Work & Settle Abroad | Best of

Introduction

Do you want to live abroad, learn about new cultures, and go on an adventure without spending all your money?

Many Indians want to settle down in a country other than their own, which is now easier than ever to do. In this blog, we'll show you the top 10 cheapest countries where you can live comfortably and affordably with the lowest cost of living in the world.

From the tropical paradise of the Philippines to the historical charm of Portugal and the cultural vibrancy of Vietnam, these places offer a mix of unique experiences and cheap living. We'll go into detail about each country, looking at how much it costs to live there, eat there, and exchange money. This will give you all the information you need to make your dream of living abroad come true.

Join us as we explore these exciting places, each of which has its own unique appeal, and find out how you can start a new chapter in your life without draining your pockets empty!

List of Cheapest Countries in the World

1. Live in the Philippines - Southeast Asia

The Philippines are a group of more than 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. They are known for their beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and friendly people. The Spanish, American, and native traditions have all left their mark on the country's culture. Filipinos are known for being friendly and good at English, which makes it easier for foreigners to settle in. The Philippines offers a wide range of things to do, from the busy streets of the capital, Manila, to the quiet beaches of Palawan.

Cost to live in the Philippines: Living in the Philippines is generally affordable:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area costs around 20,000 to 35,000 Philippine Pesos (PHP) per month.
• Food: Dining out or enjoying local cuisine may cost about 150 to 500 PHP per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: Philippine Pesos (PHP)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 1.38 PHP (Approximately)

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Cheapest Cities in the Philippines to Live in:

1. Cebu City: Cebu City offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with a monthly budget of approximately 25,000 to 30,000 PHP.
2. Davao City: Located in Mindanao, Davao City provides affordable living, with a monthly budget of around 20,000 to 25,000 PHP.

2. Live in Portugal - Southwestern Europe

Portugal is in the southwestern part of Europe. It has beautiful scenery, old cities, and a warm Mediterranean climate. Compared to many Western European countries, this country has a slower pace of life and is cheaper to live in. The Age of Exploration, which was a big part of Portugal's history, has left a deep cultural legacy. Portugal welcomes you with open arms, whether you're strolling through the streets of Lisbon or exploring the beautiful Douro Valley.

Cost of living in Portugal: While Portugal is part of Europe, its living costs are significantly lower than in many Western European countries:

• Housing: Renting a spacious apartment in Portugal may cost around €170 to €220 per month, depending on the city.
• Food: You can dine out for about €9 to €12 per meal for two at a local restaurant.
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 0.012 EUR (Approximately)

Cheapest Cities in Portugal to Live in:

1. Porto: Porto, located in northern Portugal, offers affordability and a rich cultural heritage. You can enjoy life here with a monthly budget of around €645.
2. Braga: Another budget-friendly city in northern Portugal, Braga, allows you to experience a comfortable lifestyle for about €590 per month.

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3. Live in Vietnam - Southeast Asia

Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia that has a perfect mix of old traditions and new ideas. Its beautiful landscapes, lively cities, and long history make it a popular place for Indians who want to live abroad. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is a one-of-a-kind place that will leave a lasting impression.

Cost to live in Vietnam: Vietnam offers an economical lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area costs around 15,172,500 Vietnamese Dong (VND) per month.
• Food: Savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine for as little as 150,000 to 300,000 VND for a basic meal.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 318.34 VND (Approximately)

Cheapest Cities in Vietnam to Live in:

1. Hanoi: Hanoi is a bustling city filled with museums, rivers, architecture, and a lively nightlife. To live comfortably in Hanoi, you'll need a monthly budget of approximately 34,850,000 VND.
2. Ho Chi Minh: Named after the communist leader who led Vietnam to independence, Ho Chi Minh offers historical places and a budget-friendly lifestyle. You can live comfortably here for about 43,900,000 VND per month.
3. Hội An: For those seeking tranquility away from bustling cities, Hội An, known for its ancient and historical charm, is a perfect escape. You can experience this calmness for around 68,000,000 VND per month.

