21 Countries Where You Can Still Live on $750 Per Month (2026 Guide)

Finding a place where you can live a decent life for $750 a month is a lot harder today than it was just a few years ago. The global inflation we’ve seen over the last few years has pushed the cost of “budget living” upward and many places where you could live like royalty on peanuts only allow you to survive on a $750/month budget.

But it’s still doable, and offers more options than what we have in my other article sharing countries where you can live for $500 per month.

I have updated this list for 2026 to reflect the new reality. I’ve removed places that have become too expensive or unsafe and doubled down on the hidden gems where your dollar still stretches.

Here are my top recommendations for where to move, retire, or just hang your hat for a few months on a strict budget.

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. Fortunately, things are similar today. This peaceful country remains one of the cheapest in Asia. You don’t get the massive flocks of tourists driving prices up like in neighboring Thailand, which keeps the vibe authentic and the costs low (still)

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 $1.50, and small restaurants run about $3. 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.

Do keep an eye on occasional power outages in remote areas, and remember that English isn’t widely spoken in smaller towns. Also, keep in mind that internet is spotty to moderate in quality and healthcare is not great.

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 can still be found for as low as $180 monthly (often hotel-room style).

Food: Street meals start at $1.50. Eating like a local keeps food costs around $200 per month.

Extras: You’re left with around $300 to spend on travel, clothes, and entertainment.

The visa system is one of the easiest in the world (you can extend indefinitely), but petty theft can be an issue in the capital – so keep your eyes open and belongings close.

3. Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a budget-friendly country that mixes colorful cultures, bustling cities, and countryside villages. It is intense, loud, and not for the faint of heart, but it is affordable.

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 infrastructure gaps are common. The country has also seen political unrest recently, so you must stay updated on local news. Investing in a good power bank and a backup mobile data plan is mandatory here, not optional. Stick to the safest areas of the city you choose.

4. Nepal

I have to admit that my stomach was upset for most of the time I spent in Nepal. This is usually due to water quality, so if you commit to only drinking purified water and being careful with street food hygiene, you can avoid my fate.

Nepal’s charm lies in its welcoming people and food influenced by Indian cuisine. It is a trekker’s paradise and a spiritual hub. Here’s where your money will go:

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

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

Extras: You should have at least $150 left over. Keep in mind that healthcare might not be top-tier outside Kathmandu.

The Catch: Winters are cold, and central heating is rare in budget apartments. Make sure you are aware of this, or at least have options/savings to cover the heating costs.

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. This is what you get in Sri Lanka.

The country went through a major economic crisis a few years back, but stability has largely returned. However, prices fluctuate more here than in other Asian countries.

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

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

Extras: You’re left with around $200, which is just enough in 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 starts at $250 in major hubs, though you can find cheaper deals ($200) in smaller cities like Da Nang or Hoi An.

Food: Local meals cost around $2. $250-$300 per month covers groceries and plenty of eating out.

Extras: You can stay under $550 for core expenses, leaving $200 for travel.

E-visas are now good for 90 days, making it easier to stay mid-term without constant border runs, but consider these into your budget if you plan to stay for longer.

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 and almost similar in some specific regions.

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. Here is what to expect there:

Rent: A bungalow or room in lesser-known towns can be found for $300.

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

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.

The Catch: Indonesia is introducing stricter visa rules. Ensure you are on the right visa (B211A is popular for nomads) to avoid trouble.

You can indeed live on $750 a month here with budgeting and by staying away from the “Instagram crowd.”

8. The Philippines

The Philippines is one of the few places where English is spoken almost everywhere, making the transition much easier for Westerners.

Rent: In a university town like Dumaguete, $200 gets a decent apartment. Add $70 for utilities and $30 for internet. That is no longer possible in more popular cities like Cebu. Check out my guide to the cost of living in Cebu for specifics.

