Cheapest Cities to Live In

Ranked by monthly cost of living. All figures in USD, updated estimates for 2025.

15 cities shown
💰 Monthly cost = housing + food + transport + utilities (avg) 🏠 Apartment rental assumed 🌍 Figures in USD
Single Couple Family
🥇

Tirana

Albania  ·  Mediterranean climate

Cheapest Europe, improving infrastructure

🏙️ Mid-size city 🌊 Mediterranean
$1,450
/ month total
🏠 $450–$700 rent
Calculate →
🥈

Tbilisi

Georgia  ·  Temperate climate

Low taxes, visa-free for many nationalities

🗣️ English friendly 🏙️ Mid-size city
$1,500
/ month total
🏠 $550–$850 rent
Calculate →
🥉

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam  ·  Tropical climate

Bustling city, excellent street food

🌆 Large city ☀️ Tropical
$1,500
/ month total
🏠 $550–$800 rent
Calculate →
4

Chiang Mai

Thailand  ·  Tropical climate

Digital nomad hub, great food scene

🗣️ English friendly 🏙️ Mid-size city ☀️ Tropical
$1,600
/ month total
🏠 $600–$900 rent
Calculate →
5

Plovdiv

Bulgaria  ·  Temperate climate

Cheapest EU city, charming old town

🗣️ English friendly 🏘️ Small city
$1,600
/ month total
🏠 $550–$800 rent
Calculate →
6

Sofia

Bulgaria  ·  Continental climate

Capital city, EU membership

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city
$1,600
/ month total
🏠 $550–$800 rent
Calculate →
7

Oaxaca

Mexico  ·  Highland climate

Rich culture, food capital of Mexico

🏙️ Mid-size city
$1,600
/ month total
🏠 $600–$900 rent
Calculate →
8

Belgrade

Serbia  ·  Continental climate

Low cost, vibrant nightlife

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city
$1,650
/ month total
🏠 $580–$880 rent
Calculate →
9

Medellín

Colombia  ·  Spring climate

Eternal spring climate, growing expat scene

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city
$1,700
/ month total
🏠 $600–$900 rent
Calculate →
10

Penang

Malaysia  ·  Tropical climate

Great food, UNESCO old town

🗣️ English friendly 🏙️ Mid-size city ☀️ Tropical
$1,800
/ month total
🏠 $600–$900 rent
Calculate →
11

Budapest

Hungary  ·  Temperate climate

EU country, rich culture, fast internet

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city
$2,000
/ month total
🏠 $750–$1,100 rent
Calculate →
12

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia  ·  Tropical climate

Modern city, mix of cultures

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city ☀️ Tropical
$2,000
/ month total
🏠 $600–$900 rent
Calculate →
13

Warsaw

Poland  ·  Continental climate

Strong economy, central Europe

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city
$2,300
/ month total
🏠 $750–$1,100 rent
Calculate →
14

Porto

Portugal  ·  Atlantic climate

Charming, cheaper than Lisbon

🗣️ English friendly 🏙️ Mid-size city
$2,700
/ month total
🏠 $1,200–$1,900 rent
Calculate →
15

Lisbon

Portugal  ·  Mediterranean climate

EU access, sunny, rising costs

🗣️ English friendly 🌆 Large city 🌊 Mediterranean
$3,000
/ month total
🏠 $1,200–$1,900 rent
Calculate →
Note: Costs are estimates based on average expat and local reports for 2024–2025. Costs in popular destinations can rise quickly — always research current listings before committing to a move.

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