Moving abroad to cut your cost of living is a perfectly legitimate goal. But “cheap country” means very little without context: cheap compared to what lifestyle, what level of comfort, for how long? This ranking is based on realistic monthly budgets for 2026, cross-checked with data from Numbeo and Expatistan, supplemented by expat feedback. The figures cover one adult living comfortably (housing, food, transport, basic healthcare, moderate leisure), not an ascetic lifestyle and not a luxury one either.

A quick note on methodology: the budgets below exclude flights home, international health insurance (budget EUR 80-150/month depending on your age), and initial setup costs (security deposit, basic furniture). For a complete breakdown of expenses people typically overlook, read our article on the hidden costs of moving abroad.

1. Vietnam: EUR 700-1,100/month

Vietnam has been one of the most-cited destinations for budget-conscious expats for years, and the reputation holds up. In Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, a furnished one-bedroom apartment outside the center runs EUR 250-400/month. In central or expat-popular neighborhoods (Tay Ho in Hanoi, District 2 in Saigon), expect EUR 450-700 for something comfortable.

Food is one of the most affordable line items: eating local at street stalls costs EUR 1.50-3 per meal. Even frequenting mid-range “expat” restaurants, a monthly food budget of EUR 150-200 is very manageable. Transport via Grab (Vietnam’s Uber equivalent) or a rental scooter runs EUR 30-60/month. Private anglophone clinics in major cities provide accessible, decent-quality healthcare.

Points to keep in mind: heat and humidity can be tough depending on the region and season. Air pollution in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is a genuine issue. On the visa side, the 90-day e-visa is available to most Western nationals, but a long-term stay requires structuring a local situation (investment visa, work visa). See our moving to Vietnam page for the full process.

2. Thailand: EUR 800-1,300/month

Bangkok has become one of Southeast Asia’s most cosmopolitan capitals, with infrastructure that far exceeds what the price tag would suggest. The BTS (elevated rail) and MRT cover a large part of the city for EUR 20-30/month. Private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Samitivej, BNH) are international-standard, with prices that are roughly a quarter of what you’d pay in Europe.

Rent is the main variable: a decent studio in a central Bangkok neighborhood runs EUR 350-600/month. In Chiang Mai, the equivalent costs EUR 200-350/month, with a quality of life that many expats find superior for those seeking a less urban pace. Food at local markets and restaurants rarely exceeds EUR 150-180/month per person.

Visa remains the sensitive topic for expats in Thailand. The tourist visa can be renewed, but Thai authorities have tightened enforcement in recent years. The Thailand LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident), launched in 2022, offers genuine stability for eligible profiles (passive income, retirement, remote work). Full details are on our moving to Thailand page.

3. Georgia: EUR 700-1,000/month

Georgia is probably the surprise entry on this list for those who haven’t explored it yet. Tbilisi combines a very low cost of living, an exceptionally open visa policy (French and most Western nationals can stay without a visa for up to 365 days per year), a rich food and wine culture, and an urban fabric that blends a UNESCO-listed old town with modern neighborhoods.

A one-bedroom apartment in central Tbilisi costs EUR 300-500/month, significantly less in outer neighborhoods. Food is inexpensive and Georgian cuisine is generous: budget EUR 120-180/month eating varied meals. The private healthcare network has improved markedly in recent years, with English-speaking clinics in the capital. Internet connectivity is excellent, which explains the influx of digital nomads since 2020.

One factor to weigh: Georgia is a small economy, and the regional geopolitical situation (proximity to Russia) is a risk factor worth considering depending on your profile. Practical steps for settling in are covered on our moving to Georgia page.

4. Colombia: EUR 800-1,200/month

Medellín has become one of Latin America’s most popular expat destinations in recent years. Year-round spring-like weather (the city is nicknamed “la ciudad de la eterna primavera”), modernized urban infrastructure, a very low cost of living and a vibrant cultural scene make it a serious option.

Rent in El Poblado (the most expat-popular neighborhood) ranges from EUR 400-700/month for a one-bedroom. In Laureles or Envigado (residential neighborhoods equally well-located), expect EUR 250-450/month. Food at local markets and neighborhood restaurants runs EUR 120-180/month. Colombia’s healthcare system (public EPS or private prepago) is accessible and reasonably good by regional standards.

