5 Cheapest Places To Live Abroad in 2026

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At a time when many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, the idea of moving somewhere where your dollar goes further can seem very appealing. Fortunately, there are numerous countries where you can get more bang for your buck without sacrificing quality of life.

A new International Living report identified the cheapest places to live abroad in 2026, all of which offer affordable housing, low-cost quality healthcare, budget-friendly dining and convenient transportation options.

Here’s a look at where to move if you want to live well for less.

1. Sri Lanka: Luxury Living on a Budget

You can live a luxurious life in Sri Lanka — including renting a beachside villa, dining out for most meals, and enjoying regular massages and spa treatments — for significantly less than you’d pay in the U.S., and even elsewhere in Asia. Here’s a look at how far your dollar goes there:

• Total average monthly cost of living: $1,000 to $2,200
• Rent for a beachside villa: $385 per month
• Rent for a three-bedroom house plus full-time maid service, private driver and gardener: $2,800 per month
• Utilities: $50 per month
• Three-course fine dining meal for two: $50
• Local dishes: $2 per person
• Four-hour taxi ride: $70
• One-hour train ride: $1
• Massage: $10
• Haircut: $2
• Outdoor sport lessons (surfing, kitesurfing or spearfishing): $10 per hour

2. Vietnam: Affordable City Life and Healthcare

Vietnam offers a mix of vibrant city life, historic neighborhoods, peaceful parks and lakes, and high affordability. Here’s a look at typical expenses:

• Total average monthly cost of living: $1,000
• Rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment: $500 per month (includes weekly housekeeping and all utilities except electricity)
• Dinner and a drink at a mid-range restaurant: $6
• Fine dining meal: $35 per person
• Overall food budget (groceries and dining out): $250 per month
• Dental checkup and cleaning: $7
• Eye exam: $25
• Full lab workup, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and a consultation: $225

3. Thailand: Twice the Comfort for Half the Cost

You can live “twice as well for half the cost” in Thailand compared to the U.S. Here’s how much regular expenses typically cost:

• Total average monthly cost of living: $2,000
• Rent for a one-bedroom, fully furnished condo: $600 per month
• Rent for a two-bedroom, fully furnished condo: $750 per month
• Rent for a single-family home with a pool: $1,000 per month
• Groceries: $300 per month
• Dining out: $8 to $10 for a casual meal for two
• Ride-share apps: $100 per month (instead of owning a car)

4. Bali, Indonesia: Tropical Paradise Without the Price Tag

The quality of life in Bali is top-notch. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, fresh food and a friendly atmosphere for much less than you’d pay in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of average living expenses:

• Total average monthly cost of living: $1,400 to $2,500
• Rent for a villa on a hotel property (includes utilities, maid service three times a week and cable TV): $840 per month
• Upscale dinner for two with drinks: $40 to $50
• Mid-tier bottle of wine: $8
• One-hour Grab (Uber) ride: $20
• 10-minute motorbike taxi ride: $3
• Monthly scooter rental: $80
• Utilities, Wi-Fi, drinking water and gas: $93 per month total
• Gym membership: $25 per month
• Massage: $10
• Haircut: $10
• General practitioner appointment: $20
• Dental filling: $30

5. Malaysia: Modern Living Meets Low Expenses

Living in Malaysia allows you to enjoy beach life and exciting cuisine without spending a lot. Here’s a look at typical living costs:

• Total average monthly cost of living: $2,500
• Rent for a modern two-bedroom apartment: $474 to $870 per month
• Electricity: $50 per month
• Water: $2 per month
• Internet: $35 per month
• Upscale dinner for two with drinks: $40

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