4. Live in South Africa - Southern Part of Africa

South Africa, which is at the southern end of Africa, is a very different place. It has amazing natural beauty, from Cape Town's famous Table Mountain to Kruger National Park's wildlife-filled plains. South Africa's culture is a mix of native African, Dutch, British, and Indian cultures. This is because South Africa has a long and complicated history. The country has a lively arts scene, world-class wineries, and an adventurous spirit.

Here is a document checklist required to obtain a Visitors Visa in South Africa.

Cost of Living in South Africa: South Africa offers a cost-effective lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around 8,000 to 12,000 South African Rand (ZAR) per month.
• Food: Dining out or enjoying local cuisine may cost about 150 to 350 ZAR per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 0.22 ZAR (Approximately)

Cheapest Cities in South Africa to Live in:

1. Johannesburg: Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, provides various living options and cultural experiences. You can comfortably live here for about 12,000 to 15,000 ZAR per month.
2. Port Elizabeth: Located on the eastern coast, Port Elizabeth offers a more affordable cost of living, with a monthly budget of approximately 10,000 to 13,000 ZAR.

5. Live in Ecuador - South America

Ecuador is a country in South America. The Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the Galapagos Islands are some of the most beautiful places in Ecuador. It has a rich cultural history with influences from the native people, Spain, and Africa. Ecuador is a good place to retire or live abroad because the cost of living is low and the weather is warm.

Cost of Living in Ecuador: Ecuador provides an affordable lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around $200 to $400 US Dollars (USD) per month, depending on the city.
• Food: Dining out or enjoying local cuisine may cost about $2 to $5 USD per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 0.014 USD (Approximately)

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Cheapest Cities in Ecuador to Live in

1. Quito: Quito, the capital of Ecuador, offers a mix of urban amenities and historic charm. You can comfortably live here for about $500 to $800 USD per month.
2. Cuenca: Located in the southern Andes, Cuenca provides a lower cost of living, with a monthly budget of approximately $400 to $600 USD.

6. Live in Costa Rica - Central America

Costa Rica is a country in Central America that is known for its wildlife, lush rainforests, and clean beaches. It's a paradise for people who love nature and want to try new things. You can hike, surf, and learn about tropical plants and animals. The "Pura Vida" way of life in Costa Rica, which means "pure life," is easygoing and good for the environment.

Cost of living in Costa Rica: Costa Rica offers an affordable lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around 200,000 to 400,000 Costa Rican Colones (CRC) per month, depending on the city.
• Food: Dining out or enjoying local cuisine may cost about 3,000 to 7,000 CRC per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: Costa Rican Colones (CRC)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 7.08 CRC (Approximately)

Cheapest Cities in Costa Rica to Live in

1. San Jose: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, offers a mix of urban amenities and cultural experiences. You can comfortably live here for about 400,000 to 600,000 CRC per month.
2. Heredia: Located in the Central Valley, Heredia provides a lower cost of living, with a monthly budget of approximately 300,000 to 500,000 CRC.

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7. Live in Malaysia - Southeast Asia

Malaysia is in Southeast Asia, and it has a society that is influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and native cultures. From the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur to the lush rainforests of Borneo, the country has a lot to offer in terms of landscape. Malaysia is a popular choice for expats because it has a low cost of living, a modern infrastructure, and great health care.

Living Costs: Malaysia provides a cost-effective lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around 1,200 to 2,500 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) per month, depending on the city.
• Food: Dining out or enjoying local cuisine may cost about 10 to 20 MYR per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 0.057 MYR (Approximately)

Cheapest Cities in Malaysia to Live in:

1. Penang: Penang, an island state in northern Malaysia, offers a mix of affordability and cultural richness. You can comfortably live here for about 2,500 to 4,000 MYR per month.
2. Johor Bahru: Located near the border with Singapore, Johor Bahru provides a lower cost of living, with a monthly budget of approximately 2,000 to 3,500 MYR.

8. Live in Mexico - North America

The country of Mexico is in North America. It is known for its long history, varied landscapes, and friendly people. It has a rich culture and both big cities and small towns with beautiful scenery.

