26 Awesome Places to Live When You’re Broke

In a globalized world, it is essential to make the most of what life offers. If you find it difficult to eke out a decent living where you live, you can always choose to move to another state or even a distant country. While most online guides list only American cities or different countries in general, we know that the reality varies.

We also understand that some may choose to live, work, or retire in the US, while others may wish to explore uncharted territories. Hence, we used a subjective method to list 26 towns and cities worldwide that are great for broke people, regardless of age.

While some destinations on this list are in the US, many others are overseas. Pick what suits you, and move out when you’re broke to have a better standard of living.

1. Augusta, Georgia

Augusta is relatively inexpensive by American standards. For a single person, living costs with rent may hover around $1,881.

However, this figure can drastically reduce if you scrimp on certain luxuries and walk everywhere. With less than 202,000 people in the city, it is also an excellent place for retirees to live in a tranquil atmosphere.

2. Toledo, Ohio

The median monthly rent in Toledo is just $900, which can’t fetch even a nook in NYC. Toledo may not be as exciting as larger American cities, but this might be a great option when you are broke and don’t want to move abroad.

You can also return to a more desirable place once your finances are in order. After all, it takes a bit of struggle to stop being broke and achieve financial security.

3. Bangalore, India

While Bangalore is mainly known for its tech companies and startups, it is not a bad place for broke Americans. Most people speak English, and you can get by easily if you ignore the traffic, dampness, and noises.

In 2023, the city had close to 1,118 bars and pubs — a figure likely to have increased by now. Regardless of your age, you can find a cheap place to day-drink and eat out at prices unimaginable in the US or Europe. Moreover, rent in Bangalore is 91% lower than in New York, and yes, you read that correctly.

4. Kathmandu, Nepal

With rent, you will only spend $455 in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. These are prices that seem unreal to most Americans.

If you are genuinely broke and need to save money while working on freelance gigs, take the next flight to Nepal and stay there until your finances are in order. Thanks to its lively nightlife, monuments, and access to the Himalayas, you won’t regret moving to this city.

5. Cotacachi, Ecuador

A single bedroom in the city’s heart will cost you just $275, and a meal at a restaurant will set you back by $3.50.

This beautiful tourist city is an inexpensive wonder where you can rent a room, cook for yourself, and stop worrying about how you can’t afford anything. As several expats live in the city, you can also make many friends.

6. Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is a beautiful city in Mexico where the cost of living is dramatically lower than in the US. It is across the border, so you won’t have to spend much on plane tickets.

All you need to do is hop on a plane to Mexico and get to Oaxaca. You can immerse yourself in Mexican culture while you pay off your loans and fix your money issues.

7. Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is a beautiful coastal city in Alabama. Its living costs are lower than the average in the US, and the climate is warm and pleasant.

You can enjoy southern living and explore historical monuments while solving your financial problems. The city also has lively entertainment avenues that will keep you occupied without making you poorer.

8. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s story is difficult to process, especially considering its history as an automobile center. Living costs have dramatically fallen due to a lack of opportunities and stagnation.

Thankfully, things are picking up, and downtown Detroit is witnessing a revival. It’s a great place to move if you’re broke and do not want to live in a foreign country.

9. Coastal towns in India

India can be a big surprise to people who think it’s an underdeveloped or backward country. As part of the relatively free world, you can live in India comfortably even if you belong to one of the marginalized communities.

The Indian coast has several small to midsize towns with all the facilities of larger cities. Examples include Mangalore, Vizag, Alleppey, Karwar, Pondicherry, etc. There are hundreds of small towns along the lengthy coastline where you can live an affordable and comfortable lifestyle even if you’re broke.

10. Bangkok, Thailand

If you thought Bangkok was an expensive city just because it is vast, you’re wrong. The average living costs per person are just about $902 per month.

It has an exciting nightlife and living here can be fun. You can even find a job as an English teacher, as many locals would be willing to pay money to learn from a native speaker.

11. Wichita, Kansas

Wichita could be a great destination if you’re unwilling to move abroad when you’re broke. The city is not too huge, yet it has all the amenities of a large city.

It costs $1,774 per month, which is less than other cities of the same size in the US. Moreover, you will not have to experience culture shock or learn a new language when you’re here.

12. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Unlike Bangkok, Chiang Mai is tranquil and lacks the hustle and bustle of the large city. It still has all the amenities you will find in Bangkok but at a lesser price.

You can easily get by in Chiang Mai for $659 per month. Like Bangkok, Chiang Mai is also a great place for budding English teachers who want to make quick money when they’re broke.

