Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest countries to live in the world, with a cost of living over 65% lower than in the United States. Other top, affordable countries for 2025–2026 include Cambodia, Indonesia, Bolivia, and Laos, which offer low rent and inexpensive daily expenses.
What is the cheapest and safest country to live in?
There's no single "safest, most affordable" country, as it depends on priorities, but top contenders often mentioned for combining safety and low cost include Portugal, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic, offering good infrastructure, low living expenses (rent, food), and high quality of life in specific regions or cities, though some Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and the Philippines also rank high for affordability with safety considerations. Portugal is noted for EU access and good healthcare, Malaysia for English-speaking expat communities, Vietnam for extreme affordability, and Czechia for central European travel.
The cheapest place to live in the world is Libya, according to Numbeo's 2026 Cost of Living Index. Countries with a low cost of living and high quality of life include Costa Rica, Portugal and Malaysia. The cheapest places to live in the US are Wichita and Overland Park, both in Kansas.
Top 10 CHEAPEST Countries To Live Lavishly On $1000/Month
What is the cheapest English-speaking country to live in?
What are the cheapest English-speaking countries to live in? India, Ghana, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Africa are among the most affordable options.
To maximize a $5,000 budget for a vacation, it is essential to prioritize expenses, look for cost-saving opportunities, and establish a realistic spending plan. By carefully planning and budgeting, individuals can make the most of their budget and enjoy a fulfilling vacation experience without overspending.
Where is the most affordable place to live in the world?
The cheapest countries in the world are Pakistan, Egypt, and Bhutan. To live comfortably in one of these states, a person needs under $400 per month. These countries, however, are unconventional choices for expats and digital nomads because of their low levels of safety and quality of life.
As of 2024, out of 36 countries, Switzerland is the most expensive, with prices at 184% of the EU average — 84% higher than the average. Turkey is the cheapest, with prices at 47% of the EU average, meaning they are 53% lower than the EU average.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, holding the top spot on the Global Peace Index (GPI) for many years, including 2024 and 2025, due to its low crime, lack of military, political stability, and strong community focus. Other top contenders often include Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Denmark, depending on the specific report's criteria, with Singapore also ranking highly for personal safety.
There is really no “best” age to move abroad. There can be advantages and disadvantages to moving abroad at any age. For example, moving abroad when you're young can be great, as you may have fewer dependents, such as children or elderly parents.
It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.
What country can I move to if I only speak English?
Many people prefer English-speaking countries because language skills help make the transition easier. These countries also offer welcoming communities, strong economies, and high living standards. Countries like Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom are popular choices for expats.
The best countries to live in are the Netherlands, Iceland and Luxembourg, based on the current combined data of the Global Happiness Index, Global Peace Index and GDP per capita league table. At some stage, we've all considered moving to another country for a fresh start and a better life.
