11 most affordable countries to live abroad in 2026, according to expats

From beach towns in Asia to laid-back European villages, these 11 countries prove you don’t need a massive income to live well abroad in 2026.

• International Living's 2026 Index lists 11 affordable countries for expat living
• Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand offer low costs and high quality of life.
• Expats find comfort, culture, and healthcare abroad cheaper than in the US.

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For many would-be expats, the idea of moving abroad feels like a distant fantasy reserved for the ultra-wealthy. But according to International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index, living comfortably overseas—sometimes without needing to work at all—is far more realistic than most people imagine.

The report ranks countries based on cost of living, healthcare, climate, lifestyle, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. What makes it especially credible is its methodology: the data comes from contributors actually living on the ground in each destination. These aren’t bare-bones survival budgets. They reflect a good life—safe neighbourhoods, regular dining out, quality healthcare, and everyday comforts.

From Southeast Asia to Europe and Latin America, these 11 countries prove that your money can stretch dramatically further outside the U.S. Here are the most affordable places where expats are living well—for less.

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1. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka consistently delivers one of the best cost-to-lifestyle ratios in the world, making it a standout for expats who want to live well on a modest budget. According to International Living, an on-the-ground contributor rents a private villa with a tropical garden and plunge pool for just $385 a month—a figure that feels almost unreal by Western standards.

Affordability is only part of the appeal. Sri Lanka offers palm-fringed beaches, misty tea-covered hills, and warm weather throughout the year. The local culture is deeply welcoming, English is widely spoken, and day-to-day comforts are surprisingly accessible. Dining out regularly, hiring domestic help, or indulging in massages and wellness treatments costs a fraction of what it would back home. Healthcare is affordable and improving steadily, particularly in major cities.

Where to live:

Galle for colonial charm, walkable streets, and the country’s largest expat community

Arugam Bay for a laid-back, bohemian surf-town vibe

Colombo for cosmopolitan living, dining, and modern amenities

Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela for cooler temperatures, scenic hill views, and even lower costs

Cost of living:

Single: $1,100–$1,250/month

Couple: $1,400–$1,650/month

Long-term rent: $400–$700

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2. Vietnam

Vietnam remains one of Asia’s best affordability success stories. In cities like Hanoi, expats report living comfortably on around $1,000 a month, often with room to save—something increasingly rare in major global cities.

Housing is inexpensive, food is both exceptional and cheap, and transportation costs are negligible. Street food meals cost just a few dollars, while mid-range restaurant dinners with drinks typically stay under $10. Daily life feels vibrant and social, with bustling markets, leafy parks, and café culture woven into everyday routines.

Healthcare is a major advantage. Comprehensive lab tests, imaging, dental care, and specialist consultations often cost a few hundred dollars total, not thousands. The quality of care—especially in private hospitals—is frequently praised by long-term expats.

Where to live:

Hanoi for history, culture, and a lively expat scene

Hoi An, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon for slower coastal living at 10–20% lower costs

Cost of living:

Single: $1,000–$1,200/month

Costs drop 10–20% outside major cities

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3. Thailand

Thailand has long been a favourite with expats, and for good reason. It offers a highly polished lifestyle—excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure, reliable internet, and a famously relaxed pace of life—at a fraction of Western costs.

Rent is one of Thailand’s strongest advantages. Fully furnished condos with pools, gyms, and 24-hour security often rent for under $600 a month. Food is consistently affordable, whether you’re eating at street stalls, local markets, or casual restaurants. Transportation is cheap and efficient, making it easy to live without a car.

Healthcare in Thailand is world-class, with private hospitals that rival those in the U.S. or Europe—often at about one-third of the price.

Where to live:

Chiang Mai for culture, mountains, and low living costs

Jomtien, Hua Hin, Rayong for relaxed coastal living

Phuket, Koh Samui for island life (with higher budgets)

Cost of living:

Comfortable lifestyle: $1,700–$2,000/month

Healthcare costs roughly one-third of U.S. prices

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4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali blends tropical beauty with modern conveniences, making it a favourite among digital nomads, retirees, and long-term expats alike. Many couples live comfortably on $1,400–$2,500 a month, depending on how social or minimalist their lifestyle is.

