Do you dream of leaving behind the nine-to-five grind and living an adventurous life of travel and exploration? If you’ve been searching for the perfect place to call home, but your budget keeps getting in the way, it’s time to take a look at your options.
There are cities all over the world that offer a fantastic quality of life while costing less than you might think. From beachfront apartments in Thailand to charming studio flats in Europe, this list has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore some of the world’s cheapest cities—cities where you can live comfortably without breaking the bank.
So if you’re ready to make a change, grab your passport and let’s get started!
What Makes a City Cheap to Live In?
Are you looking for the perfect place to call home? Several cities around the world have a relatively low cost of living index. This means that housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are much lower than in most other cities.
In the U.S., cities in states such as Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Kansas consistently rank as having a lower cost of living index. In such locations, it’s possible to score cheap apartments, pay only a fraction of what you would pay for utilities in other parts of the country, find affordable trips with public transportation, and access quality healthcare at a discount.
The cost of living index is also affected by many factors such as grocery costs, transportation and healthcare accessibility. Prices for these services vary from city to city, so it’s beneficial to research the area before settling on a new home. That way you’ll have an idea of what costs are like before moving there, so you can make sure it fits into your budget.
The Cheapest Cities to Live in Around the World
If you’re looking to live the life of luxury without breaking the bank, these ten cities around the world are calling your name. From budget-friendly Asian metropolises to charming and affordable European towns, these are some of the best places to stretch your savings.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – With its day-to-day life costs clocking in at around $800 a month, this beautiful city is packed with temples and culture.
- Cuenca, Ecuador – Not only is Cuenca geographically stunning but the living costs are also incredibly low—budget less than $1,000 a month for an expat lifestyle.
- Budapest, Hungary – Hungary’s capital is rich in history and culture, making it a great place for someone looking to get more bang for their buck—living costs are around $1,100 monthly.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – With plenty of opportunities to explore and luxury lifestyle amenities on offer at a much lower cost than most other Asian cities—a monthly budget of around 1$100 can easily cover living expenses.
So if you’re ready to leave for an affordable adventure abroad and get more out of your cash flow—packing your bags may just be the best decision you’ll ever make.
Living on a Budget: How to Enjoy Life in a Cheaper City
Living on a budget doesn’t have to be intimidating or feel restrictive. In fact, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can save money and actually experience more of the destination and culture around you.
When budgeting for a stay in a cheaper city abroad, it’s important to allocate at least 50% of your income to fixed expenses such as rent and food. From here, have some fun with the rest! Consider living arrangements that accommodate two or more people in order to share costs and utilities. Live-in property management is also an increasingly popular arrangement as it not only allows you to split the rent but also offers an immersive experience with your host.
Additionally, don’t forget about the power of research! Subscribing to coupon and discount outlets like Groupon or local grocery stores can be helpful for reducing costs without sacrificing your stay abroad. Lastly, see what’s included in your accommodation: oftentimes amenities like wifi or the use of pools are included in the cost of rent which can help make your stay even more enjoyable!
Key Considerations When Moving to a Low-Cost City
If you’re considering moving to one of the world’s cheapest cities, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
What Are Your Priorities?
Living in a cheap city doesn’t have to mean sacrificing things that are important to you. Think about what your priorities are: Do you need reliable public transportation? Access to good healthcare? High-speed internet? Good air quality? Feelings of safety and security? These are all important things to consider before making the move.
Basic Living Costs
There’s more to living cheaply than just rent prices — you also have to look at the overall cost of basic living expenses such as groceries, utilities, entertainment, and so on. Different cities offer different deals on these items, so it’s worth doing your research and comparing prices before deciding where to move.
Job Opportunities
In addition to looking at the cost of living, take a look at job opportunities in the area as well. If you’re unable or unwilling to move without a job lined up, then it pays to make sure that there are plenty of potential openings in the area before making a move.
By taking these points into consideration and doing your research ahead of time, you can find a great new home in one of the cheapest cities in the world without sacrificing anything important along the way.
Tracking the Cheapest Places to Live Over Time
If you’re looking for a more cost-friendly place to live in the US, you may want to keep your eye on places such as Wichita Falls, Texas, South Bend, Indiana and Des Moines, Iowa. These cities are regularly ranked among the most affordable places to live in the US.
Looking ahead to 2023, other cities you may want to pay attention to include Akron, Ohio; Buffalo New York; Dallas Texas; and Huntsville, Alabama. These are all prime candidates for most affordable cities for 2023.
Tracking the trend of the cheapest cities to live in over time is a great way to make sure you’re always living in an area that fits best with your budget. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on current research – it may be worth it in the long run!
