Top 10: the cheapest countries to LIVE IN, in 2022! (low cost of living)

With traveling comes a long list of expenses. And how outrageous those expenses can be, depends on where you are settling (where you have your house and regular list of bills). With our list of top 10 cheapest countries to LIVE IN 2022, you won’t have to do the math. The countries we have selected for our list have a low price index, hence the low cost of living.

The pleasure of staying in a high-end country is mostly short-lived. Before you know it, you will be out of money and struggling to stay afloat. Therefore, wouldn’t it be better to live in affordable countries while having amazing experiences? However, it all comes down to finding the cheapest countries to live in before making the big move. With the help of our list, you can pick one destination for your 2022 transit towards a life with more luxuries and fewer bills!

Thailand

Thailand offers a comfortable lifestyle to digital nomads at a low cost. Not only a comfortable lifestyle but also a luxurious one to those with a mid-range budget. It is the reason why backpackers deem it as one of the cheapest countries to live in. Cheap accommodation and food leave you with enough budget to splurge on weekends. Unique culture, gorgeous coasts and jungles, jovial Thai people, delicious Thai food, amazing festivals, and spas. Living in Thailand as an ex-pat will surpass your expectations because it caters to all your needs

You can live in Thailand for as low as $1,000 per month but keep a budget of $1,500 to spend a comfortable life in Thailand as an ex-pat. Also, with $2,000, you can have a more than comfortable lifestyle.

Cost of living in Thailand: $1,000 – $2,000 / month.

Cheapest cities in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai.

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Greece

If Greece is on your bucket list of the cheapest countries to live in, then brace yourself. You will be blown away by its beautiful landscapes, which also come at a low cost. Initially, it took me by surprise that a country with stunning coastal towns could be so affordable. Moreover, Greece is located in Central Europe, making it easily accessible to Americans and Europeans. The charming beaches, hospitable locals, delectable Greek food, and incredible Mediterranean Islands catch the attention of tourists worldwide.

Your lifestyle will determine the cost of living in Greece. Living lavishly on Islands like Mykonos will cost you around $3,000 / month. Whereas in a city with the least tourist attractions like Peloponnese, you will do fine with $1,000 a month. If you want to live well on a low budget, then inland towns will offer a good life at a low cost.

Cost of living in Greece: $1,000 – $2,000 / month

Cheapest cities in Greece: Athens, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Chania, Patras, Katerini, and Xanthi.

India

India is legit one of the cheapest Asian countries with diverse culture, amazing street food, and beautiful touristic attractions. The inexpensive accommodation, food, and tourism beckon nomads to get a glimpse of Indian culture and life. Taj Mahal is the UNESCO world heritage site in India. It has earned fascinated stares since its construction days, and it brings tourists to marvel at it closely to this day. Enjoy the vibrant festivals, golden desert, explore the Himalayas, chill on pristine beaches, and fill your belly with tasty food without emptying your coffers in India.

Estimated cost of living in India: $600 – $1,000 / month

Cheapest cities in India: Hyderabad, Udaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kochi.

Cheap flights, affordable hotel rooms, and the best prices for rental cars, we know a thing or two about that!

Mexico

Mexico is not a new destination for travelers and retirees. The affordability and the simplicity of Mexico bring nomads to its doorstep. The vibrant ambiance of Mexico is enough to recharge your spirits. What’s not to like there? The gorgeous beaches, lively locals, bustling town, exotic landscapes, amazing food, and full-of-life Mexico city. San Miguel De Allende is a UNESCO site and a famous town for tourists, ex-pats, and locals to feel and observe the Mexican culture.

This country offers an exuberant life experience at a low cost of living, which makes nomads rest their suitcase in Mexico for a while. The backpackers’ love for Mexico earned it a spot on the list of cheapest countries to live in in 2022.

Estimated cost of living in Mexico: $600 – $1,000 / month

Cheapest cities to live in Mexico: Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Merida, Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Guadalajara.

Ecuador

Ecuador is a haven for retiree ex-pats or digital nomads who want to rest their feet in a peaceful and affordable destination. Ecuador’s lush and serene valleys strewn with colonial towns are a sight for sore eyes. Living in Ecuador will be a respite from the big cities if that’s what you are looking for. From Amazon forests, picturesque mountains, coastal villages to lively port cities, it holds attractions for its residents and tourists alike. Moreover, the Colonial architecture of Ecuador’s Andean cities and its historical connection to Inca makes it sound all the more fascinating. Due to its low cost of living, it is one of the cheapest countries to live in.

Estimated cost of living in Ecuador: $1,000 – $1,500/ month

Cheapest cities in Ecuador: Cuenca, Canoa, Quito, and Loja.

Portugal

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the charmful lifestyle of Portugal attracts a lot of ex-pats to this laidback country. Its architecture dates back to the 16th through 19th centuries. The timeless atmosphere combined with lovely landscapes and gracious Portuguese locals invites nomads to this inexpensive country. Once you step into Portugal, it won’t be easy to turn away from this gorgeous place situated on the Atlantic Ocean.

