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- Many Americans move abroad in search of cheaper housing and a more laid-back lifestyle.
- We compiled a list of 20 cities around the world where the cost of living is relatively low.
- It includes the picturesque Croatian city of Split and Thailand’s beach haven, Phuket.
Americans move abroad for all kinds of reasons.
Jason Luban and Selena Medlen only work 20 hours a week in Spain, after leaving California in 2016. Alex Evans moved his family from Jacksonville, Florida, to Mukaishima Island, Japan, in 2022, where rent for a three-bedroom house is only $432 a month. Writer Cristina Johnson found a fresh start in Belize, where she was able to build her own home for a fraction of what it would cost in the US.
As 2024 looms, maybe it’s time to set a New Year’s resolution to try it yourself.
Americans often look overseas to take advantage of a relatively strong dollar and homes that are cheaper to buy or rent compared to some parts of the US. Remote workers, too, are taking flight, becoming “digital nomads” while living in idyllic spots such as Santa Marta, Colombia, and Mal Pas, Costa Rica.
Business Insider has compiled a list of 20 cities where people can live cheaply relative to major US cities, using data from Numbeo, a comparison website that provides crowdsourced summaries of the cost of living in major cities across the world.
Numbeo averages user-submitted expenses, including estimated monthly costs for a single person or a family of four, monthly rent, and the price of buying a home in the city center. It also calculates the typical prices for a coffee, a meal for two, and a gym membership. While Numbeo’s methodology relies on users around the world entering their costs accurately, it is a useful tool for cross-city comparison.
All prices have been converted to US dollars, and the cities’ populations are sourced from Demographia data unless otherwise noted.
Many of these spots also rank highly on quality of life measures, but it’s important to note that lower living costs sometimes come at the expense of other city features like safety, healthcare, and pollution.
We also didn’t take into account logistics like work visas. Because hey, we can dream, right?
Read on to learn more about these relatively affordable places, presented alphabetically, including Hanoi, Vietnam and Rio de Janeiro.
Did we miss a hidden gem for expats or digital nomads? Tell us!
Accra, Ghana
Population: 5,785,000
Known for: Accra is the capital of Ghana and is the largest city in the country. The coastal city has plenty of beaches and a long history with buildings still standing from the 17th century.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $580.26
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $507.80
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,809
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.96
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $38.90
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $32.53
Someone who lives there said: “The tremendous welcoming warmth of the Ghanaians, the inviting spirit of the city. … I was quickly drawn in, and I will always be truly thankful for all the amazing memories we have made living here,” blogger Lauren Simpson wrote in a blog post about living in Accra.
It might be hard to live there because: High traffic and imperfect roads are two downsides to living in Accra, according to Simpson’s post.
Asunción, Paraguay
Population: 1,609,000
Known for: Asuncion is the “principal distributing center of the most densely populated region of Paraguay,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $437.58
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $483
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,710.10
Cost of a cappuccino: $2.32
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $24.79
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $30.84
Someone who lives there said: “Asuncion is a big, Latin American city that is so Latin American that it could be pretty much anywhere in South America,” a user named Chris wrote on Quora. “Real estate prices are civilized and the build quality is decent.”
It might be hard to live there because: According to the Paraguay Review, a website dedicated to raising awareness about living in Paraguay, littering is a problem. “You’ll invariably see garbage while walking in the streets or notice people throwing trash out of their car windows,” the post reads.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Population: 2,432,000
Known for: Nicknamed “The City of Winds,” Baku is known for having brutal winds and beautiful buildings.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $420.34
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $548.20
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,967.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $3.36
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $35.29
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $39.89
Someone who lives there said: “Advice for Baku — expect to pay more than native Azeris for just about everything,” wrote a Reddit user. “Corruption is rampant.”
It might be hard to live there because: According to Expat Arrivals, the healthcare system in Baku is still “underdeveloped” compared to other countries in Europe.
Bari, Italy
Population: 316,015, according to CityPopulation.de
Known for: A port city on the Adriatic Sea, Bari is a major transport hub in southern Italy’s Puglia region.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $815.24
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $872.30
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,053.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.67
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $55.58
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $42.86
Someone who lives there said: “I live very close to the waterfront and to the beautiful old city with magnificent churches and a castle,” lawyer Andreas Moser wrote in a blog post. “There are plenty of parks around and the whole city is very lively and friendly.”
It might be hard to live there because: The quality of apartments and houses may not be as modern as in other cities due to the age of Bari, which dates back to 180 BCE.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Population: 15,748,000
Known for: Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is the most populous city in Argentina.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $445.10
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $438.30
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,558.90
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.48
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $25.50
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $21.47
Someone who lives there said: “Futbol matches, operas, shows, cinemas and countless restaurants,” an expat named Melissa wrote in a blog post. “You don’t have to worry about getting bored when you live in Buenos Aires — there’s always something to do.”
