24 Countries Where You Can Live for $750 Per Month [Full List]

This full list of the best cheap countries to live in covers all the countries where you can live a decent life on a budget of $750 Per Month.

While this amount is also becoming a bit low worldwide, we have more options in a similar fashion to the countries where you can live for $500 per month. Really nice ones, as you will see.

With all these in mind, let’s check out my recommended places below, with all the details you should know if you decide to become an expat there, or retire to any of these places.

Best Countries in Asia Where You Can Live on $750 per Month

Asia was and still is considered a digital nomad’s paradise and an expat haven thanks to the large number of beautiful countries where living on the cheap is possible.

The warm climate, the amazing people and the delicious food are bonuses that come with living in Asia – especially the SEA region. And it’s all possible for $750 per month.

1. Laos

When I first visited Laos years ago, I was amazed by how far my money went and fortunately, things are similar today. This peaceful country still remains one of the cheapest in Asia, with friendly locals and amazing natural beauty – and not your regular flock of tourists to drive prices up (yet).

Here’s what to expect in terms of costs:

Rent: Around $200 a month for a comfortable one-bedroom in Vientiane, or $120 for a simple studio. Move away from the capital and you might find an entire small house with a yard for $150.

Food: Local street meals can be $1 each, and you could spend $3 at small restaurants. Cooking at home or grabbing quick meals easily stays under $250 per month.

Extras: With $250-$350 left, you can treat yourself to massages or weekend trips around the country. Do keep an eye on occasional power outages in more remote areas, and remember that English isn’t widely spoken in smaller towns.

And if you’re considering moving here or retiring to this underrated country, make sure to check out my previous article listing the top things to do in Laos.

2. Cambodia

The second-cheapest option in Asia is Cambodia, a country that offers some of world’s most magnificent architectural wonders, but also some of the friendliest people I have ever met.

In Cambodia, your monthly expenses, including a decent apartment, local transportation, and mouthwatering Cambodian cuisine, could easily total around $650-$700. Here’s how you’ll spend your money:

Rent: A studio could be as low as $180 monthly (hotel-room type).

Food: Street meals start at $1.5, and eating like a local keeps food costs around $200 per month.

Extras: You’re left with around $300 to spend on various other things, like a bit of travel, buying clothes and consumables, and a bit of entertainment too.

3. Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a budget-friendly country that mixes together colorful cultures, bustling cities, and amazing natural landscapes with countryside villages that seem frozen in time.

Rent & Expenses: An apartment can be $150–$200, plus around $200 for food.

Leftover Budget: Apart from the basics, you have around $350 for extras. This is enough to live a decent life in Bangladesh.

Tips: Power outages and basic infrastructure gaps are common, while the country itself has seen its fair share of unrest lately. So investing in a few power banks and sticking to the safest areas of the city you’re in is a must.

4. Nepal

I have to admit that, just like in many of the really cheap countries in SE Asia, my stomach was upset for most of the time I spend in Nepal, but apparently this is something you get used with if you live here long term.

Still, if you’re careful with the places you buy your food from – but if you cook at home, you shouldn’t have these problems and instead enjoy the country better.

Back to living here, Nepal’s charm lies in its welcoming people and delicious food influenced by Indian cuisine. Here’s where your money will go:

Rent: Studio apartments in major cities can be $170, while nicer spots can be found at around $300 per month.

Food: If you stick to local produce or cook at home, expect to spend around $250 per month on groceries and simple meals.

Extras: You should have at least $150 left over for various other expenses here which, while not much, can be enough if you’re thrifty. Keep in mind that healthcare might not be top-tier outside Kathmandu, in case you have underlying medical conditions.

Note: Since Nepalese women are very similar to Indian ones, prepare in advance by checking out my guide to Indian women.

5. Sri Lanka

Just imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, enjoying a cup of world-famous Ceylon tea with a view of lush green tea plantations or the beach as in the photo above. This is what you might get if you choose to relocate in Sri Lanka, even if you have a limited budget.

Rent: Around $300 gets you a decent home, or a simple hotel room with breakfast & cleaning included.

Food: Similar to Indian-style cuisine, dishes can be cheap if you stick to local staples – expect to pay around $250 per month in this category.

Extras: You’re left with around $200 for various other expenses, which will be just enough if budget-friendly Sri Lanka.

