The Most Affordable Countries to Live in 2025

We’ve looked before, here at Wealthtender, at some of the best places to live as an ex-pat retiree, or as a digital nomad. If you fall into the first category, or indeed if you can live off of US based investments (including maybe renting out a home in the US) you may actually find these places viable to live in — completely work-free.

Some things to be aware of:

• If you’re a US citizen living outside of the U.S. you still need to submit a tax form and you’ll usually have to pay tax on unearned income (like investments or rental income). You generally don’t have to pay tax on earned income (whether earned remotely or in your adopted country). As always, do your research and consult a professional about your particular situation.
• You’ll need to check visa requirements for any country you move to temporarily, including the situation regarding work permits. If you work locally, even a little (and in some cases even if it’s volunteer work) you may need a permit. In some countries you’ll need a permit to work remotely too, if you’re staying there for any length of time. In most cases, you don’t need a permit to work remotely while on vacation, and depending on the country a vacation may include any stay of up to 90 days or even longer, but again, check the rules before you go.

If you’re looking for a place to spend time, with a minimal need to generate income, here are just a few of the places you could consider.

Columbia

Super affordable and more popular with ex-pats than you’d imagine. The Columbian city of Medellin is now renowned as a digital nomad paradise. It has long been a regular stop on remote work programs such as the formerly-popular remote year, and has a great choice of cool and quirky co-working spaces.

According to Forbes, rental costs in smaller cities can be as low as $500 monthly, with lunch specials in restaurants available from around $4. They suggests $1,500 a month as a reasonable monthly budget — for a couple.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long attracted digital nomads from all over the world. Particularly popular with Aussie remote workers and ex-pats, it’s also a common choice for those from the UK, so there’s a fairly substantial English-speaking ex-pat community.

Rental costs vary hugely, but again a couple can feasibly live on a $1,500 monthly budget, and again, you’ll find restaurant deals for as little as $4 per person.

Like the idea of Indonesia but want to look outside of the popular and touristy island of Bali? Then you’ll be able to slash your costs further. Check out this YouTube channel run by an American who’s lived in Indonesia for over 40 years.

Thailand

Another country much loved by ex-pats from Australia, the UK and many other European countries. In the big cities — and in many of the resorts — you’ll find amazing co-working spaces and often co-living options too, and the cost of living is still shockingly low in most areas.

The Digital Nomad Asia suggests that $650 per month is enough to cover basic accommodation, food, and utilities for a single person. As always, that will tend to come in a little cheaper per person if you’re a couple.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has come up before when we’ve discussed places where US ex-pats can make their retirement dollars go further.

International Living recommends Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, and in particular the area around the town of Dominical, although if you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan lifestyle you might be better off further north, somewhere like San Jose. Furnished rentals are available from as little as $700 a month, and meals out start at around $10.

Northern Spain

Spain is — in European terms at least — still relatively affordable, and Forbes picks the lower-cost Northern region, highlighting areas such as Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, or San Sebastián and Bilbao if you’re more of a city person.

Rentals (usually furnished) in smaller towns are incredibly affordable. Shawn Forno, an ex-pat living in Galicia, has done a great break down of what it costs him to live an excellent life there. He and his wife pay €600 per month for a two-bed, two-bath home, and their monthly expenses come in at a little over €2,000 per month to live a truly awesome life (that includes luxury gym memberships, twice-weekly Spanish lessons, entertainment, alcohol, and eating out).

Living abroad, even for a short time, is always complex. Don’t forget to factor in travel and medical insurance, visa fees if needed, and any other admin fees that might be involved in settling in a specific country. Still interested? You can access the full Forbes list here, and check out the average cost of living anywhere in the world here.