Table of Contents
| Country | Best For | Avg. Monthly Cost | Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | |||
| Portugal | Digital Nomads | $1,800 | High |
| Vietnam | Budget & Culture | $800 | Medium |
| Costa Rica | Nature Lovers | $1,500 | Medium – High |
Best Countries for Living in World
Ever considered living abroad? You might be surprised at how affordable a luxurious lifestyle can be. Imagine vibrant cultures, breathtaking scenery, and a genuinely upscale way of life-all for as little as $600 to $2,000 a month.
Here are 14 awesome countries where your money goes a long way! These are the best countries for living in the world if you want to live large without breaking the bank.
1. Thailand
Why
The Vibe: Famous for its delicious street food, vibrant culture, and stunning islands. It is one of the most popular hubs for expats.
“Before packing your bags, it’s important to budget correctly. We have cross referenced these estimates with the Numbeo Cost of Living Index to ensure you get the most accurate pricing.”
- Cost of Living: $600 – $1,200 / month
- Best Cities: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket
- Visa: Elite Visa & LTR Visa available
- Best Season: November to February
Why Live Here?
- Pros: Amazing food, very cheap luxury rentals (condos with pools), fast internet.
- Cons: Hot and humid weather, traffic in Bangkok can be crazy.
Best For: People who want a “Luxury on a Budget” lifestyle.
Highlights: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket.
Chiang Mai: The ultimate hub for Digital Nomads and mountain lovers seeking a relaxed, affordable vibe.
Bangkok: Perfect for those who crave big city energy, endless shopping, and famous nightlife.
Phuket: The best choice for beach lovers wanting a tropical island lifestyle with luxury villas.
2. Vietnam
Why
Café culture, affordable healthcare, and charming cities with stunning landscapes and a thriving expat scene, Vietnam is an attractive destination. Counted among the best countries for living in world, it offers meals under $2 and rent starting at $300, allowing you to live comfortably even in cities like Da Nang or Hanoi.
Afety is a top priority for expats and solo travelers. This country consistently ranks high on the Global Peace Index, making it a secure choice for your new home.”
Highlights: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi
Experience an incredible lifestyle in Vietnam, specifically Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi, for only $900 – $1,200 monthly. Enjoy a high quality of life, delicious local food, and rich culture, perfect for expats and digital nomads seeking value.
3. Mexico
Why
Warm climate, beach towns, and welcoming locals from coastal towns like Puerto Escondido to colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende, Mexico stands out as one of the best countries for living in world, offering an easy visa process and modern amenities at a fraction of Western prices.
Highlights: Mérida, Oaxaca, and Puerto Escondido.
Experience a luxurious lifestyle for just $1,000 – $1,500/month. Enjoy gourmet meals, vibrant culture, thrilling adventures, and comfortable stays without compromising quality. Redefine luxury with intelligent spending and exceptional value.
4. Portugal
Why
Mediterranean vibe, excellent wine, and historic towns Portugal is perfect for digital nomads and retirees alike. Counted among the best countries for living in world, places like Porto and Lisbon offer affordable public transport, beautiful coastlines, and a rich cultural life.
Highlights: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve.
Experience Portugal’s luxury on a budget! Lisbon’s charm, Porto’s views, and the Algarve’s sun await, all for $1,500 – $2,000 monthly. Enjoy high quality living, perfect for digital nomads, long term travelers, or budget conscious vacationers.
5. Colombia
Why:
Choose this destination for vibrant cities, lush jungles, and affordable living. Cities like Medellín have transformed into expat havens with great weather, modern infrastructure, and monthly living costs under $1,200.
Highlights: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville
Meals for $1, modern apartments under $300 rent, and a peaceful pace of life await you in Cambodia’s major cities. Considered one of the best countries for living in world, it’s ideal for long term stays with low overhead costs.
6. Georgia
Why
Low cost of living, great wine, and mountain scenery.Georgia offers an amazing, affordable lifestyle. Enjoy stunning mountain views, incredible wine, and a low cost of living ($800 – $1,200/month) in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi. Experience European charm without the high price tag.
Highlights: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi
With a 1 year visa free entry for many, Georgia stands out as one of the best countries for living in world, offering affordable rent, cheap wine, scenic mountain towns, and a lively expat culture all at around $700–$1,000 per month.
7. Indonesia (Bali)
Why
Beach life, yoga retreats, and villa living on a budget Bali is a paradise and one of the best countries for living in world, where $1,000/month gets you a villa with a pool, fresh tropical fruits, and an active, healthy lifestyle.
