3 Countries Where You’ll Earn Less but Have Better Quality of Life

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Working day in and day out to keep up with the cost of living can cause burnout and unhappiness. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Some countries offer a more balanced way of life. While you might earn less, you’ll benefit from things like more affordable living and extra time for what matters most to you.

If possible, before moving to a new country, pay a visit to the area and find out more information. Research the requirements for work visas and permanent residency, and talk to relocation experts who can guide you through the process. Always consult a legal or immigration expert so that all income activities follow the rules.

Check out these countries where you will earn less but have a better quality of life.

Costa Rica

• Cost of living for an individual: $1,195
• Cost of living for a family: $2,964

One benefit of moving to Costa Rica is the ability to eat healthier by buying fresh fruits and locally grown produce at the farmers markets. Also, a slower pace of life can result in less stress, and the cost of living in Costa Rica is 33.5% lower than in the U.S. Healthcare is affordable and ranked by the United Nations as one of the top 20 public systems in the world and the best in Latin America.

Many visa options are available, including the digital nomad visa. The requirements for a digital nomad visa include allowance for remote jobs or online businesses, but proof must be shown of $3,000 to $4,000 in monthly income — if applying with dependents — outside of Costa Rica. This particular visa lets you live in Costa Rica for up to a year with the possibility of renewal. The digital nomad visa is a great option for remote workers.

San Isidro del General, Costa Rica, has a cooler climate than the coastal region and is close to the Talamanca mountains. Abundant local shopping, restaurants, banks, a covered farmer’s market, a public hospital and a surrounding area with medical specialists and pharmacies make up the main part of town. Spanish and Costa Rican Spanish is spoken in most areas, with English spoken more along the Caribbean coast.

Greece

• Cost of living for an individual: $1,185
• Cost of living for a family: $2,906

Living in Greece affords many advantages, including a more relaxed way of life and a cost of living that’s 54% less than that of the U.S. The National Health System offers a lower cost of healthcare and is available to expats who contribute to Greece’s Social Security system. Plus, the healthier Mediterranean-style diet is made up of fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and healthy fats, according to the American Society for Nutrition.

The Greece Golden Visa is available through investing in the local real estate market and grants permanent residency for five years with the ability to renew indefinitely. Also, with this visa, you are allowed to apply for citizenship after living in Greece for seven years. Some of the in-demand jobs for expats in Greece are IT specialists, healthcare professionals, hospitality and tourism workers and education professionals. 

Kalamata, Greece, is known for its relaxed pace of life, stunning landscapes and delicious olives. The official language is Greek, but English is spoken in the tourist areas. Learning some Greek phrases is wise before moving to the area.

Portugal

• Cost of living for an individual: $1,365
• Cost of living for a family: $3,152

Portugal has a roughly 58% lower cost of living than the United States. The country was ranked No. 7 among the safest countries in the world by the World Population Review in 2024 and offers a good work-life balance that includes long lunches and relaxing weekends. Portugal has SNS, a healthcare system that is free to its citizens and residents, or the option of affordable private healthcare.

The Portugal Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to get a long-term residency permit and eventually citizenship. The Portugal D7 Visa is similar to the digital nomad visa for remote workers but is also an option for those relying on passive income. Jobs available for expats include accountants, real estate agents, sales representatives, interpreters and translators, just to name a few.

Viana do Castelo is rich in history, which can be seen in the grand 16th-century architecture surrounding the city. This charming waterfront city has many cafes and local shops where families meet. Portuguese is the language that is most often spoken, but one-third of the Portuguese people speak English.

Editor’s note: Cost of living data was sourced from LivingCost.org and is accurate as of Jan. 24, 2025. Cost of living figures reflect monthly expenses.

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