Cheapest Countries to Live In 2025

Most Affordable Countries to Live in the World

Whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, delicious food, or a slower pace of life, there are numerous reasons why you may want to leave the UK shores. If so, it makes sense to explore other countries that offer a decent quality of life at an affordable cost.

Using data such as the Cost of Living Index from reputable sources like Numbeo, we’ve calculated a top ten list of countries we think offer affordable living.

We take into account things like housing, healthcare, and general living expenses and compare them to places in the world with a high cost of living, such as New York City. Living expenses for a couple in NYC start at around $5500 (approximately £4000) per month.

Read on to find out which countries you can live in for well under half that price, and why they made our top ten.

Colombia

Colombia offers British expats sophisticated living at fantastic prices. Rent and utilities are reasonably priced, with a couple’s living expenses starting at around just £1000 per month. Eating out is cheap too, with meals costing around £14 and lunches only £3.

Healthcare is also provided at reasonable costs. You can expect to see a Doctor in Colombia for around £22, which is a lot cheaper than in the UK or places like New York City. The healthcare system itself is generally adequate; however, there are some parts of Colombia where gaining easy access to good healthcare can prove tricky.

There are some expat communities in Colombia, mainly based around the bigger cities. The city centres offer a mixture of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and a low cost of living, making them the most popular destination for expats seeking a new life.

With its year-round Spring-like climate and some breathtaking landscapes, Colombia offers expats a beautiful and sunny environment and a low cost of living. Brits can visit the country for up to 90 days without a visa, but those looking to gain permanent residency will need to apply for and be granted a visa by the Colombian authorities.

Overall, British expats can expect a good quality of life for a reasonable price, which is why Colombia makes it on our top ten list of affordable countries.

Vietnam

Vietnam features high on our top ten listed countries due to the very low cost of living. For example, it is possible to rent a modern one-bedroom apartment for as little as £200 per month. Food is equally as cheap with street food meal options averaging around £2 or less.

Doctors visits are also extremely reasonable, averaging around £15 or less depending on where you are in the country. The standard of living is on the rise in Vietnam, with strong economic growth and access to healthcare systems and education increasing.

You will need a visa to enter the country for more than 45 days but applications can be done online making the process easier and less time-consuming.

There are plenty of cultural experiences and tourist attractions to get stuck into and with its vibrant culture and laid-back lifestyle, Vietnam proves a popular choice for expats.

Indonesia

Indonesia ranks high on our list of affordable places to live as it is one of the cheapest places in the world to live a life of luxury. It’s possible to rent a one-bedroom villa near the beach for approximately £1000 per month with utilities and housekeeping included in the price.

Food is also extremely reasonable with local meals costing approximately £2.50 per head, or, if you prefer something a little more fancy, you can expect to pay around £30 for a meal for 2 in an upscale restaurant. Healthcare is also reasonable, with doctor visits costing around £10 and wellness treatments, such as massages, averaging around £14.

Indonesia also boasts an extensive and diverse transportation system which is perfect for budding travellers. Buses are a popular option for both long and short journeys for those wanting to explore the country’s historic towns, as are boat trips for those looking to travel between the many beautiful beaches and islands. Air travel connects the bigger cities, and some areas still offer more traditional modes of travel, such as Becaks and Bemos, for expats who really want to immerse themselves in the country’s culture.

To gain entry to Indonesia you will need to apply for and be granted a visa from the authorities, however, there are different options available to suit your circumstances. For example, visas are available for remote workers or digital nomads, and other types of work visas are available for those with job offers.

Indonesia has many thriving expat communities, a national healthcare system in place, and one of the largest education systems in the world. With its unique culture and traditions, and the many leisure experiences on offer in the country, it is not hard to see why Indonesia makes our top ten list.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the best countries in the world for affordable living. It offers expats affordable housing with rental condos near the beach, averaging around £500 per month. The food is cheap too with fresh seafood meals costing around £2.50 per head, and high-end meals approximately £20 for 2.

Thailand has world-class healthcare available at a fraction of the cost of most EU countries. Routine checkups cost less than £40 and surgeries are available at a third of the price of those in the United States.

There are numerous job opportunities for foreigners to get their hands on, particularly in sectors such as education, finance, technology, recruitment, property, digital marketing, hospitality and tourism. English teaching jobs are always readily available, particularly in bilingual schools in the big cities. To live and work in Thailand permanently, or to study there for a period of over 60 days, British citizens will need a visa granted by the Thai authorities.

Thailand also boasts a rich heritage, and there are many festivals held throughout the year that celebrate its vibrant culture. With its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, modern infrastructure, and bustling city centres, it is easy to enjoy life in Thailand, making it one of the most affordable countries to live in the world.

Malaysia

Malaysia comes in as one of the cheapest places to live in the world. It offers expats a comfortable life full of modern amenities available at low costs. English is widely spoken especially in more urban areas and by those of younger generations. The cost of living is significantly cheaper than most countries in Europe with living expenses for a couple estimated to be around £1200 per month.

Malaysia offers affordable healthcare with a system that is well-regarded and offers both public and private services. Doctor visits range between £10 and £20. A holistic approach is used regarding its education system, which includes co-curricular activities and character-building exercises.

There is currently a growing demand for skilled workers in the Malaysian job market and its economy is steadily on the rise whilst its unemployment figures remain low. To work in Malaysia, British citizens will need a visa or what is known as an ‘Employment Pass’. You will usually need a job offer from a Malaysian employer who applies for approval to hire you, you will then be required to apply for the work permit.

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic and multicultural society where people of different faiths live together and influence one another’s language, cuisine, festivals and basic customs. There are many natural attractions including ancient rainforests, caves and a range of diverse wildlife. Malaysia is also home to many beautiful beaches and popular mountain spots, and with so much to offer, it makes our list of the top ten.