Highlights: Bali, Ubud, Canggu
Bali and its surrounding areas offer private villas, vibrant beaches, and affordable organic cafes. For $1,000–$1,500 per month, digital nomads and expats enjoy scenic rice fields, yoga retreats, and a healthy lifestyle on a modest budget.
8. Bulgaria
Why
Low taxes, historical cities, and European living on a budget Bulgaria is among the best countries for living in world, giving you a real European lifestyle without the high price tag. Cities like Plovdiv and Sofia offer culture, nightlife, and meals for under $5, with monthly living costs around $700 to $1,200.
Highlights: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna
Even in cities, Bulgaria offers a reasonably priced EU lifestyle with cosy apartments ($300–500) and monthly living expenses ($800–1,200). Savour Black Sea beaches, historic towns, mountains, and cafes. It is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads looking for European charm without the high cost because of its rich culture, low taxes, and expanding expat community.
9. Nicaragua
Why
Undiscovered beaches, volcano hikes, and low living costs Nicaragua is one of the best countries for living in world, offering peaceful towns like Granada with colonial charm, where life is quiet, scenic, and affordable around $600 – $1,000 per month.
Highlights: Granada, León, and San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua offers less expensive colonial towns, Pacific beaches, and volcanoes. Beautiful architecture can be found in Granada and León, while San Juan del Sur offers a relaxed beach lifestyle. Modern apartments, regional cuisine, and a laid back lifestyle can be had for between $800 and $1,200 per month. Perfect for foreigners and digital nomads looking for Central America’s natural beauty and affordability.
10. Philippines
Why
English speaking locals, island hopping, and simple luxury the Philippines is among the best countries for living in world, with crystal clear waters and friendly communities. Places like Dumaguete or Cebu let you live well for under $1,200 per month.
Highlights: Cebu, Davao, Siargao
Island life meets affordability in the Philippines, one of the best countries for living in world. For $800 – $1,200 monthly, you get pristine beaches, affordable English speaking communities, and inexpensive local transport.
11. Turkey
Why
Historic richness, coastal towns, and fusion cuisine Turkey is among the best countries for living in world, with cities like Istanbul or Antalya offering a high standard of living, modern infrastructure, and international connectivity for less than $1,500 per month.
Highlights: Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir
Live amid rich history, Turkish coffee culture, and Mediterranean coastlines for under $1,200 monthly. Turkey’s mix of modern urban life and old world charm offers incredible value.
12. Ecuador
Why:
Ecuador offers both natural beauty and reasonably priced luxury. Cuenca and Loja offer modern conveniences, a mild climate, and an old world charm that lowers mileage costs. Rent, food, and medical care typically cost between $900 and $1,300 per month. The Andes and coasts are easily accessible, providing adventure without expensive travel. Ecuador offers a laid back pace, inexpensive food, and safe, walkable cities, making it perfect for retirees or remote workers.
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Highlights: Quito, Cuenca, Loja
Ecuador: a South American luxury travel secret. Metropolises like Cuenca and Loja boast a European vibe with cobbled streets, old structures, and spring rainfall. Counted among the best countries for living in world, it offers yearly costs of around $900–$1,300. Enjoy fresh markets, mountain towns, and affordable healthcare perfect for retirees, expats, or remote workers seeking an affordable, comfortable lifestyle in the Andes or along the coast.
13. Peru
Why
Machu Picchu views, colourful culture, affordable living In towns like Arequipa and Cusco, you can enjoy Peruvian culture and cuisine for under $900/month. For exploring global lifestyle trends, travel tips, and smart living hacks. Just like discovering countries where luxury comes at budget prices, Sharkmondo helps readers find unique ways to live big without overspending whether it’s travel, lifestyle, or financial freedom.
Highlights: Lima, Cusco, Arequipa
From mountains to beaches, Peru offers cultural richness, affordable healthcare, and cozy living under $1,000 monthly. Recognized as one of the best countries for living in world, it lets you experience world class cuisine at local prices.
14. Morocco
Why
Desert adventures, souks, mint tea and slow living
Morocco blends Africa and Europe. Cities like Marrakech and Essaouira are full of colour, culture, and delicious food and all very budget friendly.
Highlights: Marrakech, Casablanca, Essaouira
Colorful markets, affordable apartments, and delicious tagine meals under $3 make Morocco an exotic yet budget friendly choice, with total monthly living costs averaging $900 – $1,200.