7 Countries Where You Can Live Well Starting at $1,500
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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According to LivingCost.org, the cheapest country in the world to live in is Egypt. But “cheapest” doesn’t always mean “best.” Even so, many other countries offer better value for your money than the U.S.
For a better bargain and a high quality of life, check out these seven countries where you can live large on less.
Thailand
- Cost of living for one person: $832
- Cost of living for a family of four: $2,461
Thailand is beautiful and offers the best bargain on this list.
Countrywide, it offers only a solid if unremarkable safety score, ranked No. 46 in the world by U.S. News & World Report. That still makes it safer than the United States, ranked No. 47. But just as you don’t live in unsafe areas in the U.S., you’d choose safe areas to live and visit in Thailand.
From stunning beaches to bustling urban life in Bangkok to its world-renowned cuisine, there’s plenty to love in Thailand.
Latvia
- Cost of living for one person: $1,039
- Cost of living for a family of four: $2,631
To get this out of the way: The weather in Latvia isn’t as lovely as Thailand’s.
It still offers an extraordinary quality of life at a low cost. Ranked No. 35 in the safest countries in the world, Latvia is safer than the U.S. The country also has a stronger record on rule of law than the U.S., ranked No. 21 in the world by The World Justice Project.
The country offers abundant forests, lakes and rivers for outdoor enthusiasts and a rich cultural history for urbanites. Visit for a week or a lifetime.
Chile
- Cost of living for one person: $983
- Cost of living for a family of four: $2,440
There’s a lot to love in Chile: the food, the wine, the mountains and islands and beaches and volcanoes — and the people.
Chile remains incredibly affordable, and offers a strong rule of law, ranking No. 36 in the world.
To get off the beaten path, check out the Chiloe Islands for their landscapes, hiking, food and “palafito” houses on stilts over the ocean.
Slovakia
- Cost of living for one person: $1,146
- Cost of living for a family of four: $2,665
Urbanites can enjoy Bratislava’s historic city center, while small town types can get behind the many medieval towns sprinkled across Slovakia. Nature lovers can hike its High Tatra Mountains and forests. And everyone can appreciate the food, wine and culture.
It ranks No. 34 in the world on both safety and rule of law, making it safer and more stable than most.
Check out the Slovak Paradise National Park for its gorges, caves and waterfalls.
Uruguay
- Cost of living for one person: $1,199
- Cost of living for a family of four: $2,963
Uruguay ranks higher — No. 24th — on rule of law than the U.S. It also has a higher literacy rate than the U.S., according to World Atlas.
This tiny country offers beautiful beaches, world-renowned steakhouses and outstanding wine. It also happens to have far more political and economic stability than any other country in South America.
Portugal
- Cost of living for one person: $1,290
- Cost of living for a family of four: $2,954
On the other side of the Atlantic, Portugal also enjoys a reputation for its beaches, wine and cuisine. And, more importantly, its stability. Portugal ranks roughly tied with the U.S. on rule of law at No. 28, and it far outperforms the U.S. on safety at No. 15th.
Start with a vacation, visit as many places as you can and let the country win you over with its friendly people and laid back lifestyle.
Costa Rica
- Cost of living for one person: $1,223
- Cost of living for a family of four: $3,032
Famous for its beaches and rainforests, Costa Rica has grown more expensive in recent years. But it’s still far cheaper than the U.S.
It hovers around the U.S. on both safety at No. 48 and rule of law at No. 29. Costa Rica’s central location makes it a great staging point to travel to both North and South America.
In today’s world, you can live in nearly any country you like. Take your strong U.S. dollars and stretch them further in any of these seven gems across the globe.
Editor’s note: Cost of living data was sourced from LivingCost.org and is accurate as of March 20, 2025.
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