Azuero Peninsula, Panama

The Azuero Peninsula in Panama is a region that offers expats a slower pace of life, with exceptional beaches and extremely cheap food. Meals cost somewhere between £3 and £7 and rental homes average around £500 per month.

Popular with surfers, there is an up-and-coming expat community within the region that can take advantage of its affordable healthcare. Whilst not the best healthcare in the world, the country is developing steadily and has a growing job market, particularly in sectors such as real estate, tourism, agriculture and fishing.

To live and work in this region of Panama, you will need a visa, residency permit and work permit granted by the authorities. Taxes are also relatively cheap; for example, residents who own property worth less than $30,000 do not have to pay property tax, and non-residents are only taxed on the income they receive from Panamanian sources.

With a tropical climate, rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery, it is easy to see why the Azuero Peninsula is proving popular with expats. The low cost of living is what makes this region appear on our list of top ten cheapest countries to live in 2025.

Green Spain

Situated in Western Europe, Green Spain is an area in the Northern region of Spain that benefits from lush landscapes, quaint fishing villages and seaside living. A couple can expect to pay around £1200 per month for their living costs, with utilities and food all coming in at reasonable prices. It is a part of Spain not yet on the mainstream tourist market and therefore offers a more peaceful way of life as opposed to the more Southern areas.

However, the big cities of this region still offer modern amenities with a good standard of affordable healthcare, which is either free (public) or low-cost (private). The education system follows Spain’s national framework, and areas in the Basque Country are noted for their high investment per student in non-university education.

Currently experiencing an increase in demand, the job market in Green Spain is robust with significant opportunities for skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, tech and engineering. Budding British hopefuls can start their journey by applying for a Schengen visa which allows entry to Spain and also numerous other Western European countries.

It is also worth noting that Green Spain is one of the safest countries on our list, due to its peaceful living, friendly locals and low crime rates.

Coastal Montenegro

Coastal Montenegro offers natural beauty, a low cost of living and a rich cultural heritage. Living costs for a couple are estimated to be around £1500 per month, with rental accommodation in seaside towns coming in at around £300 per month.

Healthcare is also affordable, with doctor visits costing around £20. There is a public healthcare service with hospitals situated in the bigger cities that benefits the country but some treatments do require additional costs.

Coastal Montenegro is one of the safest countries to live in. It has a very low crime rate when compared to other countries and most crimes that are committed are generally those known as petty crime.

Numerous expat communities across the region take advantage of its modern amenities, vibrant nightlife and historical sites. Expat communities often organise activity events to enjoy and make friends, and there are numerous Coastal Montenegro expat Facebook groups where you can connect with others.

This country has both regional and international schools, which are compulsory for both young nationals and foreigners. Education is free for residents and there are several reputable schools to choose from.

There are different ways to get a foot in the door, one being the Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) where budding residents pay a fee and buy real estate to gain citizenship. It is worth noting that coastal regions cost a little more; however, when taking into account the breathtaking scenery, blue seas and active Mediterranean lifestyle, it could be said to be a small price to pay.

Northern Portugal

Perfect for those looking to retire abroad, Northern Portugal offers a decent standard of living for reasonable costs. Largely untouched by tourism, Northern Portugal boasts decent healthcare and education systems, inexpensive and delicious cuisine, and many natural heritage sites.

There is a range of employment opportunities available in industries such as construction, textiles, automotive, healthcare, IT, and tourism. To live and work in Portugal, you will need a Long-Stay visa (which can be applied for online making the process easier). You can expect to pay a flat rate of 25% in tax on Portuguese-sourced income (including self-employment whilst living in Portugal).

A couple can expect to pay around £1750 per month in living expenses and whilst one of the most expensive on our list, Northern Portugal still offers a comfortable life at cheaper prices than the UK. Property and rental accommodation in the smaller and more rural towns cost even less.

With its modern infrastructure and amenities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, it is easy to see why Northern Portugal has been included as one of our top ten cheapest countries to live in.

Southern Zone, Costa Rica

There are several thriving expat communities across the Southern Zone in Costa Rica. It is particularly popular with foodies as it houses many international restaurants with meals costing between £8 and £10 per head.

The region offers a reputable public healthcare system, and it offers comprehensive medical services including procedures, surgeries and prescriptions. The education system is adequate, though mainly taught in Spanish. There are some bilingual schools, however, but most of these are private. The system is structured and there are opportunities to attend higher education if desired.

Property prices vary greatly depending on size and those with coastal views come with higher prices, however, furnished rentals can start at around £550 per month depending on location.

A visa is required for travellers wishing to stay for over 180 days, and you will need to apply for one via an embassy or consulate. Visa extensions can prove tricky to get and may require you to leave and re-enter the country, there is also a $29 leaving tax payable at the airport when you leave.

The Southern Zone is notably known for its biodiversity and conservation programs as it contains a significant portion of the country’s plants and animals. There are several opportunities to get involved and learn about the local coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and mangroves. With so much to do and see, it’s easy to see why The Southern Zone makes our top ten list.

How We Can Help

Moving abroad can be a time-consuming and complex process. There are lots of elements and legal requirements to consider, and it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information and requirements you must meet. However, the Immigration Advice Service is here to help.

For example, we can provide you with all the information you require easily and accurately. We can advise you on visas, help you apply, and help you with all the documents you may need in order to be successful.

We can also provide guidance on rental properties and real estate, and help you with taxes in your desired destination, no matter where that may be.

We offer bespoke services designed to match your circumstances, and when we look at your case, we leave no stone unturned to make sure you have access to everything you need in an easy-to-understand format.

If you have any queries or questions, no matter how big or small, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online, and we will deal with your request promptly and efficiently.