It might be hard to live there because: According to Expat Arrivals, Buenos Aires can sometimes be loud and lively for someone not used to hustle and bustle.
Cebu, Philippines
Population: 2,482,000
Known for: Cebu is home to the first Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, Basílica Minore del Santo Niño.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $501.95
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $622
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,169.40
Cost of a cappuccino: $2.50
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $22.81
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $30.93
Someone who lives there said: “Cebu is excellent,” a user named Neil wrote on Quora. “Shopping centres, banks, lovely shops equal to any city you have been to.”
It might be hard to live there because: Recent growth in the city of Cebu has exacerbated traffic and pollution.
Chengdu, China
Population: 15,016,000
Known for: Chengdu is known as the panda capital of the world thanks to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It’s also known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $256.34
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $539.40
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,956.80
Cost of a cappuccino: $3.44
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $25.40
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $37.26
Someone who lives there said: “Chengdu has a unique charm that’s difficult to describe. It’s at once a bustling metropolis and a very friendly laid back place,” an expat named Charlie told GoBackpacking.
It might be hard to live there because: Chengdu is known for having a lot of overcast or rainy days and fewer days of sunlight, as well as poor air quality.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Population: 6,359,000
Known for: Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is known for its street food, art scene, French colonial influence, and Old Quarter, the historic heart of the city with narrow streets and ancient temples. There’s also an urban lake called Ho Hoan Kiem.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $356.12
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $496.40
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,730.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.92
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $20.59
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $26.37
Someone who lives there said: “The pros are the place is fascinating, the people are very interesting and the food is wonderful and the collective events such as festivals are brilliant,” a user named Ged wrote on Quora. “The Ho Hoan Kiem is stunning, and when the traffic ban is working, the air is clean, and walking around the lake and in that area is wonderful.”
It might be hard to live there because: Pollution and traffic can pose challenges for Hanoi residents.
Hamilton, New Zealand
Population: 165,400
Known for: Hamilton is home to the Hamilton Gardens and New Zealand’s only tea plantation. It’s also known for its colorful street art.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $954.86
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $976.90
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,549
Cost of a cappuccino: $3.38
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $76.24
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $36.12
Someone who lives there said: “Hamilton supports a large rural, farming community — so people are still quite grounded, there’s always a ‘hello’ even from strangers. Excellent services, and the piped water is free — no bills!” a user named Khaemba wrote on Quora.
It might be hard to live there because: There may be fewer career opportunities compared to other cities in New Zealand, like Auckland or Wellington.
Heraklion, Greece
Population: 173,993
Known for: Heraklion is the capital of the island of Crete and is near two major archeological sites, Knossos Palace and Phaistos Palace.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $463.20
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $880.40
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,066.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $3.98
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $50.03
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $43.46
Someone who lives there said: “I enjoyed the weather, food, mountains, beaches. I loved coffee shops where they serve raki with a variety of food in small plates,” a user named Ageliki wrote on Quora.
It might be hard to live there because: Some people may not be used to the slower pace of life.
Lima, Peru
Population: 10,556,000
Known for: Lima, the capital of Peru, is praised as the culinary capital of South America and known for its historic city center and cultural heritage.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $538.15
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $563.50
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,991.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $2.76
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $32.68
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $32.56
Someone who lives there said: “Peru is an incredible place to live. There is so much variety in terms of outdoor activities like hiking and surfing, along with really fantastic food. Lima itself has lots of beautiful neighborhoods and architecture, along with really friendly people,” Zhalya and Thomas told Spend Life Traveling.
It might be hard to live there because: Heavy traffic and congestion can make getting around a city a bit difficult.
Marrakech, Morocco
Population: 983,000
Known for: Marrakech is famous for its colorful souks, markets brimming with food, jewelry, rugs, and clothing that line the streets.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $349.63
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $503.20
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,755.50
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.62
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $41.92
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $19.59
Someone who lives there said: “People are incredibly friendly, literally,” Michael wrote on Quora, adding: “On the other hand, it’s a bit provincial, i.e. anything a bit special has to be bought in the Medina and anything very special from Casablanca.”
It might be hard to live there because: The quality of healthcare can vary and job opportunities can be limited.
Mexico City, Mexico
Population: 21,905,000
Known for: Mexico City is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city, and is known for its rich cultural history.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $934.72
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $736.70
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,697.90
Cost of a cappuccino: $3.20
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $53.23
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $52.43
Someone who lives there said: “The real richness of living here is how communal it is, how easy it is to know your neighbors,” Kyla Moran told CNBC.
