26 Countries You Can Live Well for Under $1,000 a Month

Living in the same country all your life can get boring. It is natural to consider immigrating or living as an expat abroad. Thankfully, it doesn’t always have to be expensive. There are several countries where you can live comfortably for less than a thousand dollars.

Although we considered the figures the World Population Review stated, we did not list these countries in any particular order. The cost of living varies widely depending on where you choose to live. Large urban centers are usually more expensive than provincial towns and the countryside.

While selecting the 26 cheapest countries to live under $1,000, we made sure that none of the countries actively criminalize homosexuality or are engaged in active warfare or conflicts. However, it is always important to do your research if you are a single woman or are gay. Moreover, some countries may also be prone to xenophobia and racism.

That said, all the countries on this list are tourist-friendly and, thus, may be safe enough to consider moving to.

Brazil – $601

Brazil is a large and diverse country full of contrasts. From tropical jungles to temperate meadows, you will find it all.  Brazil does have a crime problem, and you would probably be safer in the southern part of the country. You can choose to live in huge metropolises like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, or in laid-back towns such as Florianopolis or Santos.

However, Southern Brazil is more affluent, and living expenses can be higher than in the north. Northern Brazil is known for its authentic carnival celebrations, beautiful beaches, and colonial monuments. Notable cities include Natal, Recife, and Salvador.

2. Philippines – $601

The Philippines is a unique country with much to offer its visitors and immigrants. Expats love the relaxed and tolerant atmosphere, while short-term visitors like the sights and sounds this group of islands offers.

Manila can be very expensive, but the Philippines has many other hidden gems. Cities such as Cagayan de Oro and Cebu City are interesting in their own right.

3. Colombia – $574

If you like nightlife and friendly people, consider moving to Columbia. Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota are all urban jewels that enrich your soul.

The country also grows some of the best coffee in the world, so you will always have the best cup of Joe beside you. It has a strong Latin American identity, and you will enjoy living here if you like diverse cultures and cuisines.

4. Peru – $630

Peru is widely known for its ancient monuments, Inca ruins, and the bustling city of Lima. However, it is also a great place to live in, with a temperate climate and rich culture.

Like Brazil, Peru is diverse and has mountains, beaches, and colonial cities. Although recent years have seen some political instability, it is still a safe and inexpensive country to move.

5. South Africa – $974

Beautiful South Africa needs no introduction. It is one of the most progressive nations in Africa and ranks very high in terms of personal freedom.

Although South Africa has its share of problems, such as crime and unemployment, its cities are beautiful, have great climate, and are culturally diverse. Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and Pretoria are great places to move to.

6. Mexico – $678

Mexico is one of the most visited countries on this planet, and it certainly isn’t overrated. From bustling metropolises to seaside resort towns, Mexico has it all.

Most importantly, it is close to the US; if you decide to head back home, it is pretty close. Mexico does have its share of problems, but the friendly people, historical sites, and sheer richness of culture trounce all its downsides.

7. Vietnam $639

If you would like to immerse yourself in history, art, and culture, Vietnam should definitely be on your list. The country has a lot to offer its expats, including an affordable lifestyle.

Nothing could be more exotic and captivating than walking along the streets of Saigon. Like many others in Vietnam, this historic city is surprisingly affordable and offers an excellent quality of life.

8. Chile – $905

Chile is known for its spectacular scenery and diverse landscape. It ranges from the Andean mountains in the north to the polar regions in the south. Santiago is the largest and the most diverse city but may tend to be expensive to live in.

Valparaiso, Arica, and Viña del Mar are all great places to live. Language shouldn’t be a problem as long as you are in an urban center. However, you must improve your Spanish skills once you enter the countryside.

9. Namibia $921

Just north of South Africa, Namibia is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. Most people live in Windhoek and Walvis Bay, cities known for their distinct German heritage.

Although the country has a dark history, it is one of the most progressive nations in Africa. It is a great place to live if you like a sunny climate, peaceful atmosphere, and geographical isolation.

10. Uruguay – $929

Uruguay is one of the most liberal countries in South America. It is best known for writers like Eduardo Galeano and Horacio Quiroga and the quaint cafes in Montevideo.

Sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay has a high standard of living. It may be one of the more expensive of the affordable countries on this list. Yet, it is a great place to move to if you are looking for a peaceful, progressive, and tolerant society.

11. Thailand – $831

A surprisingly large number of people move to Thailand to retire, start their own businesses, and find jobs. Moreover, Thailand is also known for its excellent healthcare facilities, which is why its medical tourism industry is booming.

Hence, if you’re looking for a safe and liberal place to live in Asia, Thailand is the right place. To stretch your dollar, consider places outside Bangkok, such as Chiang Mai.

12. Rwanda – $633

Although Rwanda’s recent history is marred by the genocide of 1994, the country has made honest attempts to move past the horrors. It is currently one of the safest countries in Africa, if not the world. Moreover, its cities are known for their clean streets, friendly people, and vibrant nightlife.

Most importantly, Rwanda has some of the most breathtaking scenarios and grows some of the best coffee in the world. Do not hesitate to move to this East African paradise.