NOTE: Sri Lanka was in a bit of a mess earlier in the past, with protests and a bit of uncertainty, but things appear to have gone back to normal. Double-check before leaving though, to be 100% sure that it’s still safe to travel here.

If you plan to visit, make sure to choose the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

6. Vietnam

We’re starting to move up to the more expensive places to live in Asia, but it’s still possible to make ends meet on our lower budget.

Once considered the ultimate bargain in Asia, Vietnam’s costs have risen, but it’s still budget-friendly if you plan right:

Rent: A fully serviced studio can start at $200, though you’ll find that mostly in smaller cities nowadays.

Food: Local meals can cost around $2, with $250-$300 per month covering groceries.

Extras: You can stay under $500 for core expenses, leaving $250 for travel or hobbies. Not to mention the fact that Vietnamese women are very friendly towards foreigners and amazing people overall.

So, if you’re not in a relationship, you can really find someone special here. Men too, of course!

With all these in mind, despite the increased cost of living, Vietnam is a great place to move or retire to and live for $750 per month or less.

7. Indonesia

Together with Thailand and The Philippines, Indonesia is part of the trio of SEA Countries where the cost of living is still low by Western standards, but rising quickly.

While difficult to achieve – and outright impossible in popular touristy spots and probably anywhere in Bali – living on a $750/month budget is still possible in parts of the country.

Rent: A bungalow in smaller, lesser-known towns will be $300, and you can still find rooms for less than that.

Food: Local dishes are tasty and cheap; $300 monthly is realistic for dining on local street food and groceries combined.

Entertainment: You’ll have a small chunk of change left for other expenses, which will allow you to live a modest, but decent life here.

Just like with the other countries in South East Asia, both the Indonesian Women are friendly towards foreigners, as well as the men in Indonesia. They all speak good English, too. Keep an eye on any visa changes, as regulations sometimes shift for long-term stays.

All in all, you can indeed live on $750 a month in Indonesia with a little bit of budgeting and choosing your city carefully – mainly staying away from the very touristy ones you see mentioned everywhere.

And trust me – they’re all beautiful with plenty of things to do and see, with friendly locals and you will find life here a LOT easier than living on the same amount in any city in the US.

8. The Philippines

The Philippines is one of the countries where you can still live on a budget of $750 per month – although probably that will change in a few years.

Rent: Dumaguete can be $200 for a decent apartment, with another $70 for utilities and $30 for internet. Even in Cebu, you could make ends meet on such a low budget – although it’s difficult. If interested in this particular city, I have written an in-depth guide to the cost of living in Cebu.

Food: Street meals and home cooking might be around $300 monthly, if you don’t splurge. Filipino food is delicious: we have everything from seafood, to fruits, and the oh-so-delicious Adobo, all at very affordable prices.

Extras: You’ll only be left with around $150 each month for other expenses, which is not a lot, but doable.

Yes, the humidity and hot weather might take a bit of adjusting at first. But once you experience Filipino hospitality, as well as the cheap prices, you will realize that it’s all part of the overall charm.

9. Thailand

The country is getting more and more expensive each year due to its popularity in the DN and expat communities and the truth is that in most places in Thailand, a budget of $750 per month will not be enough.

Chiang Mai, the digital nomad’s paradise, still offers cozy hotel rooms for as low as $250 per month though, but you won’t live comfortably. I recommend heading to less popular and less touristy areas instead to get a bigger bang for your buck. Here’s what you should expect to spend, if you’re careful:

Rent: Starting at $250 per month, with an extra $100 for utilities (including phone and internet).

Food: Local dishes can stay at $300 per month if you avoid Western-style restaurants. You’ll be eating plenty of Pad Thai and Som Tam, and other similar dishes, so no complaints here.

Highlights: The country has a lively social scene, warm locals, and great healthcare. For longer stays, you’ll probably need a retirement visa (if you qualify) or a special digital nomad arrangement.

But hey, it’s not all sunshine and mango sticky rice! The scorching hot weather with its high humidity levels are something you have to adjust to – but it’s all worth it when we’re considering the costs of living here, as well as the beautiful locals, from Thai men to Thai women.

Thailand is considered the Land of Smiles, and this helps keep your mood up also – as well as your productivity. It’s difficult to explain or to understand until you literally get there. And once you do, like most, you will most likely not want to leave, especially since life there is still so cheap.

