If you’re someone who works nonstop but still only make enough to barely get by, it might be time for a change of scenery. In certain parts of the world it is close to impossible to get ahead financially, no matter how many hours you put in at work. This is the case for cities like Toronto, London, LA, and NYC.
For anyone living in one of these cities or another crazy-expensive destination of the world, you understand that the financial struggle is real. Contrary to popular belief, struggling to manage and save money is not always a result of laziness. Sometimes, the problem has to do with geography.
If geography is your problem in relation to your less-than-ideal financial situation, consider making a move to one of these countries. Instead of spending all of your money while barely scraping by, you’ll be able to live like a king for next to nothing.
Vietnam
To give you a clear picture of how much it costs to live in Southeast Asia’s Vietnam, a bus from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh for less than $10 USD. A similar trip in North America would cost at least $75, and this price is actually considered to be quite high compared to the less touristic places around the country.
If you love Asian culture, delicious pho, and cheap yet comfortable accommodations, Vietnam is a top contender. Expats moving here have claimed that it’s more than possible to find a luxurious place to live for less than $500 per month. Anyone wanting to live as cheaply as possible can get by on paying as little as $200 per month on rent. Food is even cheaper than accommodations; you’ll be able to feed yourself well on a couple of bucks a day with rent your space.
India
If you know that India is not the place for you – because let’s face it, not everyone is meant to travel here – skip on to the next destination. But if you have even the slightest curiosity about India and what it’s like to live here, keep reading. India is considered to be the ultimate destination for adventurers, especially adventurers who wish to live as cheaply as possible.
Everything in India is cheaper than the rest of the world, particularly when it comes to living life like a king. You can live in complete and utter luxury for less than $1000 per month, and even cheaper than that when you travel to more remote locations.
Guatemala
Guatemala has always been considered a top backpacking destination for travelers on a budget, but what about living here? Just as it’s possible to travel across Guatemala without breaking the bank, the same goes for moving here.
Rent won’t cost more than a few hundred dollars per month, and you won’t even bat an eyelash when you get the check after dining at a luxurious 5-star restaurant. Beer drinkers will love the less than $2 per bottle nationally-praised beer. You can sip on your cheap beer while taking in the stunning Guatemalan scenery.
Bulgaria
So far we’ve covered a few destinations in Asia and one in Central America, so it’s time to cover the European continent. If you can’t seem to shake the idea of moving to Europe to save some cash, Bulgaria should be a top consideration. Many people are surprised to hear that Bulgaria is home to several stunning beaches, but that’s not all it offers. You can stay, eat, and enjoy yourself for next to nothing while also taking in authentic Eastern European culture.
Bolivia
Next, it’s time to set our sights on South America, Bolivia specifically. Many individuals have a negative perception of Bolivia in terms of safety, but it’s actually a fairly safe place to live. Even compared to many major cities in the United States, Bolivia has lower crime rates and a better safety record. And the best part of all, it is one of the cheapest places in the world to live and travel.
According to RoughMaps, “Bolivia is especially rewarding for the adventurous traveller. From the world’s most dangerous road to the Andean Peaks, there are plenty of adrenalin-fuelled escapades to get into…” So while you live comfortably, you can also live it up with Bolivia’s unique adventure activities.
Malaysia
It’s time to make our way back to Southeast Asia. Malaysia is known for its plethora of food choices, and also known for the fact that you can indulge in this food for next to nothing. City lovers should look nowhere else than Kuala Lumpur. This capital city has a higher-than-average cost of living compared to the rest of the country, but it is still extremely cheap compared to the rest of the world.
