In the U.S., it’s hard to imagine living a life with just $1,000. But my oh my, it’s not an impossible dream.
Many countries offer the ideal lifestyle you want without draining your wallet; that is why I love travel so much. Imagine enjoying your dream life and eating delicious meals without worrying too much about the bill.
Whether you are exploring other countries because you love their culture or because you want to lay on the beach drinking cocktails, there are a lot of places that are cheaper than the $2,433 it costs to live in the United States (per month per person). Discover these lovely places where you can live the life you’ve always wanted for under $1,000 per month.
1. Vietnam
More and more people are drawn to Vietnam’s culture, food, and beaches. With the average cost of living at $611 per month, enjoying all these things does not drain your wallet. In Vietnam, rent, transportation, and food are low cost, making it an attractive place to settle down in.
Vietnam’s transportation system is good, and getting to places is fairly easy, too. Some of the most loved things about this country are their natural landscapes and their food. I visited Vietnam last year, and it was easy to travel around the cities. If you want beautiful nature, you’ll want to visit the north of the country. If you like to be surrounded by expats and have a more Western experience, I can recommend Hoi An.
2. Malaysia
Aside from the significantly cheaper living expenses at $582 per month, Malaysia will not fall short of natural scenery to enjoy on the daily. The country’s rich culture is paraded wherever you choose to go or settle down. If you prefer a more consistent climate, then you will enjoy Malaysia’s warm days. And if you’re done with the heat, travel to the Cameron Highlights for some refreshing temperatures.
I’ve been lucky to visit Malaysia as well last year, and getting around is not that difficult since English is widely spoken. The people are also very welcoming so you would not have a hard time getting along with locals. Plus, the food is lovely, with big Indian communities here I enjoyed the diverse foods a lot.
3. Mexico
Mexico is one of the few countries close to the United States that allows for a comfortable life without spending too much. The cost of living is an average of $982 per month. But be very mindful that Mexico is a big country, and living costs can vary from area to area. If you want to live in popular areas like Mexico City, average living costs are slightly higher at $1,288. If you move to less popular cities like Leon, which still has over 1.5 million inhabitants, the cost of living drops to $812. So pick carefully.
Getting around the place and staying in a nice home is affordable, and so is the food and drinks. Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines out there, with its beautiful flavors and spiciness. However, do your own research before you visit a region, as not all regions are equally safe for you to live.
4. Thailand
Thailand is a paradise of culture and stunning islands. With an average cost of living of $790, it’s a great country to visit if you want to have a wonderful experience without the price tag. I visited Thailand last year, I was there for two months total, and I can attest to how affordable it is. Of course, hard-to-reach areas or touristy places can have a higher cost of living, as is the case worldwide.
Enjoying life in Thailand is easy, especially with the low cost of living and welcoming people. They don’t call it the Land of Smiles for nothing. If you enjoy night outs, cities like Bangkok and Phuket have your back. Whether you like strolling in the night market and trying a lot of different foods or relaxing on the beach, Thailand has a lot in store for you.
5. Philippines
The Philippines is made of thousands of islands — each with their own charms. Here, you can enjoy a tropical climate while discovering the country’s natural beauty and delicious fruits. Whether you are in a city or a province, the cost of living is affordable at $614 per month.
In addition to the lower cost of living, you’ll have no problem getting along with people. The Philippines is known for its people’s hospitality and their spirited events. You are in for a ride as you enjoy their fiestas and good food.
6. India
Home to some of the world’s cultural heritage like Taj Mahal and Agra fort, India has a rich history. The country has a consistent warm and nice climate and good food that will surely make you want to stay. If you like shopping, India’s vast stretch of markets accommodate whatever budget you have.
India’s rich culture is sure to steal your heart away, and with the $441 per month average living costs that’s a very good value for your money. Enjoy local delicacies and the company of good people while you explore all that India has to offer.
7. Indonesia
Indonesia is a place of many natural wonders to explore. You will especially love this country when you enjoy outdoor activities like diving, surfing, and hiking. Its many beaches, rich marine life, and mountains to climb will make sure you’ll not get bored. In Indonesia, the cost of living is an average of $567 per person. Even in Bali, the average cost of living is higher at $873, which is well under $1,000 per month.
Whether you stay in the bigger cities like Jakarta or close to nature like Ubud, Bali, anywhere’s fun and low-cost. I was lucky enough to visit Bali last year as part of my Southeast Asia trip, and I loved it more than I expected. There are a lot of expats and tourists there, so it’s very easy to blend in and settle down there.
8. Argentina
Argentina is a country of good food, sunshine in the north, and mountains in the south. Enjoy the diversity of the country and enjoy the world-famous culinary options in the country. With an average cost of living of $563, this is a great place to consider. Argentina has a unique combination of European and Latin American influences, which makes it a very interesting place to visit.