The main caveat: safety varies significantly by neighborhood and city. Bogotá and Cartagena operate on very different logics from Medellín. Good local knowledge and a local network help. On visas: the visitor visa allows 180 days per year; the digital nomad visa (Visa NMD) has been available since 2022 for remote workers. Full details on our moving to Colombia page.

5. Mexico: EUR 900-1,400/month

Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende: Mexico offers a remarkable variety of living environments, all at a lower cost of living than France. Mexico City in particular saw a massive influx of expats and digital nomads from 2021 onwards, with a cultural and culinary infrastructure that rivals major world capitals.

In CDMX’s popular neighborhoods (Condesa, Roma Norte), rents have risen due to demand and now run EUR 600-900/month for a one-bedroom. In cities like Oaxaca or Mérida, the equivalent costs EUR 300-500/month. Food at Mexican markets is both delicious and economical: EUR 120-200/month covers eating well.

Worth noting: accelerating gentrification in some CDMX neighborhoods is pushing prices up faster than elsewhere. Safety varies significantly by state. For practical matters (temporary resident visa, tax considerations), see our moving to Mexico page.

6. Bulgaria: EUR 900-1,300/month

Bulgaria is the most affordable EU option on this list, and one of the least well-known despite its advantages: EU member since 2007, full freedom of movement for EU nationals, flat income tax of 10% (one of the lowest in Europe), Black Sea coast and mountain access.

Sofia, the capital, concentrates most economic and cultural activity. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs EUR 350-550/month. Plovdiv (the second city, popular for its old town and atmosphere) costs even less. Food runs about EUR 200-250/month for a varied diet mixing supermarkets and restaurants. Public transport is cheap and functional in Sofia.

One caveat: everyday English is still limited outside professional and tourist contexts, and bureaucratic processes can require patience. The public healthcare system is of uneven quality; most expats opt for local or international private health insurance. See our moving to Bulgaria page for more.

7. Morocco: EUR 700-1,100/month

Morocco offers the rare combination of geographic proximity to Europe (2-3 hours’ flight from Paris), widespread French-language use in cities, and a cost of living significantly below that of France. Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier attract very different profiles, from retirees seeking sun to remote workers.

In Rabat or Casablanca, a one-bedroom apartment in a decent residential neighborhood costs EUR 300-500/month. Food is one of the most favorable budget items: local markets and neighborhood restaurants allow you to eat well for EUR 100-180/month. Private healthcare in Morocco is accessible, with expat-oriented coverage available for EUR 200-400/year for an adult.

Points to keep in mind: individual rights and freedoms are a relevant factor to be aware of, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. Inter-city public transport is functional but limited. Residency and tax setup are covered on our moving to Morocco page.

8. Paraguay: EUR 700-1,000/month

Paraguay is the most under-the-radar destination on this list, but it deserves attention for a specific profile: someone looking for a very low cost of living, an advantageous territorial tax system (tax only on income sourced within Paraguay, meaning foreign income is not taxed locally), and a relatively straightforward path to permanent residency.

Asunción, the capital, remains a human-scale city with a growing expat community. A one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood costs EUR 250-400/month. Day-to-day expenses (food, transport) are among the lowest in South America. Infrastructure is less developed than other destinations on this list, and the language barrier (Spanish and Guaraní) is real.

Paraguay is particularly attractive for freelancers and entrepreneurs looking to optimize their international tax structure. The full process is covered on our moving to Paraguay page.

9. Mauritius: EUR 1,100-1,700/month

Mauritius is the most expensive destination on this list, but it earns its place with a unique offer: a high-quality tropical lifestyle, remarkable political stability for the region, a favorable tax environment, French and English as official languages, and access to good private healthcare.

Rent is the main cost driver: a one-bedroom apartment in popular areas (Grand Baie, Tamarin, Quatre Bornes) runs EUR 600-1,000/month depending on proximity to the sea and amenities. Food costs more than in Asia or North Africa (much is imported), but the range available is wide.

