But we’re not here to look at the most expensive countries in the world. We’re looking at cheap luxury – a good-sized home, low-cost transportation, affordable healthcare, and enough money left over to not have to worry about things like how much food you can eat on your budget.
Here are the 25 cheapest countries to live in luxury.
In size, Vietnam is slightly larger than New Mexico. It’s bordered by China, Laos, Cambodia, and the South China Sea – or, as it is called in Vietnam, the “Eastern Sea.” For the cost of living, the average sits at about 639 US dollars monthly. Combined with its beautiful views, wondrous cuisine perfect for adventurous eaters, and low-cost public transportation available, this “cheap”-living country can certainly make for some luxury. Particularly, more than 200 monasteries from the middle ages reside in this country, and act as direct windows into our past. $711 is the average monthly cost of living for this country – which, while more than Vietnam, is offset by the interesting culture the country has to offer. With the generally warm and friendly people there to welcome you, this is a hot destination for “cheap” luxury. While it is very large in size – being nearly 2 million kilometers – or 1.25 million miles – almost 70% of the population lives in the country’s urban areas. Mexico is also home to some of the refined ancient cultures of the Americas, including the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, and Aztecs. The cost of living sits at 678 US dollars – or approximately 13,588 pesos – per month. It is considered by some to be the cheapest country to live in with English as the main language, at approximately $937 per month. It is also home to some of the most diverse natures you’ll ever see, and it is a cultural hotspot for ethnic diversity. At an average of 633 US dollars, it definitely sits toward the cheaper side of monthly cost of living. While it is slightly more expensive than the rest of the country to live in Managua, as any urban area will be, it is still considered an affordable luxury. China has an average cost of living of 752 US dollars per month – or about 5415 yuan (Chinese currency) – and the economy is booming! Generally, China has higher average salaries than other Asian countries, and the unique culture makes it even better. With delicious Chinese foods, the art culture, festivals, landscapes, and man-made beauties like the Great Wall of China, attuning to the culture would be easy for anyone eager to learn. In addition, Peru is a very cheap place to live, sitting right at 630 US dollars a month on average. Mixed with its cultural history and beautiful nature, Peru may be the next home for someone seeking cheap luxury. Cities like Warsaw are very modern, but you also get the beauty of nature in one of Poland’s 23 National Parks. And don’t forget that It’s a hub for world history – particularly for those who are World War II buffs or interested in the invasion of Poland in 1939. The southeast Asian country is actually divided into two regions, separated by the South China Sea. There’s Peninsular Malaysia, or West Malaysia, and Malaysian Borneo, or East Malaysia. In total, it has a population of about 33 million people, its largest (and it’s capital) city being Kuala Lumpur. Sitting comfortably at 652 US dollars for a monthly cost of living, Malaysia is one of the cheaper countries to enjoy luxurious affordability. Costa Rica has a higher cost of living than most of its adjacent countries, at 852 US dollars per month. However, it makes up for it with higher salaries. Enjoy the grand adventures that come with island life in Costa Rica, and get ready to bear the heat of the tropics. Made up of 333 tropical islands, Fiji is known for its beautiful landscapes and adventurous coral reefs. The capital of Fiji is Suva, and the entire country has a population of almost 900,000. 773 US dollars would be your average monthly cost of living in Fiji, so you can enjoy the life of the Fiji islands, and explore the beautiful nature, including those famed coral reefs, in cheap luxury. Bolivia once belonged to the ancient Incas, but now, current-day Bolivia is an independent state and one of the few countries to have two capitals: La Paz and Sucre. At 750 US dollars a month, Bolivia is definitely on the more affordable side of the monthly cost of living. And who could resist the beautiful Andean Baroque architecture of some of Bolivia’s most beautiful buildings, including the Facade of the Basílica de San Francisco in La Paz. At 601 US dollars for monthly living expenses, this country bridges affordability with luxury. You can explore some of the things the Philippines are famous for, including the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park in the Sulu Sea, the walled area of Intramuros in the city of Manila, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and many other things. And while there may be good reasons for its low expenses – considering the tension happening in the Middle East region with the U.S. along with other troubles. However, if you don’t mind protests, being on the edge of war, and political unrest, you can find luxury in the gem city of Karachi. Karachi is an economic hub and the country’s largest city – maintaining the big city lifestyle with a low cost of living. The South American country is known for its beautiful climate in the lower Andes mountains, giving it a nice springtime feel. And not too far away is the cooler climates of the upper mountains. Go further toward the coast and you’ve got the warm tropics. And who could beat this biodiversity with only a $574 cost of living per month? Even in cities like Bangkok, the cost of living is fairly low, at 831 US dollars per month on average. Additionally, Thailand’s beautiful clear waters on white sandy beaches provide a kind of luxury most people long for. Ecuador is a South American coastal country with heart-stopping views of the country and landscape while being easy on the wallet. $756 – as Ecuador uses the US dollar as currency – is the cost of living that will get you a satisfactory lifestyle in comfortable weather and luxurious nature all around you. In this long, thin country. as it borders the southwest edge of South America, you’ll find very friendly locals. Listen for the phrase “Buena onda” – as it translates to “good vibes.” Locals are open to adventure – as we all should be! And with the luxurious wine culture Chile has to offer, you’re going to find it absolutely phenomenal. In fact, it remains one of the least populated countries in Central America at a little over 405,000. This country is known for its sharp mountain ranges and volcanic highlands. Interestingly, Honduras is the only Central American country without volcanoes. And at 765 US dollars in the cost of living per month, it makes for a beautiful natural environment while living at an inexpensive cost. In fact, Egypt is the second-oldest civilization in our world, being established in 3100 BC. It is second only to Iran, at 3200 BC. And in modern times, the locals are said to be extremely friendly and helpful. Bordering Africa and the Middle East, this country is cheap to live in, averaging a cost of only 449 US dollars per month. But be warned: modern luxuries are not available to everyone in Papua New Guinea, even though they have an abundance of resources. You’d have to settle in the right place to consider it “luxurious,” but it is still a country that should be considered. And at 530 US dollars per month on average, you could make this a luxury home. It also maintains a relatively short distance from more expensive countries like Italy and France and other closer countries like Greece and Turkey. The history in Bulgaria is also something worthwhile and can be an excellent source of happiness for history buffs. At 1014 US dollars, it’s the most expensive on this list, but well worth it! The amazing culture of the Czech Republic, particularly in a city like Prague, draws people from all over the world with its old-world charm. Prague is also one of the safest cities in the world. That in itself should equal luxury. The luxury of the sights, history, architecture, nature and friendly people far outweighs the extra $8. Even a visit to somewhere like Athens is a luxury in itself. What cheap countries do you think can provide a life of luxury? Is there any country that you have always dreamed of living in? Let us know in the comments below.
