The Cheapest And Most Affordable Places To Live As An Expat In 2025

Whether you’re trying to escape the ever-increasing cost of living, wanting to try out the digital nomad lifestyle, or simply looking to make your money go further, there’s never been a better time to move to a foreign country. The good news is that many countries around the world offer a high quality of life alongside a low cost of living, helping you to take full advantage of your budget.

In this guide, we’ve ranked some of the cheapest countries in the world that are friendly to expats, and your wallet. Based on key factors like affordability, quality of life, and general popularity, we believe these five countries will help you to live a fantastic lifestyle while still having cash to spare.

How we’ve ranked the cheapest places to live

Naturally, affordability is subjective – what’s considered cheap for one person may not be for another. That’s why we’ve taken a number of different metrics into account to come up with our list of the cheapest places to live abroad.

We’ve combined our own expertise as a provider of international health insurance with research from Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025, Mercer’s Cost of Living Rankings and Expatistan’s Cost Of Living Hub, plus World Population Review’s Standard of Living Index, then weighed these scores against factors including:

• General popularity, i.e. is the country desirable among William Russell members?
• Affordability of healthcare
• Affordability of additional costs, such as transportation, rent, food & groceries, and utilities

Based on these figures, we’ve come up with 5 countries that we believe strike the perfect balance of high quality of life with low cost.

Let’s see how the list has changed in 2025.

1/ Vietnam

Cheapest city: Da Nang
Cost of living index: 26th cheapest country in the world
Average life evaluation: 5.763 (65th in the world)

A long-time favourite among budget-conscious expats and digital nomads, Vietnam has all the ingredients needed to make the perfect quality of life. From sun-swept beaches to metropolitan cities, good food and friendly locals, modern conveniences and ancient traditions to discover, Vietnam is one of the few countries that can truly claim to have it all. Best of all, Vietnam remains as low-cost as it’s always been, offering expats the opportunity to live in a global city while still only paying US$1 for food and drink.

Living in Vietnam

Vietnam is classed as a developing country, although those living in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) would find that hard to believe. With all the modern conveniences of a Western city, including restaurants, hospitals and shops, the only major difference is the price. The cost of living in Vietnam is around 59% cheaper than the UK, while the cost of rent is around 70% lower.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s economy is growing rapidly, making it a great place for expats and digital nomads alike. Thanks to its strong and stable digital infrastructure, you’ll find tech startups and online businesses dotted all over Vietnam’s major cities, while tourism enterprises dominate in the coastal regions. Better still, a burgeoning expat community means that English is now widely spoken in developed regions of the country.

Rent and housing

Expats and digital nomads can find great deals on city centre apartments, with the average monthly rent as low as US$361 for a one-bedroom space in the city, up to US$801 for a large three-bedroom condo.

Healthcare

Healthcare is relatively inexpensive in Vietnam, although it’s highly recommended to take out international health insurance to cover the cost of major treatments, medical evacuations, and to give you access to private hospitals – which are generally much better quality. Find out more about health insurance in Vietnam.

Inflation

Vietnam is not immune to the global rate of inflation, although at 3.6% as of January 2025, it’s not significantly further ahead than more developed nations – and with prices already so low, the effects of inflation are far less noticeable.

Summary

There’s a reason Vietnam is so popular in the expat community. Many expats find that their budgets go a lot further in Vietnam, and so they are able to live in relative luxury for the same price they would pay to live an ordinary lifestyle in the West. As it develops rapidly, now is the perfect time to take advantage of Vietnam’s low cost of living and ever increasing quality of life.

2/ Bolivia

Cheapest city: La Paz
Cost of living index: 18th cheapest country in the world
Average life evaluation: 5.684 (65th in the world)

Bolivia is a new rising star among budget-friendly expat destinations. The inland South American nation captures all the best qualities of an intrepid yet modern destination, with bustling cities like La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra nestled in the heart of stunning mountains and lush jungles. With the cost of living 71% lower than the UK, and rent less than half the price you would pay in many Western countries, expats in Bolivia will find their budget stretches much further, offering them the opportunity to live a high-class lifestyle for only a few dollars per day.

Living in Bolivia

Since it is less developed than its South American neighbours, expats in Bolivia tend to flock to its metropolitan cities. There they find up-and-coming restaurants stocked full of fresh, local produce, bustling markets and historic architecture, while at night they may wish to join the local Bolivians in partaking of the country’s famous party scene, staying all night long in the many bars and nightclubs dotted throughout major cities.