And since you’re going to be thrifty and still be able to travel at least a bit on your budget, make sure to read my previous article sharing the dress code for Thai temples. Also, learn about the Naka Cave – a must see when in Thailand, or the best time of the year to visit the country.

Don’t forget to take a second and PIN this for later. Thank you!

Best Countries in Central America Where You Can Live on $750 per Month

Central America is usually overlooked when it comes to living on a budget, but there are actually three really beautiful countries where you can still make ends meet on $750 per month.

1. Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a country known for its low cost of living combined with breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of opportunities to live near the beach (although probably not on a $750/month budget).

Rent: A central one-bedroom in Managua, Masaya, or Leon can sometimes be found for around $275/month, with utilities at $125 more. You might also find good deals in smaller resorts close to the Pacific Ocean, like Corinto, Las Penitas or the very popular San Juan Del Sur.

Food & Transport: Groceries and public buses are cheap, so $350 total should cover the basics (including a tiny little bit for various other expenses).

The largest cities and resort towns are generally safer, though you should still follow common-sense precautions. If you prefer beach living, expect slightly higher rents in popular surf spots and have a bit more to spend each month.

Also read my guide to men from Nicaragua to know what to expect when you’re there.

2. Guatemala

Living in Guatemala is like being part of a living history book: every street corner tells a hundred tales, mixing the Mayan heritage with Spanish colonial influences and modern Latin vibes.

The best part is that you can enjoy Guatemala on a shoestring budget, and be relatively comfortable about it.

Rent & food: A good studio apartment can be found at $300/month, with utilities and groceries adding $300 more.

Leftover Funds: You’ll have around $150 for anything else, which won’t let you live like royalty, but is enough.

Visa Tip: Guatemala often grants 90-day tourist stays, but verify if you plan to stay longer or get a residency permit.

3. El Salvador

Last but not least, we have the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador. It may be pint-sized, but massive for those on a shoestring budget.

While rental prices are the most expensive on our list so far (expect to pay around $350 each month for decent accommodation), the basic utility costs are low, at around $100.

The cost of food? Also low by Western standards, as long as you stick to the delicious local dishes and feast on pupusas, tamales, and other local dishes. This way, your wallet won’t be shedding too many tears.

I’d estimate around $250 to be spent each month on food, so you’re basically at the top limit of your budget, with only $50 left for other expenses.

Best Countries in South America Where You Can Live on $750 per Month

South America has long been a digital nomad’s paradise – as well as one that expats and retirees (mainly from the US) enjoy.

There are still a few countries left where our budget will allow for decent living on a tight budget, although costs are rising fast here also. So take advantage while you still can!

1. Colombia

Colombia is not just one of the producers of the finest coffee in the world, but also a beautiful and extremely cheap place to live in. You can make ends meet here for as low as $500 per month, so a higher budget will allow you to live more comfortably.

Rent: Rentals can be found for as low as $200 per month, even in the country’s capital city Bogota, or in the expat-friendly Medellin, although prices here are higher than the norm.

Food: With another $250 you can cover groceries (mostly eating at home) and utilities and internet, leaving you with plenty of room for other goodies.

The locals are usually friendly and welcoming and the overall culture in Colombia is amazing. And don’t even get me started on those amazing Colombian girls…

You do have to take regular safety precautions not to end up like me (I was robbed in Bogota many years ago), and everything will be fine.

2. Bolivia

Bolivia is another country that’s popular for expats and digital nomads alike thanks to its really low cost of living. You can live a good life here for a budget of $750 per month.

What I love about Bolivia is that it’s a country of contrasts. From the bustling city life of La Paz to the serene calm of the Andean countryside, Bolivia has something to offer everyone.

The rental prices in Bolivia are really low – with rooms to be found as low as $150 per month, and entire apartments for $250. Food can add up to $250 per month, leaving you with a solid buffer for other expenses.

IMPORTANT: Some regions have issues with water or electricity, so research your neighborhood – also for potential safety issues. Especially since you might want to look at cities that are not yet expat hubs to get the most affordable living costs.

3. Paraguay

Paraguay is another cheap country to live in as an expat or DN. You will cover the basic needs for as low as $500 each month, which leaves you with at least $250 for entertainment and other expenses. Pretty cool!

