary
This country tops the list of cheapest countries to live in Europe because of its cheap real estate prices. Even in the country’s capital of Budapest, people can expect to pay a mere 300 Euros for the lease of a fully-furnished apartment. Prices are even cheaper in the smaller cities. One of the biggest advantages of staying in Hungary aside from its cheap cost is the fact that its location in the central part of Europe makes it a great base for travelling all around the other major European countries.
2. Romania
For a maximum of about $500, tourists can expect a 3-day hostel stay in this country. Although the amount does not include the airfare from the home country, it does already have an amount allocated for food and a few souvenirs. Hikers who prefer to stay in a hut on a Romanian mountain trail can expect to pay an amount of less than $500 for a 3-day hiking trip.
3. Spain
15th century Spanish monarchs would never have believed that by the 21st century, Spain would land almost on top of the top 10 cheap places to live in the world. However, that is the stark reality for Spain these days. Fully-furnished two-bedroom houses and apartments can be leased for only 350+ to 400+Euros. But never let yourself be fooled by that low cost of living, because Spain is still on top of the ranks for the best healthcare and a great way of life for its people. It also ranks the highest in the European Union when it comes to life expectancy.
4. Nicaragua
Many travelers have agreed that Nicaragua is the cheapest country to live not just in Latin America but in the entire Americas. As a matter of fact, residents can purchase a colonial home near Granada’s historic center that measures around 900 square feet for only $39,000.
5. Guatemala
This may be a cheap country to live in yet few foreigners choose to stay here for an extended period due to its high crime rate. However, since most of the crimes are related to drugs, it occurs mostly in big urban areas. Most small towns are relatively peaceful. The cost for food and renting an apartment in a small town is also much cheaper than in urban areas.
6. Thailand
Great food, hospitable people, and serene beaches: these are just some of the reasons why people from the Western world have chosen to live in Thailand for good. The cost of living in this country is quite low. In fact, a fully-furnished apartment in a building that has an elevator could cost only around $400.
7. Cambodia
This country is considered as the cheapest to live in Southeast Asia. A draft of Cambodia beer costs only $0.50 and a pitcher is only at $2.50. A great meal can be had for less than $4. Live like a king with some domestic help in a multi-bedroom apartment that costs only $200 a month for rent. Take note that that amount already includes utilities.
8. Vietnam
Expats can get the best deal in this country with regard to the cost for monthly transportation. This is because renting a motorbike is much cheaper than going around on a taxi or air-conditioned bus. An expat living in Ho Chi Minh City estimates the cost for motorbike rental at around $60-$80 a month. A motorbike also makes travel time a whole lot faster as compared to riding on a taxi or a bulky bus.
9. Nepal
Nepal is considered as the cheapest country to visit in the entire world. Therefore, it ranks among the top 10 cheapest places to live in the world. Tourists can expect to pay about $10 for a hotel room and another $10 on food. As a resident, the cost can go a bit higher at around $400 a month for an apartment in the center of Kathmandu. The costs of renting an apartment outside Kathmandu can be cheaper but it might also come with less amenities.
10. India
Spending a dollar for a tasty meal? This is something that can only be done in India. And at less than a thousand dollars a month, expats can live in relative comfort in an area outside of India’s biggest cities. This includes the 200-dollar cost for renting an apartment. Travelling around the country is also easy for English-speaking foreigners since English is a prevalent language that is spoken even by locals in remote locations.
Traveling the entire world is a dream that everyone has had at some point in their lives. Knowing the cost of living in a country that one has dreamt of visiting or living in would help in the realization of that dream. You do not have to be the owner of a huge corporation in order to own some property elsewhere. All it takes is to know what type of property to buy and study the laws related to property ownership by a foreigner in that country.