13. Saigon, Vietnam

Saigon is a historical city now known as Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to several colonial monuments and has fantastic street food at throwaway prices.

Don’t forget that many Vietnamese people aspire to study and work abroad. Hence, most of them have to appear for IELTS and TOEFL exams. You can use your teaching skills to find part-time jobs as a language instructor and try to regain your financial security. It costs about $702 per month to live in Saigon.

14. Kraków, Poland

Kraków is known as Poland’s cultural capital and is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Despite being a European city, you can live here at a fraction of the cost of London or Paris.

You can also find jobs as an English tutor anywhere in Poland and make decent money to solve your financial problems. It might be easier to find a job if you have a teaching certification like CELTA.

15. Madras, India

Most people don’t know much about Madras, although it’s the fourth-largest city in India. The city has a lot of history and culture but may come across as conservative to most people who are looking to have some fun.

Although there are several watering holes, it pales in comparison to Bangalore. Nevertheless, you can live comfortably with all the modern amenities and spend less than in Bangalore. However, the city is notorious for its heat and humidity, which can be unpleasant.

16. Constanta, Romania

Constanta is a beautiful city on the Black Sea known for its unique architecture. Unlike Bucharest, the capital of Romania, it is much cheaper to live here and enjoy the good life at an affordable cost.

Living here costs just $962 per month, and you may be able to find some part-time jobs as well. Don’t forget that Romania is cheaper than most European countries and hence very affordable. 

17. Bratislava, Slovakia

Although less glamorous than Prague, Bratislava has its charm. Despite being located in central Europe, it has a certain Eastern European feel and similar prices.

Hence, if you want to live close to Vienna, Prague, and other Central European cities without spending the kind of money you would there, then Bratislava is the place to be. The living costs are also relatively cheap, and you may have to spend $1,269 monthly.

18. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Arkansas may be one of the many places that come to your mind when you consider moving to another US state. This southern state has all the facilities you need to live a comfortable life and a booming economy.

You can find a job easily and save money to fix your finances. As Fayetteville is affordable, you can survive easily without shelling out everything you earn. It costs about $1,715 per month to live here. 

19. Novi Sad, Serbia

Most people know Belgrade as the capital of former Yugoslavia and today’s Serbia. However, very few know about Novi Sad, a beautiful city not too far away from Belgrade.

It is also less expensive than the capital and has all the amenities you may wish for. It costs about $967 per month to live comfortably.

20. Marseilles, France

Marseilles is a vast city, and you might be surprised to find out why we have included it on this list. Firstly, it is incredibly cheap when compared to Paris. Second, there are several opportunities to work and fix your financial issues.

Finally, you do not necessarily have to forgo living in France just because you’re broke. If you know how to manage your money, you can live a comfortable and affordable life.

21. Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo is Mozambique’s capital and largest city. It has a booming economy and is a great place to experience local cuisine and nightlife.

It costs about $1,084 per month and is one of the most vibrant cities in Africa. It’s also relatively safe, and people are friendly. Most importantly, it has a beautiful climate throughout the year.

22. Braga, Portugal

Most people think that it is very expensive to live in Europe, but it’s not actually true. Braga is a beautiful city in Portugal that is less expensive than Lisbon or Porto.

Some countries are cheaper than others, and some cities are very affordable. You just need to choose the right place. It costs about $1,217 per month to live comfortably in Braga. 

23. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Although Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in the world and arguably very glamorous, it is also relatively inexpensive. You can live in the city’s center for less than $400; other expenses are not too much either.

Many people work as English teachers, and you can too. Consider getting an English teaching certificate to find employment quickly and live comfortably till you sort out your issues. 

24. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is mainly known for its nightlife and beaches. Every year, millions of visitors are drawn to its nightly activities. However, many people stay back and enjoy a laidback atmosphere at an affordable cost during the off-season.

You can consider Phuket in addition to other destinations in Thailand. It costs around $870 per month to live here comfortably. 

25. Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara is less famous than its more glamorous counterpart, Kathmandu. Although smaller in size, it does not lack in terms of facilities or entertainment.

It’s also an excellent base for Himalayan expeditions and is often known as the tourist capital of Nepal. Pokhara is the right place to live and work on your finances peacefully. It costs about $386 per month to live here.

26. Beira, Mozambique

During the colonial era, Beira was a glamorous beachside city. After the Portuguese left, Mozambique erupted into a civil war, and the town declined and lost its grandeur and status.

It still retains its charm and is a beautiful coastal city where you can live at an affordable cost. You may need help finding jobs though, as finding a work permit can be difficult.