Inexpensive international locales to set up residence without a job, specified:
Ready to find your new home that won't break the bank in 2025? Check out these 11 affordable destinations with a great quality of life, curated by International Living!
Are you searching for a dream location to live where your dollar stretches further? Or maybe you're yearning for a place that's so budget-friendly, you might even be able to ditch the grind altogether?
For the past nine busy years, I've kicked off each new year with an article to help you make your dream a reality by moving to a country where living expenses are significantly lower than in the United States. Over the years, my article has become a trustworthy resource for people seeking a more exciting and affordable lifestyle.
For 2025, we look to International Living, who have freshly published two reports. One focuses on the top five most economical places to live, while the other explores six up-and-coming retirement hotspots. These reports are part of International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index, unveiled earlier than usual to meet the increased interest following the recent presidential election.
As Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living, shared with me, "Our goal is to provide a dependable tool for individuals interested in international living, from politics to economics, or just a thirst for adventure. There are communities around the world where life moves at a slower pace, feels friendlier, is richer, and costs less than staying put."
Another advantage? "Many people, especially older adults, are worried about earning a living or working for eternity. Exploring affordable locales abroad could offer many enticing possibilities," says Stevens.
Feel free to compare this year's list with past reports from 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017, where I've covered various budget-friendly places to live. While cost is a big factor, this year's list also highlights why more people are moving abroad for a better work-life balance, superior healthcare, and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
However, it's crucial to keep in mind the implications of gentrification when Americans settle in new areas. "Expats should acknowledge how they impact local communities and strive to be positive and respectful members of their new homes," says Stevens. "Being aware of your influence on the community is essential to maintaining harmony with your fellow residents."
Dreaming of living by the beach, in the mountains, or in a bustling city? Read on to uncover 11 places where you can embark on a fresh chapter in 2025 and discover even more details about these and other locations.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Colombia
Colombia provides a rich cultural experience without breaking your bank. With low-cost healthcare and affordable dining, Colombia combines a low cost, comfort, and sophistication that's hard to beat. International Living suggests Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring," which boasts ideal weather and a lively, modern atmosphere. In the Coffee Triangle, Pereira and Manizales offer tranquility and breathtaking views, while coastal cities like Cartagena are perfect for sunshine and beaches. Living costs here start at $1,500 per month for a couple, with apartment rent around $800 per month in Medellín and beneath $500 per month in smaller cities like Pereira.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Vietnam
Vietnam is an unbeatable choice for those on a tight budget, yet still wanting to enjoy beautiful landscapes and a culture rich in history. Street food can be found for as little as $3, while modern apartments rent for under $300 per month. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi provide the urban buzz, while Da Nang and Hoi An offer a calm, small-town vibe with beach access. A couple's monthly expenses start at $1,200, with apartments in Hanoi's Old Quarter renting for around $275 per month, including utilities.
Most Affordable Places To Live: Bali, Indonesia
Bali offers a tropical lifestyle with minimal costs. Whether you're into spa treatments, villa rentals, or dining out, you can do it all without bankrupting yourself. International Living recommends Seminyak for an upscale beach town vibe, Ubud for yoga, and smaller villages like Canggu for a quieter experience. A one-bedroom villa near the beach, including utilities and cleaning, can be rented for around $1,325 per month. Meals for two at a good restaurant cost around $40, with warungs (local eateries) offering meals for as low as $4.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Thailand
Thailand is a top pick for many expats, thanks to its tropical beaches, cooler mountain regions, bustling cities, and mix of traditional culture and modern comforts. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are mentioned by International Living as suitable locations. With living costs for expats starting at $1,500 per month for a couple, you can rent a luxury condo near the beach in Phuket for around $600 per month, with high-end meals costing around $25. Healthcare is affordable and top-notch, with routine check-ups under $50 and surgeries costing one-third of U.S. prices.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Malaysia
With its modern living and low costs, Malaysia is tough to beat for getting the most bang for your buck. International Living praises the country for its mix of affordability and value. "Kuala Lumpur offers city living at a very low cost, while smaller towns like Ipoh provide a peaceful retreat with modern conveniences," says Stevens. Monthly living costs for a couple start at $1,500, with a three-bedroom apartment renting for $600-$1,200 per month. Eating out can cost as little as $2 at local food stalls, while doctor visits average $10-$30.