Outside the cities, Bolivia invites intrepid explorers to discover its storied interior. From rolling mountain ranges to national parks within the Amazon rainforest, and of course the world-famous Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia’s landscape is so rich and diverse it could take you many years to explore fully. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that expats in Bolivia should take special care to protect their personal safety.

Rent and housing

While you may find the quality of housing in Bolivia to be a little lacking, you can at least be sure of a good deal. With rents, on average, 71% lower than in the UK, expats will have no trouble finding incredibly cheap deals on properties, even in a major city centre. In the administrative capital La Paz, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you just US$386 per month, while a larger three-bedroom condo costs around US$707 per month.

Healthcare

The Bolivian healthcare system has been notoriously under-funded for decades, although the government has committed to more than doubling its spending on healthcare in recent years. Still, expats are likely to find public healthcare services over-stretched and lacking in quality, which is why it’s important to ensure you can access private healthcare as and when you need it. International health insurance is highly recommended for expats and digital nomads who are thinking of living in Bolivia.

Inflation

While life in Bolivia is exceptionally cheap, a high rate of inflation means the country may not stay that way for very long. Having reached 12% in January 2025 – up from just 1.86% in the same month of 2024, and its highest point since a period of hyperinflation in the 1980s – the price of everything from consumer goods to energy bills is expected to increase dramatically in Bolivia over the coming months. Still, this rate is expected to drop in the coming years, meaning expats should still have plenty of time to take advantage of the low cost of living.

Summary

Some have ventured to call Bolivia a hidden gem, and we’re inclined to agree. While its South American neighbours receive the lion’s share of attention, Bolivia offers a unique and fascinating lifestyle at a fraction of the cost. With prices at rock-bottom, Western expats can expect to live lavish lifestyles in the heart of Bolivia’s historic cities. A high rate of inflation means Bolivia may not stay cheap for long, but for now it remains a worthwhile destination for any budget-conscious expat.

3/ Georgia

Cheapest city: Kutaisi
Cost of living index: 39th cheapest country in the world
Average life evaluation: 5.109 (90th in the world)

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the young nation of Georgia perfectly captures the best of both worlds. A modern society without the price tag, Georgia embraces its cultural traditions without leaving itself feeling ‘backward’. Expect incredible food, beautiful architecture and life-changing experiences for pennies on the dollar. As one of the many countries offering a special digital nomad visa, it’s no surprise Georgia is becoming increasingly popular with young expats. And don’t just take our word for that – the number of people moving to Georgia is increasing nearly 15% year-on-year, with 205,857 people moving to Georgia in 2023 alone.

Living in Georgia

Among its many accolades, Georgia lists being the birthplace of wine, home to both the world’s deepest cave and Europe’s highest settlement, and a completely unique language and culture that is especially friendly to guests. Georgians love nothing better than to host a ‘supra’, a feast in their guests’ honour, who they believe are gifts from God. As the sixth-fastest growing country in the world, Georgia already offers many of the contemporary conveniences expats would expect – but thankfully, the price tags haven’t quite caught up, making Georgia the perfect mix of modern and affordable.

Most expats tend to head straight for the bustling capital Tbilisi, but those more inclined towards sun and sand might prefer the Black Sea city of Batumi; or for the intrepid history-lovers, Gori sits on a treasure trove of historic treasures. Wherever you go, you’ll find the cost of living to be significantly cheaper than many of Georgia’s closest neighbours, at around 50% lower than the United Kingdom.

Rent and housing

Expats will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and supply of affordable housing available throughout Georgia. With the average rent 58% lower than in the UK, you’ll find small city centre apartments available for just US$550 per month, with larger three-bedroom apartments for around US$1,036. With the same level of quality you’d expect from any Western housing, you’ll find your everyday budget stretches much further in Georgia.

Healthcare

Georgia operates a universal healthcare system, however this policy is still in its infancy and is experiencing some teething pains. The state provides up to 30% of funds to citizens, who can then seek treatment from mainly private hospitals and clinics, however foreigners will need to pay for treatment out of their own pockets. With international health insurance, you’ll be able to leapfrog the state bureaucracy (and long waiting lists) to seek treatment immediately, while also avoiding any potentially high costs.

Inflation

Georgia has not been immune to the global cost of living crisis, however it has arguably fared much better than many other countries. As of January 2025, inflation appears relatively stable at around 2.4%, which is a marked decrease from the 13.3% high seen in May 2022. Inflation even hit minus figures in 2023, showing Georgia’s resilience. This low rate of inflation suggests Georgia will remain affordable for the foreseeable future, making it a strong hedge against the rapid rate of inflation seen elsewhere in the world.