13. Poland – $882

If you thought moving to Europe and living under a thousand dollars a month was impossible, think again. There are a number of European countries that are not only affordable but also quite safe for Americans to live in. One such country is Poland.

Poland is rich in culture and history, and its cities offer a variety of museums, operas, and entertainment centers. Although Warsaw is a huge European city, it is affordable compared to London or Paris.

14. Mauritius – $651

As long as you stay away from the five-star hotels and the expensive resorts, Mauritius can be an affordable place to live. It has a great climate, friendly people, and a progressive society where expats live comfortably.

It’s neither too expensive nor very cheap, but your dollars will go a long way if you spend mindfully. Mauritius is also not too far away from other island destinations, such as the Seychelles and Reunion, making it a great base for exploring the hidden gems of the Indian Ocean.

15. Argentina – $494

Argentina is one of the most affluent countries in South America and has a wide range of places to visit. Buenos Aires is an obvious choice with its wide boulevards and beautiful architecture. However, there are less-known cities such as Mendoza, Cordoba, and La Plata.

Argentina is the perfect place to relocate if you love history, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine. However, it has its share of economic and political troubles, which probably won’t affect you as an expat.

16. Nepal – $439

If you love the mountains and a tranquil atmosphere, Nepal is the place for you. This friendly and simple country has experienced a lot of political and economic turmoil but is amicable towards expats.

As long as you’re in Kathmandu, you can easily live under less than $500 a month and have access to great restaurants and nightlife. Many people also choose Nepal as a retirement destination, thanks to its excellent climate and a tolerant society.

17. Botswana – $666

If you learn to manage your finances well, Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, can be a paradise. The city has everything you could look for in a world-class city but at a fraction of the cost.

You’ll probably be fine communicating with the locals as everybody speaks English. Most importantly, the country also has some of the best healthcare facilities in Africa.

18. Romania – $652

Like Poland, Romania is home to beautiful cities and towns. Bucharest is often known as the Paris of the East. If Bucharest seems like an expensive city, consider Timisoara or Constanta.

These cities offer the same lifestyle and culture as larger Bucharest and are friendlier on the pocket. Moreover, Romania generally tends to be more affordable than its neighboring countries anyway.

19. Madagascar – $555

Not many people think about moving to Madagascar, but it is an excellent choice. The capital, Antananarivo, is a beautiful city blessed with unique architecture and culture.

A number of expats live in Tana (as it’s known by the locals), thanks to its great nightlife scene. Most importantly, Madagascar is not too expensive, and you can live a comfortable life here without worrying about inflation.

20. Hungary – $817

You might be surprised to learn that Hungary has many job opportunities and an excellent public transportation system. Living in Budapest is not as expensive as living in other European cities, although it is just as or even more beautiful than many of its Western competitors.

Hungary still retains the charm of the Austro-Hungarian empire and offers much to explore and see. It may not be perfect, but it is certainly a beautiful and affordable country to live in.

21. Fiji – $773

If you have always dreamt about moving to the South Pacific but found Tahiti too expensive, then Fiji is the right place. The country has a stable economy and has recently made great strides toward creating a progressive society.

It also has an affordable lifestyle and breathtaking scenery, which make it very popular among expats. It is well connected to both Australia and New Zealand.

22. Lithuania – $869

Lithuania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. It is part of the Baltics and offers a high standard of living. Its capital city, Vilnius, is influenced by a startup culture reminiscent of San Francisco or Tel Aviv. Yet, it is more affordable and has multiple job opportunities.

Lithuania also has a low crime rate and is ranked among the happiest countries in the world. Hence, if you’re considering living in Northern Europe without all the associated expenses, Lithuania is a great choice.

23. India – $423

India can be confusing for most foreigners unless they’re acquainted with it well enough. It is a land of contrasts, and most of its large cities offer the same quality of life that you could expect anywhere in the world.

However, you’ll spend a fraction of the cost while enjoying all the modern amenities. While New Delhi, Bangalore, and Bombay are the obvious choices, Madras and Calcutta are surprisingly cheap considering their sizes and importance.

24. Angola – $896

In recent years, Angola has earned the notorious reputation of being one of the most expensive places on the planet. Although the discovery of oil and successive development resulted in a spurt of economic activity, living in Angola for well under a thousand a month is still possible.

As long as you stay away from expensive bars and clubs and eat at restaurants where the locals do, you can even live in Luanda, the capital city. People mostly speak Portuguese, and you may have to learn the language to integrate into society.

25. Slovakia – $990

Slovakia often gets sidelined by its more famous neighbor, the Czech Republic. However, it is an affordable destination with a similar quality of life. It’s important to remember that compared to the Czech Republic, Slovakia is more religious and conservative.

Nevertheless, it is still a liberal country where you can safely live without hurting your bank balance. If you didn’t know, Bratislava is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe and definitely more affordable than Prague.

26. Laos – $888

Laos is a beautiful Southeast Asian country with a strong French influence. It is also known for its booming economy and a growing startup culture. Many expats move to Laos for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The country is littered with Buddhist monuments and French colonial architecture, which can leave visitors spellbound. Laos also has a curious cuisine that synthesizes local flavors with French recipes.