The cost of living in Portugal is low, and the lifestyle is nothing but comfortable and easygoing. The ideal temperature, tranquil beaches, rich culture, and high standard of living, all these perks bring travelers to enjoy an affordable lifestyle in Portugal. No wonder it is ranked as one of the cheapest countries to live in.

Estimated cost of living in Portugal: $700 – $1,200/ month

Cheapest cities in Portugal: Funchal, Faro, Setubal, Viseu, Torre Vedras, and Braganca.

Colombia

Colombia is a dream destination for retirees and nomads alike. Not only is it less expensive, but it also has the perfect climate and fantastic backdrops. Medellin is the second-largest city of Colombia, and the locals call this most fertile part of Colombia “the city of eternal springs.” This gorgeous city is situated on Andes mountain and a great place to stay in Colombia. The biodiversity of Colombia makes it an ideal place to live in.

The tropical shorelines offer sunshine, whereas the upper mountains of Colombia provide a chilly atmosphere for those seeking a little reprieve from the sun. At the same time, spring in the Andes mountains provides well-balanced weather, something I would prefer if I ever decided to stay in Colombia.

Estimated cost of living in Colombia: $1,000 – $2,000 / month

Cheapest cities to live in Colombia: Medellin, Bogota, Mompox, Cali, Pereira, and Santa Marta.

Nothing exciting happens staring at screens all day, book that flight and hotel, and live a little!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the cheapest countries to live in Central America. The quaint country offers serenity and steadiness to travelers who want to kick back and relax while staying in this stunning place. Like Colombia, Costa Rica’s climate and land are diverse. The beaches are hot and dry, whereas San Jose, the capital of Colombia, celebrates spring. The diverse landscapes will provide you with different choices to stay wherever you please. You can stay around the Amazon rainforest with lake views, coastal villages, or the rugged towns surrounded by mountains.

The natural habitat of Costa Rica is exquisite. Pair it with the beautiful weather, affordable medical care, and lovely people, and you will have an adventurous lifestyle in Costa Rica.

Estimated cost of living in Costa Rica: $800- $1,500 / month

Cheapest cities to live in Costa Rica: Liberia, La Zona de Los Santos, and San Jose.

Indonesia

Indonesia is teeming with digital nomads, ex-pats, local and foreign tourists all year round. What is it that pulls the backpackers to this destination? The affordability comes with outstanding locations that are beautiful, exotic, and anything but boring. The sandy beaches, exotic jungles, great valleys, rice fields, healthy food, and culture are something that you would want to experience at least once in your life. The amazing cafes, resorts, and restaurants around Indonesia provide great food and workspaces for digital nomads.

And how can we forget Bali? The Island harbors nomads more than any other Island in Indonesia. This country is legit one of the cheapest countries to live in and explore the culture, breathtaking nature and wildlife, and mingle with the lovely locals.

Estimated cost of living in Indonesia: $900- $1,200 / month

Cheapest cities in Indonesia: Solo, Kudus, Banyuwangi, Probolinggo, Metro, and Yogyakarta.

(ps; get a 40 dollar discount with your first Airbnb reservation!) 

Malaysia

Malaysia is a tropical paradise. With more than 878 Islands, you can reside on sultry shores like Penang and enjoy the blue waters, explore the Island’s cities, or hike around the coast. George Town of Penang Island is the cheapest place in Malaysia where you will find an ex-pat community to acquaint yourself with. You can catch the sun or dive in the water to explore the sea on the beautiful Island Redang.

There is no lack of islands and forests in Malaysia. And those who would love to build a life around nature, trekking through the forest and basking in the waters can build a home in Redang or any other island. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, and ex-pats who prefer vibrant city life to exotic islands, can buy freehold property and live a comfortable life in Malaysia. The city or tropical lifestyle, whichever you prefer, comes with a low cost of living. Isn’t that great? It made us add this incredible destination to our list of the cheapest countries to live in.

Estimated cost of living in Malaysia: $800- $2,000 / month

Cheapest cities in Malaysia: Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, and George Town.

Conclusion: top 10 cheapest countries in 2022

Traveling makes you feel alive. Adopting different cultures, new lifestyles, and living at different places teaches you what the books can’t. And to keep shuffling your feet to the new destinations without depleting your savings, it is important to live in a country that is affordable and offers a quality life. Be it Malaysia, Indonesia, Costa Rica, or Portugal, all the countries we have included in our list of the cheapest countries to live in provide a quality lifestyle with low living costs.

I hope you found a great country from our list to add to your bucket list. Staying in an affordable country means more traveling there,  more daily fun, and living the best moments of your life to the max. And if you equip yourself with the travel essentials like the right travel insurance, a smooth sail around the world is guaranteed!

Have fun planning your next living location for 2022! 🙂

Also check out: Top 10: the most affordable cities to live in as a digital nomad (in 2022!)