Summary

Georgia is fast becoming a favourite with expats and digital nomads alike. Offering everything one would expect from a modern society – from fast broadband, to great food and comfortable housing – but at a fraction of the price, the only question you might ask is whether Georgia is too good to be true. And while the climate may take some getting used to, and the language may be hard to learn, all-in-all you’ll find Georgia a safe, relaxed and friendly environment.

4/ India

Cheapest city: Coimbatore
Cost of living index: 12th cheapest country in the world
Average life evaluation: 4.036 (126th in the world)

India needs no introduction. We’ve written in the past about this celebrated and magnificent land, which is home to some of the world’s best food, exciting festivals, most exciting cities, and of course 1.4 billion people, each as welcoming as the last. With its blossoming technology sector and ever-climbing standard of living, it’s little wonder over 4 million people emigrate to India every year. Better still, as one of the cheapest countries on earth, those who make the journey can expect to live lavish lifestyles in any of India’s world-class cities.

Living in India

Suffice to say, India is not for the faint-hearted. The country is not without its challenges – poverty being still high up the list – and the local culture can take a lifetime to get used to. But for those up to the challenge, a veritable treasure trove of opportunity awaits. India is on the verge of becoming a global superpower, with cities like Mumbai and New Delhi poised to define the new global standard for urban living. Elsewhere, and especially in regions such as Goa, a growing appetite for tourism is transforming the landscape and making it more appealing to Western tastes.

The cost of living in India remains rock-bottom throughout India, being on average around 68% cheaper than the United Kingdom. That makes it easy to afford a high standard of living, even in some of India’s larger cities. This gives you plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to settle – or better yet, gives you the option to choose a footloose way of life, forever moving to new parts as you journey across this vast country.

Rent and housing

Finding affordable accommodation is not hard in India, with the average rent a whole 84% lower than the UK. For many expats, the issue is finding housing of a certain quality. Living in India, you’ll want a property that offers ample space, good air conditioning, modern appliances and a suitable location, which is why most expats choose to live in the more developed areas of urban environments. While you may wish to push your budget to find more premium living spaces, you will still find the average rent to be as low as US$187 for a one-bedroom, or US$433 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Healthcare

With 1.4 billion inhabitants, the healthcare system in India is one of the largest on earth. A complex and diverse system, it combines both public and private healthcare services. The cost of healthcare is subsidised by the government, which ensures India is able to provide low-cost healthcare throughout the country – in fact, India is emerging as a destination for medical tourism thanks to these low prices. However, the quality of healthcare can vary dramatically depending on the region, with some areas facing a lack of infrastructure and staff shortages. As such, it’s worth thinking about international health insurance if you want to guarantee access to top medical facilities. International health insurance will also ensure you can call upon a medical evacuation if you need to visit other regions for emergency healthcare that is not available locally.

Inflation

The rate of inflation in India has been inconsistent for many years. As of January 2025, it sits at 4.31% – down from 6.21% in October 2024, but up from 3.6% in July 2024. The general trend over the last 10 years has been toward rising inflation, but rates generally remain on a par with Western countries. Rising inflation may push costs up across the country, but with most commodities already being so cheap, it will take a long time for prices to match those in the West. So, India should remain affordable way into the future.

Summary

While even the most experienced expat may find India a challenging place to settle down, the reward is one of the lowest costs of living anywhere in the world. Living in India, you’ll find your budget stretches considerably further, allowing you to live a luxurious lifestyle, even in one of India’s megacities. Just be prepared for the inevitable culture shock – after all, India is a world unto itself.

5/ Cambodia

Cheapest city: Phnom Penh
Cost of living index: 50th cheapest country in the world
Average life evaluation: 4.393 (115th in the world)

Home to some of the world’s most impressive ancient temples and bathed in verdant jungles, Cambodia has emerged as a must-see destination for any intrepid traveller. Now, thanks to its rock-bottom cost of living, it’s also attracting a new breed of expat. As Cambodia rapidly modernises, you too can join this growing exodus – in 2020 alone, almost 80,000 expats were living in Cambodia, and those numbers look set to increase over the next decade. With modern apartments springing up throughout Cambodia’s cities and coastal regions, those who make the move can expect to enjoy an ever-increasing quality of life without breaking the bank.

Living in Cambodia

Cambodia went to hell and back during the 20th century, but is now rediscovering itself as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations. This transformation is at the heart of Cambodia’s rapidly growing economy and ever-climbing living standards. While not quite as modern as its neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia makes up for it on the authenticity scale. Living in Cambodia, you’ll never be too far from an ancient heritage site, a traditional Khmer restaurant, or a bustling outdoor market.

