If you are planning to live the life of an expat, you likely work remotely, are traveling for a job, are going to study abroad, or are looking for a place to retire.
Being presented with the opportunity to travel to another country for a few months or even years is a dream come true but, let’s face it, your travel expenses are going to be hard to keep up with (especially if you want to enjoy yourself). Luckily, many cities boast an unforgettable atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Keep reading to learn the best budget-friendly cities that are perfect for expats.
Affordable Paradise: The Best Budget-Friendly Cities for Expats
Lisbon, Portugal
First on the list is Lisbon. This European city is not only gorgeous but offers a lower cost of living compared to other popular European cities like London and Paris.
The price of groceries, transportation, dining out, and activities are affordable and the cost of rent and housing is beyond reasonable. Additionally, Lisbon offers a comfortable climate of mild winters and warm summers. This means that you can enjoy free outdoor activities year-round and avoid spending money on indoor entertainment.
Budapest, Hungary
Like Lisbon, Budapest is a European country that offers beautiful sights and a low cost of living.
In Budapest, you can find a centrally located (highly sought after) apartment for about €400-600 per month. Groceries, transportation, and activities are below average compared to the rest of the country and the city has a vibrant arts scene full of free museums and architecture. To top things off, English is widely spoken in Budapest and the community takes kindly to tourists and travelers.
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru is another welcoming city to consider for your expat journey.
Lima offers an affordable cost of living and a cultural landscape like no other. In fact, this city is a UNESCO site (United Nations Educational, scientific, and Cultural Organization). This means that Lima is a “creative hub”, developed with cultural integration in mind.
Lima is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for inspiration and to enjoy history and coastal beauty.
Manila, Philippines
Manila, Philippines is known for its vibrancy, affordability, and diverse attractions.
In Manila, everything is far cheaper than in the States. Rent, transportation, activities, shopping, and dining cost nearly half of American averages. This means that you can really make your budget stretch while away.
The town is a cultural melting pot blending Spanish, American, and indigenous Filipino influences. Manila’s nightlife is energetic and exciting and it offers no shortage of historical landmarks. Additionally, you can expect communicating to be easy here considering that English proficiency is high among the locals.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is an expat favorite because it’s gorgeous and the cost of living averages about 65% lower than in America.
This city is known for its cultural significance, its architecture, and its beaches. Since it is home to one of the largest ports in the world, the area offers a diverse shopping experience. You can find unique spices, textiles, decor, jewelry, and anything else you can imagine.
Cairo, Egypt
Currently, over 544,000 expats count Egypt as their temporary home, many of which are located in Cairo.
Cairo is 78% less expensive than New York and is one of the most captivating places in the world. The famous ancient pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and numerous museums are located in Cairo. It is also known for its flavorful cuisines like falafel and koshari and its diverse markets filled with high-quality trinkets, gifts, clothing, and fresh produce.
Cairo, Egypt is the perfect place to go if you are an expat who wants to experience history firsthand while on a tight budget.
Southland, New Zealand
New Zealand is where you go when you want to experience all of the world’s unique landscape possibilities in one place.
New Zealand is home to glaciers, mountains, fjords, hills, forests, beaches, and volcanic plateaus.
Southland is one of the most affordable cities in New Zealand with monthly rent prices averaging about NZD 800 ($560).
However, Southland is not centrally located, which is why it boasts such an affordable price compared to other major NZ cities.
Other than the country’s beautiful landscape, expats love NZ because of its relaxed lifestyle, and adventurous activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving.
Final Thoughts on Affordable Paradise: The Best Budget-Friendly Cities for Expats
In conclusion, finding the perfect budget-friendly city as an expat doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural vibrancy of South America or Asia, the historical charm of Europe, or the laid-back lifestyle of New Zealand, there are countless cities around the world that offer a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
From affordable housing and living costs to rich local experiences and welcoming communities, these cities provide expats with the opportunity to live comfortably and explore new cultures. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to consider not only the cost of living but also the lifestyle, opportunities, and personal preferences that will make your experience truly rewarding.