Most Affordable Places To Live: Azuero Peninsula, Panama
Known as Panama's hidden gem, the Azuero Peninsula offers a slower pace of life, low living costs, and stunning beaches. Expats can find both tranquil towns and charming cities here. "Whether you prefer the expat-friendly town of Pedasí or the culturally rich city of Chitré, this area is great for those seeking a simple lifestyle with some charm," says Stevens. Rental homes start at $600 per month, while buying property near the beach is still affordable compared to other tropical destinations. Eating out costs around $5-$10, and doctor visits average $25.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Green Spain
Green Spain, including regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, is a hidden treasure where locals go on vacation and tourists are few. Offering a simple lifestyle and affordable living, it's great for peace and a small-town European feel. Monthly living expenses start at around $1,500 for a couple, depending on the area. Rent in smaller towns like Santander costs about $750 per month, with utilities, food, and dining out at reasonable prices.
Most Affordable Places To Live: Coastal Montenegro
Montenegro's beautiful Adriatic coastline offers a mix of natural beauty, affordability, and rich history. While nearby Croatia is popular, Montenegro is often overlooked, even though it's just as amazing. Tivat, Kotor, and Bar are suggested by International Living as suitable coastal towns. A couple's monthly living costs are around $1,800, with rentals starting at $450 per month in seaside towns. Fresh seafood meals cost just $10, and doctor visits are about $30.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Northern Portugal
Described by International Living as a hidden gem, Northern Portugal is a great choice for those seeking real Portuguese culture in towns free of tourists. "Prices may have risen in Portugal, but they haven't in this northern region," says Stevens. Caminha, Esposende, and Viana do Castelo are recommended towns in the area. A couple can live comfortably for $2,000 a month or less, with rent ranging from $530 to $750 per month. Eating out costs around $15 per person.
Most Affordable Places to Live: Southern Zone, Costa Rica
The Southern Zone of Costa Rica is popular among expats for its natural beauty, friendly community, and affordable living. This region offers everything from green mountains to adventure and peacefulness. It's also famous for its great food, with many high-quality international restaurants. Some suitable towns to consider include San Isidro del General and beach towns like Dominical and Ojochal, which have many expats. Furnished homes can be found starting at $700 per month, depending on the location, and meals cost around $10-$15.
Most Affordable Places to Live: The Peloponnese, Greece
If you're looking for a retirement with sun, sea, and history, the Peloponnese is a great choice, offering a Mediterranean lifestyle for much less than on most islands. Located just a short drive from Athens, it's also easy to travel to and live there all year round. Nafplio, Kalamata, and the Mani Peninsula are suggested by International Living as suitable towns. Rentals range from $320 in smaller towns to $750 in bigger cities like Kalamata, while meals cost about $16 per person.
Published: 3rd January 2025
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- For those seeking a more affordable lifestyle, International Living suggests the 'Most Affordable Places to Live' in 2025, including Colombia, Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, Azuero Peninsula, Green Spain, Coastal Montenegro, Northern Portugal, Southern Zone, Costa Rica, and the Peloponnese, Greece.
- In Columbia, living costs start at $1,500 per month for a couple, with apartment renting around $800 per month in Medellín and beneath $500 per month in smaller cities like Pereira.
- Vietnam is an attractive option for those on a tight budget, offering street food for as little as $3, while modern apartments rent for under $300 per month.
- Bali offers a tropical lifestyle with minimal costs, with a one-bedroom villa near the beach, including utilities and cleaning, renting for around $1,325 per month.
- Thailand, a top pick for many expats, has living costs for expats starting at $1,500 per month for a couple, with a luxury condo near the beach in Phuket available for around $600 per month.
- Malaysia is another budget-friendly destination, with a three-bedroom apartment renting for $600-$1,200 per month, while eating out can cost as little as $2 at local food stalls.