Cost of Living in Mexico: Mexico offers affordability:

• Housing: Renting an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around 3,000 to 4,200 Mexican pesos (MXN) per month.
• Food: Enjoying local Mexican cuisine may set you back about 750 to 1,000 MXN per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 1.35 MXN (Approximately)

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Cheapest Cities in Mexico to Live in

1. Puebla: Located in central Mexico, Puebla offers a blend of history and culture, with a monthly budget of around 27,000 MXN.
2. Merida: In the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida offers a low cost of living, with a monthly budget of approximately 24,000 MXN.

9. Live in Indonesia - Southeast Asia

Indonesia is a group of islands in Southeast Asia. It has a wide range of landscapes, cultures, and foods. It is a land with beautiful scenery and a lot of different traditions.

Cost of living in Indonesia: Indonesia provides an affordable lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around 2,500,000 to 3,600,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) per month, depending on the city.
• Food: Enjoying local Indonesian cuisine may cost about 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per meal.
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 194.31 IDR (Approximately)

Cheapest Cities in Indonesia to Live in

1. Yogyakarta: Known for its rich Javanese culture, Yogyakarta offers a comfortable lifestyle with a monthly budget of around 5,400,000 IDR.
2. Bandung: Located on the island of Java, Bandung combines affordability with urban amenities, requiring a monthly budget of approximately 6,200,000 IDR.

10. Live in Bulgaria - Southeast Europe

Bulgaria is in Southeast Europe. It has mountains, rivers, and a beautiful coastline along the Black Sea. Its architecture and traditions show that it has a long and interesting history. Bulgaria is known for being cheap, which makes it a good place to visit if you want to see Europe on a budget.

Living Costs in Bulgaria: Bulgaria offers an economical lifestyle:

• Housing: Rent for an 85m² apartment in an average area may cost around 300 to 600 Bulgarian Lev (BGN) per month, depending on the city.
• Food: Dining out or enjoying local cuisine may cost about 15 to 30 BGN per meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
• Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 0.023 BGN (Approximately)

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Cheapest Cities to Live in Bulgaria:

1. Sofia: Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, provides a mix of affordability and cultural experiences. You can comfortably live here for about 700 to 1,200 BGN per month.
2. Plovdiv: Located in central Bulgaria, Plovdiv offers a lower cost of living, with a monthly budget of approximately 600 to 1,000 BGN.

These countries offer not only affordable living but also unique cultural experiences, making them excellent choices for Indians looking to settle down in a new and exciting environment without straining their finances.

Conclusion

Living abroad can be a life-changing experience, and if you plan and think about it carefully, you can make it happen. Each of these countries has its own mix of adventure, culture, and cheap prices. So, take the first step, do your research, and start your journey to a new and exciting part of your life.

Remember that the world is a big place with a lot of opportunities for you. You can find adventure, a change of scenery, or a cheaper way of life in all of these countries. So, pack your bags, go after your dreams, and make the world your new home. A plane ride away is the trip of a lifetime.

FAQs

1. What should I think about when deciding which country is the best to live in?

Think about things like the cost of living, job opportunities, culture, language, safety, health care, and visa requirements when choosing a country to live in. Each country has its own charms, so think about what you care about most.

2. How can I make sure that moving to a new country goes well?

Planning is important for a smooth change. Find out about the country's visa and immigration rules, healthcare system, cost of living, and local customs. Connecting with other people who live abroad and asking for advice from those who have already moved can also be helpful.

3. How much does living and eating in these places usually cost?

Prices for housing and food can vary a lot from country to country and even from city to city. It's important to do research on specific places and figure out your monthly budget based on how you want to live.

4. When moving to one of these countries, is it important to know the local language?

Even though it can be helpful to know the local language, many of these countries have a large number of expatriates, and English is widely spoken in cities. It can be helpful to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, but it's not always necessary.

5. As an Indian living abroad, how can I find work in these countries?

How easy it is to find work will depend on what you do and the rules of the country you are in. Start by talking to people, looking for jobs online, and thinking about international companies with branches in the country you want to move to. There are special visa programs for skilled workers in some countries.