The island has attractive residency programs for investors and retirees (Premium Visa, Retirement Non-Citizen scheme). The main drawback is geographic isolation and the cost of return flights to Europe (EUR 500-1,200 depending on the season). Everything is covered on our moving to Mauritius page.

Summary table

Country Monthly budget (1 person) City-center rent Main advantage Watch out for
Vietnam EUR 700-1,100 EUR 250-500 Unbeatable cost, great food Long-term visa complexity
Thailand EUR 800-1,300 EUR 200-600 Excellent affordable private healthcare Visa, tightened enforcement
Georgia EUR 700-1,000 EUR 300-500 365 days/year visa-free, 1% flat tax Regional geopolitical context
Colombia EUR 800-1,200 EUR 250-700 Climate, culture, expat community Safety varies by neighborhood/city
Mexico EUR 900-1,400 EUR 300-900 Diversity of destinations CDMX gentrification, safety by state
Bulgaria EUR 900-1,300 EUR 350-550 EU, 10% flat tax, free movement Language barrier, uneven public healthcare
Morocco EUR 700-1,100 EUR 300-500 Close to Europe, French-speaking Individual rights, inter-city transport
Paraguay EUR 700-1,000 EUR 250-400 Territorial taxation, accessible residency Language barrier, limited infrastructure
Mauritius EUR 1,100-1,700 EUR 600-1,000 Stability, bilingual, tropical setting Geographic isolation, flight costs

How to choose based on your profile

The gross monthly budget is only one factor. Here are the trade-offs that actually matter:

Retirees and passive income earners: Thailand, Mauritius and Morocco offer a good balance of comfort, accessible healthcare and French-language environment. The Thai Non-Immigrant O-A visa (retirement visa) is one of the most stable in the region.

Digital nomads and remote workers: Georgia (fast internet, visa-free for a year), Vietnam and Colombia (dense expat communities) stand out. For a deeper comparison, see our guide to the best countries for digital nomads.

Families with children: Bulgaria (EU, schooling options), Mexico (accessible international schools) and Mauritius are worth a close look. Our article on the best countries for expat families compares the options in detail.

Entrepreneurs looking to optimize their tax situation: Paraguay (territorial taxation) and Georgia (1% flat tax under the Small Business status) are worth studying carefully with a tax advisor.

To frame your destination choice beyond cost alone, see our quality of life: home country vs abroad comparison and our hub on choosing your country.

Frequently asked questions

Can you live comfortably abroad on EUR 1,000/month?

Yes, in several destinations on this list, EUR 1,000/month covers a comfortable lifestyle for one person: decent housing, varied food, basic healthcare, occasional outings. That holds for Vietnam, Georgia, Morocco, Colombia (outside premium neighborhoods) and Paraguay. In Thailand or Bulgaria, budget closer to EUR 1,100-1,200 to avoid feeling constrained. This budget excludes international health insurance, which needs to be planned separately.

Should a couple budget differently?

A couple does not spend twice what a single person does. Rent, transport and certain fixed costs are shared. In practice, a couple living comfortably across the destinations on this list typically lands at 1.5 to 1.8 times the individual budget, so EUR 1,200-2,500/month depending on the destination and comfort level.

Will costs rise as more expats move in?

It’s already happening in some rental markets: Tbilisi, CDMX (Roma Norte, Condesa) and Medellín (El Poblado) have seen rents rise significantly since 2021-2022. The trend is real in expat-popular neighborhoods. Moving into more residential, less “Instagrammable” areas often means finding local pricing again. Overall price pressure remains well below what you’d experience in major French cities.

Are these destinations as affordable for the long term, or just for a short test?

Most of these destinations are home to long-term expat communities. The key difference: short-stay rentals (Airbnb, hotels) cost noticeably more than annual leases negotiated directly with landlords. Once you settle in for six months or more, the rent figures quoted in this article become achievable. Spending one or two months on the ground before committing to an annual lease is strongly recommended.

Indicative budgets based on data available in Q3 2026. Prices vary by neighborhood, comfort level and lifestyle. They are not a guarantee and should be verified directly on the ground before making any relocation decision.