Paraguay may not be as famous as its neighbors, but it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. And I believe that when it will be discovered, prices will go up. But so far, as the country still stands under the radar, everything is affordable.

Rent: In Asunción, $300 gets you a studio. If you choose the smaller cities in the country (I am a big fan of San Pedro, for example), your money will bring you more – expect to get a cozy one-bedroom for the same price.

Food: Groceries and local eats stay around $250 if you cook mostly at home.

Language: Spanish is key since English isn’t common. This is a perfect place if you’re open to learning the local language.

4. Peru

Finally, we have Peru as a great cheap country to live in South America. Although more expensive than the others on this continent, it remains a solid option and living on $750 per month in Peru is doable if you are careful what you’re spending your money on.

While the country’s capital Lima might be a bit more difficult to live in on a budget, there are plenty of other expat-friendly, smaller cities where you can live a decent life within your budget.

Rent: Around $300 for a one-bedroom outside the capital.

Food & Utilities: $350–$400 combined, leaving you a tiny bit of wiggle room.

Transport: Many areas use motorized rickshaws or local buses. Costs are low, though traffic can be chaotic in bigger urban zones. As a bonus, you’ll sometimes feel like you’re in Asia thanks to the plenty of tuk-tuk like vehicles you can ride to get around the cities.

Best European Countries where You Can Live on $750 per Month

Living in Europe on a low monthly budget might seem undoable at first, but there are still a few countries where you can still enjoy a good life for a low price.

1. Moldova

Moldova is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe and even though it’s sharing a huge border with Ukraine (and there have been talks about potential safety issues), I personally consider the country safe at the moment.

Of course, you should do your own due diligence and decide for yourself!

With this in mind, you can find apartments in central areas of any city (including the capital Chisinau) for as low as $250 per month.

Eating out at a local restaurant will also be cheap – $3 per meal is not uncommon here. Bud budgeting your grocery shopping will help you a lot, as you shouldn’t spend more than $250 a month per food.

And for wine lovers, Moldova is definitely paradise, as the country is a huge wine producer in the world. In other words – you get good wine at low prices.

While the country is not in the EU or the Schengen area, it still offers cheap trains, buses, and plane rides to European countries, which is also a great advantage for those who want to set up a cheap home base in Europe. Plus, Moldovan women are amazing companions (and sharing costs is always cheaper).

2. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Expect to pay around $250 per month for a nice apartment in a central location in one of the major cities, but also expect public transport to be iffy.

All cities are walkable, though, so maybe you’ll use this as a chance to get some extra exercise.

All in all, you can live comfortably in Bosnia and Herzegovina on a budget of $750 per month.

3. Albania

This small country on the Adriatic Sea is often overlooked, but it’s a hidden treasure for those seeking a low-cost European lifestyle.

While it has some pretty amazing touristic cities, comparable to those in Greece (like Sarande or Durres), these are too expensive to live in on a budget. But you have the rest of the country for enjoying living in Europe on the cheap!

Rental prices for one bedroom apartments in central areas can go as low as $300 per month, while eating out at local restaurants will set you up $5 per meal.

Of course, if you cook mostly at home, your grocery budget should only be around $250 per month. In other words, very affordable!

4. Serbia

Last but certainly not least, we have Serbia. This Balkan country is known for its friendly people, low cost of living, and delicious cuisine. It’s getting more and more difficult to make ends meet on a budget of $750 per month, but still doable.

In Serbia, a one-bedroom apartment in a small city will cost you around $300 per month. And when it comes to food, Serbia is a foodie’s paradise.

You can enjoy a meal at a mid-range restaurant for less than $10, but their delicious pastries served with yogurt can cost as low as $1 – $1.5 per meal.

I have to admit that I hold Serbia very dear to my heart and I always love visiting – no matter if we’re talking about the more expensive Belgrade, or the smaller (yet still friendly, nice and amazing cities) like Novi Sad, Subotica or Nis.

Note: If you want to visit the country first, check out my list of the best hotels near the Belgrade airport here.

I’ve even been to some of the very small border towns of Kladovo, Negotin or Zajecar – all close to the Romanian border – and I absolutely loved them. I really see myself living there on the cheap – and I am sure you will feel the same.

Best Countries in Africa where You Can Live on $750 per Month

The African continent is rarely on the radar for those looking to travel and live life cheaply and there are indeed many potential problems and challenges when it comes to living here.