Food: Street meals and home cooking might be around $300 monthly. 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, which is tight but doable. Keep in mind that the humidity here is relentless. If you need air conditioning running 24/7, your electricity bill will likely break your $750 budget.

You have to adapt to fans and natural airflow. 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

Thailand is getting more expensive each year. In 2026, living here on $750 requires discipline. You cannot live the “holiday lifestyle” on this budget anymore.

Chiang Mai, the digital nomad’s paradise, still offers cozy hotel rooms for as low as $250 per month though, but you can no longer live on a lower budget. 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.

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 friendly locals.

Also, Thailand has implemented tighter tax rules for tax residents (anyone staying 180+ days). If you plan to stay long-term, you need to understand these implications. The visa situation is complex, too, with the new “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV) being great but requiring significant savings to apply.

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. Also, Central America offers the advantage of being in the same time zones as the US, which is perfect for remote workers.

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). You need to keep a low profile and avoid discussing politics, though, as the political situation here is complex.

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.

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. Once avoided by travelers, it is now a hotspot, largely due to its adoption of Bitcoin and improved safety records.

Rent: Prices have jumped recently. Expect $350 for decent accommodation.

Utilities: Low, around $100.

Food: Feast on pupusas (which are incredibly cheap and filling). Estimate around $250 monthly.

The Catch: You are at the very top limit of your budget here, with only about $50 wiggle room after covering the essentials.

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.

The Visa Reality: Colombia offers a Digital Nomad Visa, but it generally requires an income of around $900 USD (3x minimum wage). With a $750 budget, you won’t qualify for residency. You will be living here on a tourist permit (usually 90 days, extendable to 180).

Rent: Rentals can be found for as low as $250 per month in smaller cities like Manizales or Pereira. Medellin is likely too expensive for this budget now.

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.

Safety: You must take precautions. “No dar papaya” (don’t make yourself an easy target) is the golden rule here. I was robbed in Bogota years ago, and while the country has improved, petty crime remains a real issue.

2. Bolivia

Bolivia is the cheapest country in South America. If you want your $750 to feel like $1,500, this is the place.

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.

Rent: Rooms can be found for $150, and entire apartments for $250.

Food: $250 per month leaves you well-fed.

The Catch: Infrastructure. Internet speeds can be slow, and water cuts happen. Also, the altitude in La Paz (3,600m+) is no joke – it takes weeks to adjust to the thinner air.

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

It isn’t as flashy as Brazil or Argentina, but it is stable, safe, and very affordable – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. And I believe that when it is 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 Lima. Look at cities like Arequipa or Trujillo for better value.

Food & Utilities: $350–$400 combined.

Transport: Local buses and “mototaxis” (tuk-tuks) are very cheap, 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. Budgeting your grocery shopping will help you a lot, as you shouldn’t spend more than $250 a month onfood.

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.

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.

The Winter “Tax”: Winters are cold. If your apartment has poor insulation (common), your heating bill can destroy your budget in January and February.

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!

The Visa Trap: Like Colombia, Albania has a Digital Nomad Visa, but the income requirement is nearly $1,000/month. On a $750 budget, you are limited to the tourist allowance (American citizens get 1 year; others get 90 days).

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

Africa is often expensive for expats because safety and reliability come at a premium. But there are many African countries where you could make it work on this budget – I am recommending a couple below.

1. Kenya

It won’t all be as you can see in the photo above – on the contrary. But you never know!

Where to live: Nairobi is expensive. Choose Nakuru or Eldoret.

Rent: A cozy apartment in Nakuru costs about $250 per month.

Food/Utilities: $350 covers the basics.

The Catch: The rainy season disrupts infrastructure. You need patience. Internet is decent in major towns thanks to mobile money (M-Pesa) integration, but having a backup line is smart.

2. 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 in 2026 requires compromise. You will likely deal with slower Wi-Fi, language barriers, and less “Western” convenience. But in exchange, you gain the freedom to explore cultures and live a life that would cost five times as much back home.

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.