All of these rich cultural experiences will barely make a dent in your finances. With the cost of living around 48% cheaper than in the UK, you will be able enjoy great food and intrepid experiences to your heart’s desire, all while living in a wealthier part of one of Cambodia’s many up-and-coming cities.

Rent and housing

Thanks to a cash injection from China, Cambodia’s cities are growing rapidly. New apartment complexes and luxurious villas represent the country’s ever-increasing quality of life, and provide luxurious accommodation at a fraction of the cost one would pay in a Western city. Overall, rent in Cambodia is around 72% cheaper than in the UK, with one-bedroom city centre apartments at around US$405 per month, and 3-bedrooms around US$765 per month.

Healthcare

The Cambodian healthcare sector is rapidly improving, best represented in its skyrocketing life expectancy – up from 51 years in 1985 to 69 years in 2022. Still, the industry faces many of the same challenges as other developing countries, including poor access to healthcare in rural areas, long waiting lists and staff shortages. Public hospitals may also be of a much lower standard than you would expect. Thankfully, the country is well stocked with private hospitals, with many expats going to Vietnam and Thailand for more specialist treatments. This is why many expats choose international health insurance with medical evacuation insurance included.

Inflation

Having enjoyed several years of low and even negative inflation, rates have started to climb again across Cambodia, reaching 2.6% in January 2025. While this may mean consumer products may start to creep up in price, the rate of increase is still low and should mean that prices in Cambodia remain low for the foreseeable future.

Summary

Cambodia is quickly gaining popularity among digital nomads and expats alike, and for good reason. A vibrant and beautiful country that is on the ascendancy, Cambodia offers a tranquil way of life at a low cost of living, with plenty of modern convenience to accommodate foreign expats. Cambodia is like no other country in the world, but that’s part of its charm – you’ll no doubt spend your days trekking through jungles, visiting ancient temples like Angkor Wat, and enjoying all the rich hospitality and incredible food on offer.

Tips to help you move abroad cheaply

The cost of moving abroad depends largely on where you’re moving from and to, and how much you’re taking with you. As a rough guide, international shipping company 1st Move International gives the following estimates to move the contents of a three bedroom house internationally from the UK:

• Sydney – £2,897
• New York – £4,758
• Los Angeles – £5,468
• Cape Town – £1,550
• Dubai – £2,224

As moving abroad will likely cost several thousand pounds, you’ll want to be sure you’re saving money wherever possible. Here are some tips:

1/ Sell your furniture and buy again locally

International shipping for large household items can be very expensive. You may also have to pay customs duties.

Unless you’re particularly attached to your furniture, you may be better off selling it online or at auction, then using the money to buy new pieces when you arrive in your new country.

2/ Work as a team

During your initial relocation period, you may need to travel back and forth between your current and future home – to deal with paperwork or attend job interviews, for example. This could rack considerable air fares.

It can pay to formulate a plan with family, friends or other expats looking to relocate so that the least number of people travel between destinations. That way, everyone can save a bit of money on unnecessary trips.

3/ Use local movers

Looking to move items from the airport or harbour your new country to your front door? Don’t rely on shipping companies from your home country – they are likely to charge more, and aren’t guaranteed to have the local expertise you need.

Instead, contact a local haulier for the best local rates and the extra reassurance of having someone who knows your new home better than you do.

4/ Take advantage of your local embassy

When applying for residency in a new country, you may have to visit an embassy to fill in paperwork.

It may be cheaper (and faster) to do this in your own country. Assuming the country you’re relocating to has an embassy in your country, you may be able to fill in and pay for your residency paperwork before you travel.

5/ Get everything sorted before you arrive

Whether it’s finding a new job, putting the deposit down on a rental property, or opening a bank account, make sure you do as much of the paperwork as you can before you travel to your new home.

Not only will this take a lot of the stress out of moving abroad, it will also help ensure you don’t waste money when you arrive. Living in a hotel can be very expensive compared to renting a property.

Another essential to sort out before traveling is international health insurance. This will give you access to high-quality, private treatment, so you won’t be stuck on a waiting list or have to pay expensive medical fees.

Start your new life abroad with confidence

If 2025 is the year you plan to start a new life abroad – whether it’s for new adventures or a lower cost of living – make sure you’ve looked into international health insurance.

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience providing international health insurance to expats like you. Our flexible policies give you access to the highest-quality healthcare all over the world, with optional extras to suit your needs and medical evacuation insurance included as standard.

Find out more about our international health insurance policies and get a quote online in under two minutes.