“Affordable” doesn’t just mean low prices—it means places where daily life doesn’t feel like a financial grind. In the countries below, housing, food, transportation, and healthcare tend to line up better with what people actually earn or spend. Some are popular with expats, others fly under the radar, but all offer a version of life where money stretches further, and stress is lower. Whether you’re staying long-term or just visiting, these are places where the money works.
1. Portugal
Portugal has become a favorite for people looking to lower their cost of living without giving up quality of life. According to data from Numbeo and OECD cost-of-living comparisons, everyday expenses in Portugal remain significantly lower than in most Western European countries, especially when it comes to housing, food, and transportation. Even in popular cities like Lisbon or Porto, costs are manageable compared to similar destinations elsewhere.
Public healthcare is accessible, the infrastructure is solid, and daily life doesn’t require constant spending. It’s affordable in ways that feel sustainable, not bare-bones.
2. Mexico
Mexico offers affordability at almost every scale. Daily expenses like groceries, dining out, and transportation are consistently low, while housing costs vary widely depending on location. Smaller cities and inland areas are especially budget-friendly, even for people living on modest incomes.
What draws people in is flexibility. You can live simply or comfortably without prices forcing your hand. That range makes Mexico appealing for both short-term travel and long-term stays.
3. Vietnam
Vietnam remains one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia, especially for housing and food. According to World Bank purchasing power parity data and expat cost-of-living surveys, Vietnam offers some of the lowest daily living costs relative to quality of life. Meals, transportation, and rent often cost a fraction of what they do in Western countries.
Affordability here doesn’t mean inconvenience. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well-connected and lively, while smaller towns offer even lower costs. It’s a place where everyday expenses rarely dominate your thinking.
4. Colombia
Colombia has quietly become one of the most affordable places in Latin America to live comfortably. Housing, groceries, and public transportation remain accessible, particularly outside the most tourist-heavy areas. Cities like Medellín and Pereira offer modern amenities without modern price tags.
Rent is reasonable, fresh food is inexpensive, and healthcare costs are manageable. The affordability shows up in everyday routines, not just on paper.
5. Thailand
Thailand continues to be one of the easiest places to live or travel on a modest budget. According to cost-of-living data from Numbeo and analysis by the International Living Global Retirement Index, everyday expenses like food, transportation, and rent remain low relative to the quality of life. Even in larger cities, daily costs are manageable without cutting corners.
The appeal is consistency. Prices don’t spike unexpectedly, and basic comforts stay affordable. That predictability is what keeps people coming back for long stays.
6. Turkey
Turkey offers affordability across housing, food, and transportation, especially outside the most tourist-heavy areas. Local markets, public transit, and domestic travel remain inexpensive, making daily life accessible even on a tight budget. Rent in secondary cities stays particularly low.
You can live well without spending much, but still enjoy modern cities, rich culture, and good infrastructure. Costs scale gently instead of jumping sharply.
7. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for both living and traveling. According to Eurostat price level indices and expat cost-of-living data, Bulgaria’s housing, utilities, and food costs are among the lowest in the EU. Even in cities like Sofia, expenses remain well below Western European standards.
For many people, the appeal is simplicity. Day-to-day costs are predictable, and life doesn’t require constant budgeting. It’s affordable without feeling isolated.
8. Indonesia
Indonesia offers low living costs paired with a wide range of lifestyle options. Housing, food, and transportation are inexpensive, especially outside tourist hotspots. Long-term rentals can be particularly affordable in smaller cities and towns.
You can live comfortably without constant tradeoffs, and daily life doesn’t demand a high income to feel workable.
9. Hungary
Hungary offers one of the better cost-of-living balances in Central Europe. Housing, groceries, and transportation remain affordable, especially outside the most tourist-heavy areas of Budapest. Daily expenses stay predictable, which makes budgeting easier for both visitors and long-term residents.
You don’t need to constantly adjust spending habits to make things work. Life moves at a manageable financial pace.
10. Romania
Romania remains affordable across most major expense categories. Rent is low compared to other European countries, and everyday costs like food and utilities are reasonable. Smaller cities and regional towns are especially budget-friendly.
The appeal is straightforward. People can cover basics without feeling stretched, and long-term living doesn’t require a high income.
11. Georgia
Georgia has become increasingly popular with travelers and remote workers because daily costs stay low without sacrificing quality of life. Housing, dining out, and transportation remain accessible, particularly outside central Tbilisi.
Expenses don’t pile up unexpectedly, and even modest budgets go far. That simplicity makes it easy to settle in.
12. Malaysia
Malaysia offers affordability paired with modern infrastructure. Housing costs are reasonable, food is inexpensive, and public transportation keeps daily spending low. Even in cities like Kuala Lumpur, prices remain approachable.
Life feels comfortable without being costly, and basic services are widely available. It’s an easy place to live well without overthinking money.
13. Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the least expensive countries in South America. Housing, transportation, and food cost far less than in neighboring countries. Smaller cities offer especially low living expenses.
For people willing to live simply, Bolivia offers a lifestyle where money rarely dominates daily decisions. Costs remain low enough that budgeting stays straightforward.
14. Albania
Albania is still under the radar for many travelers, but its affordability is one of its strongest draws. Rent, food, and transportation are inexpensive, even in coastal areas. Everyday costs stay well below those in Western Europe.
Life doesn’t require constant adjustment to rising prices. It’s affordable in a way that lasts.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