And, surprisingly, living in many African countries that can be considered safe for DNs or expats is pretty expensive. But I still have a few options for you – so check them out below if you’re looking for something that’s really off the beaten path.

1. Ghana

First on our list is country of Ghana, which can be a cheap one to live in.

I recommend choosing their capital, Accra, where you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in a safe area for around $300 per month. Utilities and internet will add some extra $100.

For food, as long as you cook at home and eat the local produce, you will spend another $250. All in all, this means that you can cover the basic expenses here for around $650 per month.

The remaining $100? You can use that for going out, buying clothes and toiletries, and exploring Ghana’s cities – or simply add a bit more luxury to your life..

However, like any place, Ghana has its share of challenges. Heat can be intense, especially during the Harmattan season, and power outages are common, while certain areas are considered unsafe and should not be visited, especially if you are alone.

2. Nigeria

Next on our list of countries where you can live on $750 per month, we have Nigeria which is a country of contrasts.

While you can easily spend a few thousand dollars on rent alone here, a budget-friendly city like Ibadan offers rents as low as $250 per month.

Utilities and internet might cost you around $70, and $250 is plenty for a month’s worth of delicious meals.

Your basic monthly expenses would total up to roughly $570, leaving you with a decent amount for leisure activities and other expenses.

Safety can be an issue here too, so always practice the common sense safety measure you would in any other city and stick to the safe areas in any city you live in, avoiding to go out alone at night.

3. Kenya

Next on the list is Kenya, where you could rent a cozy apartment in a city like Nakuru for about $250 per month (or, like in Nigeria, spend a few thousand dollars on an ultra-modern penthouse). But we’re here for the budget living!

Utilities, internet, and food would cost around $350, and you’ll still have about $100 left over for other expenses.

And despite what most of us believe (that the entire African continent is warm and dry), there’s actually an important rainy season in Kenya which usually disrupts the poor local infrastructure.

You do get used with it, though. And when it comes to living on a budget, you do have to make some concessions, right?

4. Madagascar

Finally, I’m rounding up our list of countries to live in on $750 a month with Madagascar, the island nation we probably know from the popular animation series. You’ll be at the top limit of the budget, but it might be worth it!

Around $300 each month will let you live in a decent apartment in Antananarivo, the country’s capital, while $100 more will be required to cover utilities and internet.

Eating mostly at home will cost around $300 more, giving you some room for other activities and entertainment in the country with the remaining $50.

One word of advice: don’t think that Madagascar is a warm, dry country all year long. On the contrary, nights in Madagascar can get quite cold – especially in Antananarivo, where temperatures go as low as 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) during the cold season!

But still, it’s a really nice country to live in, especially if you’re on a shoestring budget.

Notes on Long-Term Stays, Healthcare, and Safety

Even though you can make ends meet (or even live a pretty decent life) in the countries listed above, there are still a few things you should keep in mind, some of which could be deal breakers or budget busters.

Visa & Residency: Many countries have tourist visas that last 30–90 days. Some offer specialized digital nomad or retirement visas, but usually require proof of income higher than $750. Always double-check with official immigration websites or local embassies to know where you stand and how much time can you legally spend in that country.

Healthcare & Insurance: While basic healthcare can be cheap in all of these countries, quality and reliability differ. You may want international insurance if you have ongoing health needs. In most places, private clinics are better than public ones – but more expensive.

Safety & Culture: Even in peaceful spots, stay alert. Avoid sketchy areas at night, learn basic phrases in the local language, and be polite. In some of these countries, petty theft is common, especially in specific areas that you can learn about from locals (and stay away from them!)

Conclusion

Living on $750 per month sounds impossible when you’re in an expensive city, but plenty of spots worldwide make it a reality.

You’ll need to adapt – like giving up luxury items, learning bits of a new language, and being ready for slower Wi-Fi and various other smaller problems, but you gain the freedom to explore cultures, meet new people and live better that you would on the same budget in a more expensive Western Country.

Do have in mind that the crazy inflation we’re seeing nowadays is affecting most of the world, and some countries are more affected than others.

So finding decent, safe and expat-friendly cities to live in on a low budget is becoming more and more of a challenge.

Now over to you. Have you lived in any of the countries mentioned above? Or maybe you have additional recommendations for countries where you can live on $750 per month? Let us all know by sharing your thoughts below.