Tips for Moving Abroad to an Affordable City
You’ve chosen one of the cheapest cities to live in the world! Now it’s time to pack your bags and get ready to move. But before you go, here are a few tips that may help make your transition smoother.
Research your destination
Do as much research as you can about your destination—from the cost of living to housing options, job opportunities, and local customs. Knowing this information will help ensure you are able to make smart decisions when you arrive.
Shop around for housing
Rent prices can vary greatly depending on where you look, so make sure to shop around and compare prices before signing a lease. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of transportation too—it may be cheaper in some areas than others, so pick a place that’s close to work or public transportation if you can.
Get familiar with local laws
Make sure that you understand the country’s laws and regulations before moving abroad. This includes things like registering with immigration (if necessary), getting a visa or local driver’s license, and understanding tax regulations for foreign nationals living abroad.
Explore cultural differences
It is important to be aware of the cultural differences between countries and cities when moving abroad, even if they don’t seem obvious at first glance. Researching these differences can help you better prepare for life in a new country and city – from language barriers to different customs about food, religion, and business practices – so that you can make sure that your next home is truly the best one for you.
What are the 5 cheapest places to live?
If you’re looking to cut your living costs and live the life of your dreams, you should look no further than these 10 cheapest places to live in the world.
1. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
This Central Asian city is one of the cheapest places to live in the world with its cost of living index standing at a mere 19.53%. The city is home to some incredible sights and architecture, as well as a vibrant nightlife.
2. Quito, Ecuador
The capital city of Ecuador offers an incredibly low cost of living that comes with breathtaking mountain views and colonial architecture. Quito has a great value-for-money index of 36.09%.
3. Windhoek, Namibia
Nestled in Southern Africa is the capital city of Namibia, Windhoek. The city has an impressively low cost of living index of 39.16%. It’s also home to some stunning natural beauty and wildlife which makes it a great place to explore during your stay here.
4. Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv is one of the most sought-after cities for ex-pats due to its low cost of living index of 39.58%. The beautiful city is full of history, culture, and art that will make your stay worthwhile.
5. Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo has an impressive cost of living index that stands at 40% making it one of the cheapest cities in the world but still offering plenty to explore during your stay there including a mix of rich cultural experiences and an amazing nightlife scene that won’t burn through your wallet too quickly!
Which country is best for life?
Are you wondering which countries offer the cheapest cities to live in? Well, look no further! Here are 8 of the most affordable cities around the world, where you can get a great quality of life for a fraction of the cost.
India: Bangalore
India is a great example when it comes to cheap cities. Bangalore is a great option for budget-minded travelers looking for a vibrant city to live in. It’s full of culture and art, as well as an abundance of cheap food options. The cost of living is low, making it easy to stretch your dollar and save money on housing and transportation.
Spain: Valencia
Valencia is one of Spain’s most overlooked cities—but it shouldn’t be! Not only is Valencia beautiful, but it’s also incredibly affordable. There’s a great restaurant culture here and plenty of attractions to explore without breaking the bank. Plus, with its Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy sunny days all year round without having to worry about heating costs like in other parts of Europe.
Thailand: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is another great option if you’re looking for an affordable city with plenty to explore! This former capital city is full of historic temples, vibrant night markets, and delicious cuisine at super-low prices. Plus, with its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, you’ll feel right at home here!
What is the cheapest major city to live in the world?
Looking for a big city to make your new home, but don’t want to break the bank? All of these cities are ideal places to live if you’re looking for a great cost of living.
Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi is the cheapest major city in the world to live in — and it’s also one of the most populous. The cost of living is very low in Karachi, with staples like groceries, transportation and housing being incredibly affordable. Plus there are plenty of cultural attractions and entertainment options here for those willing to explore.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is another great option for those looking for an affordable major city. This bustling metropolis has some of the lowest rent prices among major cities in the world — plus you can get some delicious local food at bargain prices. Don’t forget, you’ll also be able to find plenty of cultural attractions here as well!
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta offers a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of attractions for those who want to explore some local flavor — plus it’s one of the cheapest major cities in the world. Housing and transportation are especially affordable here, so you can save a bundle on rent while still enjoying all that this amazing city has to offer.
Conclusion
From Europe to Asia to the Middle East, you now have an idea of some of the cheapest cities in the world to live in. While you may have to sacrifice a few amenities that you’re used to, many of these cities can provide a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
The advantages of living in a cheaper city can range from saving money to having a more enriching cultural experience. And who knows, maybe you could even find a job in one of these cities that pays well above the local cost of living.
No matter where you decide to end up, make sure to research the city thoroughly and have an idea of what to expect from living there. In any case, the adventure of packing up and moving to a new city can be thrilling, and with the right planning, it can be completely rewarding.