It might be hard to live there because: Mexico City may have issues with pollution, traffic, and safety, depending on the neighborhood.
Nairobi, Kenya
Population: 6,929,000
Known for: Nairobi, the largest city in Kenya, plays a pivotal role in art, commerce, and finance within the East African region. The city is home to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a well-known elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $349.99
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $449.2
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,603.2
Cost of a cappuccino: $2.01
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $25.56
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $38.20
Someone who lives there said: Rob, an expat living in Nairobi, suggests that Americans consider renting a home in the Westlands neighborhood. “It is close to very good shopping malls and all of the other stores and service providers for the things you’ve gotten used to having in the West,” he wrote in a blog post.
It might be hard to live there because: Nairobi has a dense population, contributing to significant traffic congestion in the city.
Phuket, Thailand
Population: 526,000
Known for: Phuket is a world-famous island that is known for its beaches. The popular tourist destination lures visitors with its white sands, towering palm trees, resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $540.97
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $632.40
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,221.50
Cost of a cappuccino: $2.40
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $32.58
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $60.73
Someone who lives there said: “It’s relaxed, outdoorsy, active lifestyle-focused, has amazing food, and, of course, the friendliness of Thai culture still rings true here too,” Fiona wrote on A Way Abroad. “When you live here your experience will be totally different to when you just visit on a quick-stop holiday.”
It might be hard to live there because: Adapting to the country’s warm climate may be challenging for expats.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Population: 319,612, according to CityPopuation.de
Known for: As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Plovdiv boasts a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the ancient Roman theater Philippopolis, one of the world’s best-preserved theaters.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $354.32
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $609.80
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,181.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.85
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $36.92
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $30.34
Someone who lives there said: “Plovdiv is an amazingly beautiful, historical and hipster place all at the same time, on top of a very active arts and cultural scene,” Lia wrote on WeNomad. “You can’t go wrong by spending a couple of weeks there.”
It might be hard to live there because: Because Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places in Europe to live, wages and incomes are correspondingly low relative to other parts of the continent.
Quito, Ecuador
Population: 2,778,000
Known for: Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. With its colonial-era churches, plazas, and well-preserved buildings, its historic center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $408.53
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $544.10
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $1,959.70
Cost of a cappuccino: $2.65
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $40.00
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $41.47
Someone who lives there said: “The pros of living in Quito, Ecuador include its beautiful scenery, with the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest nearby, as well as its vibrant culture and friendly people,” Joshua Wood wrote on Expat Exchange. “The city is also relatively affordable, with a low cost of living and a wide variety of housing options.”
It might be hard to live there because: The city faces elevated levels of air pollution and occasional earthquakes.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Population: 12,306,000
Known for: Rio de Janeiro attracts crowds with festivals and its annual Carnival, showcasing extravagant parades, costumes, and lively street parties. The city is also renowned for the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, recognized as one of New Seven Wonders of the World.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $486.76
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $675.10
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,396.60
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.99
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $37.10
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $29.03
Someone who lives there said: “Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city with a diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural scenery,” user Eric Samba wrote on Quora. “As an expat living in Rio, you can expect a lively and friendly atmosphere with a mix of locals and other expats.”
It might be hard to live there because: Rio de Janeiro has relatively high crime rates and significant air pollution.
Split, Croatia
Population: 160,577, according to CityPopulation.de
Known for: Situated on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, Split is Croatia’s second-largest city. It is the home of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split is also famous for the Riva Promenade, featuring numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $489.28
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $678.60
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,409
Cost of a cappuccino: $2
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $37.29
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $29.18
Someone who lives there said: “Split has a great international expat and digital nomad community, so it’s easy to find social events and make friends here,” Kathleen O’Donnell wrote on A Way Abroad. “Between local friends and friends from other countries, you can expect to have a sociable lifestyle if you’d like.
It might be hard to live there because: It can be difficult to find long-term housing as an expat and the cost of living rises during tourist seasons, according to O’Donnell.
Valencia, Spain
Population: 1,547,000
Known for: Renowned for its distinctive cuisine, Valencia is the birthplace of paella, a popular Spanish rice dish. The city’s Lonja de la Seda, a historic cathedral, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,068.03
Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $713.20
Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,528.40
Cost of a cappuccino: $1.76
Cost of a three-course meal for two: $44.47
Monthly cost of a gym membership: $38.11
Someone who lives there said: “Valencia is also a very nice size city, large enough to have plenty of culture and nightlife, but not so large and touristy as Madrid and Barcelona,” Zach Frohlich told Expat Arrivals. This combination makes for a wonderful quality of life at a much more affordable price.”
It might be hard to live there because: Living in Valencia during the summer can be challenging due to high temperatures and humidity.
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