The residents’ hospitality is also one of the things that make people stay. If you love the mountains, Patagonia in the south of Argentina is something not to miss. I can recommend Bariloche as a wonderful place to be. If you want the bigger city life, Buenos Aires is great to settle down.
9. Nepal
At $392 per month, Nepal is one of the most low cost countries to live in. From healthy food options, rent, and transportation, the prices are very low here. Many people visit or stay in the country to experience their abundant heritage sites like Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the ancient city of Bhaktapur.
I’m planning to visit Nepal next year and visit these sites, plus go trekking in the Himalayas. Nepal is such a diverse country with many different climates. Do take into account that they do have seasons in many places, especially higher up the mountains, so pick the place you want to settle down carefully.
10. Peru
Peru has an affordable cost of living at $765 per month, a rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural landscapes. The country offers opportunities for adventure — it’s home to the famous Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. Its natural landscapes are wonderful if you love the mountains and want to go explore what the country has to offer.
The weather is also typically nice in Peru. The capital of Lima is one of my favorite cities in Peru, it has the big-city feel and it doesn’t get boring. It’s also close to several other sites in Peru, making it the perfect place if you want to do day or weekend trips to explore the area.
11. Madagascar
Aside from the country’s low cost of living, at $535 per month, Madagascar is famous for its unique biodiversity. The country is rich in flora and fauna that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, as endemic species like lemurs and baobab trees reside here.
The country’s dynamic culture is a reflection of its rich ethnic diversity, because the country is a mix of African, Asian, and European influences. Spending time with the locals is making good memories while having a fun experience learning more about their culture.
12. Malawi
Malawi is known as the Warm Heart of Africa because of its kind and welcoming people. The country offers a peaceful environment and a low cost of living at $361 for people looking for a simple lifestyle. Slow days in Malawi are just so relaxing because of the country’s natural beauty.
Trekking and hiking are one of the activities you can enjoy in the country. The Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve offers beautiful hiking trails with astonishing scenes. Lake Malawi is also a popular destination in the country, as it’s one of the largest lakes in Africa and has beautiful clear waters and beaches.
13. Morocco
Morocco is rich in cultural heritage and is known for its stunning architecture. The cost of rent, food, and transportation is significantly low without sacrificing quality, too. At $630 per month, living costs are extremely affordable.
Morocco is a feast for your eyes and your palate, they have an exciting cuisine that’s full of flavor. They blend French, Arabic, and Berber together to get something that you didn’t taste before. Besides their food, the Sahara desert is exciting to explore, as are the Atlas Mountains.
14. Tunisia
Tunisia is a place filled with lovely and diverse landscapes. From sandy beaches along the coast to the dry and vibrant dunes, you will have many activities to enjoy. The country’s affordability at $452 average per month, allows visitors and residents to live a comfortable and full life.
The climate is warm and welcoming plus the local culture is very welcoming. Tunisia is a place of both exploration and rest — it’s quiet, simple, and exciting all at once.
15. Bulgaria
Even if you can’t live in France or Italy for under $1,000 a month, there still are European countries where you can. One of them is beautiful Bulgaria. While I have to admit that I’ve only visited its Black Sea coast, which has beautiful beaches, the cost of living of $773 is very hard to beat.
Besides the Black Sea, Bulgaria also has a beautiful capital, Sofia. Luckily, the country isn’t extremely big, and you can drive from Sofia in the west to the Black Sea in the east in a little over three hours. With the low cost of living, you can enjoy the diverse landscape of Bulgaria while sticking to your budget.
16. Albania
Albania, also located in Europe, is another country that has a low cost of living at $795 per month. Albania is up and coming for European tourists, but it’s certainly on the unexplored side. It has a lot to offer, though, which is why I won’t be surprised if tourism increases in the area.
Albania has beautiful beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, it has the Albanian Alps with tons of hiking opportunities, and it has a rich culture. All of that combined with the low cost of living make it the perfect place to settle down.
17. Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a very good choice if you love nature, at $534 per month it offers very good value for money. It is known as the world’s most floristically diverse island in the world.
If you are looking for a life away from cities, this place provides an escape for you. You can live in small communities and enjoy a slower pace of life, alternatively you can also settle down in cities like Port Moresby if that’s more your style.
18. Fiji
The relaxed lifestyle is one of the reasons why Fiji is a good place to move to. Here, you can enjoy better quality food, picturesque landscapes, and fresher air without spending too much on monthly costs. At $775 per month, the value for your money is high, especially if you avoid the touristy areas. The welcoming and kind locals will also easily make you feel at home.
If you are into community or environmental work, you will find a variety of activities to enjoy in the country. The combination of affordable living, good weather conditions, and kind people makes Fiji a good place for a change.
Featured Image: Day2505/depositphotos
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
