These Are the 11 Cheapest Countries to Move to if You’re Ready to Leave the U.S.

Are you dreaming of escaping your high cost of living (HCOL) city and overpriced one-bedroom apartment rental for somewhere more affordable? Do you dream of owning a beautiful home in a country where most people only hope to vacation? Are you furiously Googling what are the cheapest countries to live in? Do you just want to escape?

You’re not the only one, and some people are realizing that it can be easy to make moving out of the U.S. a reality. Whether it’s a short-term stint working remotely, a months-long sabbatical, or the fortunate privilege of totally unplugging for a few months, there are countries where you can pick up and set temporary roots while enjoying a lower cost of living, incredible views, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Ready to make it happen? Here are 10 of the cheapest countries to live in and consider moving to for a new life abroad. While you may not be ready to retire just yet, data pulled from the Global Retirement Index’s data on the best places to retire was used as a barometer for cost of living and quality of life to compile this list.  

If you want a lower cost of living but with the richness and culture of a big city, consider moving to Colombia, where you can find two bedroom rentals in major metropolitan areas like Medellin and Cartagena for $500 to $2,000 a month. You can spend your weeks immersing yourself in the vibrant food, coffee, and history scene, then venture out to explore the diverse landscape of the country on the weekends, including rainforests, islands, and mountains.

Colombia also makes it easy for remote workers to get digital nomad visas to live up to two years, giving you plenty of time to explore the country and settle into the Colombian way of life. 

Portugal has been a hot spot for expats for several years now because it boasts one of the lower costs of living among Western European countries. In Lisbon, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for about €1,429 per month , or $1,625 USD. That leaves you lots of wiggle room to spend your money on cozy meals down cobblestone streets, weekend trips to the sunny beaches, and afternoons relaxing at their renowned vineyards.

Digital nomads can get a visa to stay in Portugal for up to two years, while you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. 

If you prioritize a sustainable, eco-friendly way of life, Costa Rica is a top spot for an inexpensive place to live with an incredible quality of life. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment for $700 to $1,500 per month. Whether you prefer rainforest or beach, there are expat-friendly towns on both coasts of the country.

Plus, you don’t need a visa if you plan on staying for less than 180 days — but a return ticket is required. 

Mexico is vast, with the massive metropolis that is Mexico City, the art center of Oaxaca, and the beaches of both coasts. But one thread that ties them together is a low cost of living that is alluring to people looking for a cheaper place to live. You could rent an apartment in Oaxaca for $900 to $1,500 a month or go to the historic and charming city of San Miguel de Allende and rent a studio for $650 or so a month.

You can get a temporary resident visa with a work permit for anywhere in Mexico from six months to four years, giving you plenty of time to explore different regions of the country.

Panama makes it easy on expats from the U.S. from the minute you pull out your wallet — they use the American dollar. And you can use those dollars to pay your relatively inexpensive rent. 

If you want to live in Panama City, for example, your rent will vary, but expect to pay somewhere between $800 to $2,500 USD per month on rent. Panama is one of three carbon-negative countries in the world, which makes it appealing if you’re looking for a more sustainable quality of life, and its tropical climate is very appealing.

A digital nomad visa in Panama will let you stay up to nine months enjoying its gorgeous weather and beautiful landscape.

You’ll pay, on average, $525 a month for a one-bedroom in a major city like Hanoi, depending on the level of basic amenities or luxury that you’re looking for, and you can plan to pay less than half of what you’re used to in the U.S. for most basic household items. On top of that, you’ll be in the midst of some of the best cuisine in the world with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels next to mouthwatering street food.

You can only stay 90 days in Vietnam on a visa, but there are other nearby countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or Cambodia you can pop over to when that expires.

When your time in Vietnam is up, head over to Malaysia. Depending on where you live — like in Penang, for example — you could get an apartment for $750 to $1,000 a month with luxury amenities while also being able to explore the rich landscape of the country including the rainforest and mountains. Plus, you’re in close proximity to some of the most popular Southeast Asian countries for both adventure and culture.

A digital nomad visa in Malaysia will allow you to stay up to 12 months enjoying the climate, food, and diversity of the cities, beaches, and mountains.

Every day can be an adventure when you move to Thailand. In Bangkok, a major city full of incredible culture and architecture, you can expect to spend an average of $722 a month on an apartment.

Beyond the major cities, Thailand boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, and, while a visa stay is only 30 days, you can look into applying for a five-year, multiple-entry digital nomad visa.

Greece offers the best of both worlds: historic, beautiful cities like Athens, where the average rent for an apartment is $1,200 a month, or gorgeous seaside towns like Crete, where you could pay about $860 a month for an apartment. You can immerse yourself in history, nature, and charming small villages all while spending slightly less than you would in the U.S. to live and eat every day. Even in tourist-heavy areas, it’s still affordable compared with many European countries.

You can stay up to 12 months on a digital nomad visa in Greece.

You’ll spend just $800 a month for a comfortable apartment in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, where you’ll also get to use the U.S. dollar. There are major cities, sweeping countryside, and, of course, the Galápagos Islands. It may not be on your radar as a tourist destination in South America, but the culture, people, and food make it a place you shouldn’t miss when exploring places to escape.

Plus, you can stay up to two years on a digital nomad visa, giving you ample time to explore the country and the nations surrounding it.

If you want to live in a paradise like Bali, a province of Indonesia known for its stunning natural beauty, prepare to spend about $500 to $1,100 a month for rent. While in Bali, you can explore historically significant temples and revel in the beauty of the beaches and greenery. 

You can stay in Bali for up to 180 days with a digital nomad visa.