Private villas are common, domestic services are inexpensive, and getting around is easy with scooters and ride-hailing apps. Eating out is affordable across the spectrum—from $1.50 local meals to excellent international dining. Healthcare is accessible and reasonably priced, with many doctors trained abroad.

While prices rise during peak tourist seasons, inland regions and the west coast continue to offer excellent value year-round.

Where to live:

Seminyak, Canggu for social, beach-centric living

Ubud for wellness, yoga, and slower-paced life

Inland villages for the lowest rents and quiet surroundings

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5. Malaysia

Malaysia offers one of Southeast Asia’s most balanced lifestyles, combining modern cities, reliable infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and widespread English usage. The cost of living remains reasonable, especially if you embrace local habits and cuisine.

Penang is a standout, known for its food scene, beaches, and relaxed pace of life. Utilities are cheap, public transport is efficient, and rent remains affordable compared to other international hubs. Healthcare is high quality and widely used by expats.

Where to live:

Penang (George Town, Tanjong Bungah) for culture and coastal living

Kuala Lumpur for big-city amenities and connectivity

Cost of living:

Comfortable lifestyle: ~$2,500/month

Rent: $430–$870

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6. Ecuador

Ecuador’s Andean highlands offer a spring-like climate year-round, eliminating the need for heating or air-conditioning and keeping utility bills low. The pace of life is slower, community-focused, and refreshingly human-scaled.

Healthcare is affordable and accessible, public transportation is efficient, and local markets make groceries remarkably inexpensive. Ecuador’s compact geography allows easy access to beaches, mountains, and rainforest.

Where to live:

Cuenca, Cotacachi for established expat communities

Coastal and rainforest regions for lifestyle variety

Cost of living:

Single: $1,200–$1,450/month

Rent: $450–$750

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7. Colombia

Colombia has transformed into one of Latin America’s most appealing expat destinations. Modern cities, excellent private healthcare, and a warm, social culture define daily life.

Dining out, entertainment, and transportation are inexpensive, making it easy to enjoy a full social life without overspending. Colombia’s natural diversity—mountains, beaches, and rainforests—adds to its appeal.

Where to live:

Medellín for its mild climate and cultural scene

Bogotá for museums, universities, and big-city energy

Coastal towns for beach-focused living

Cost of living:

Single: $1,200–$1,450/month

Rent: $450–$800

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8. Greece

Away from headline tourist destinations, Greece offers remarkable value. Expect Mediterranean views, walkable towns, fresh food, and strong public healthcare—all at costs far lower than most of Western Europe.

Life here emphasizes community, outdoor living, and simple pleasures. Groceries, transport, and dining out remain affordable, especially in smaller towns and lesser-known islands.

Where to live:

Thessaloniki for relaxed urban living

Crete, Corfu, Rhodes for island lifestyles

Inland towns for the lowest costs

Cost of living:

Single: $1,600–$1,850/month

Rent: $700–$1,100

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9. Italy

Italy rewards those who look beyond postcard-famous cities. Central and southern regions offer breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and housing costs that surprise many first-time expats.

Daily life is built around food, community, and routine pleasures—from morning espresso to evening strolls. Healthcare is excellent, and fresh local food keeps grocery bills reasonable.

Where to live:

Umbria, Le Marche for Tuscany-like charm at lower prices

Calabria, Puglia, Sicily for coastal living and affordability

Cost of living:

Single: $1,800–$2,050/month

Rent: $800–$1,300

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10. Mexico

Mexico continues to attract expats with its proximity to the U.S., excellent healthcare, strong infrastructure, and wide range of lifestyle choices. It’s easy to settle in, thanks to established expat communities and modern amenities.

From beach towns to colonial cities, Mexico offers something for every pace of life. Dining out, transportation, and utilities are all significantly cheaper than in North America.

Where to live:

Coastal towns and islands

Colonial cities and highland regions

Major cities for top-tier healthcare

Cost of living:

Single: $1,500–$1,800/month

Rent: $600–$1,000

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11. Nicaragua

Nicaragua appeals to expats seeking a quieter, less commercialised lifestyle. With low everyday costs, friendly communities, and dramatic natural landscapes, life here feels refreshingly simple.

Infrastructure is improving steadily, and housing remains particularly affordable—especially outside prime beachfront locations. Many expats describe Nicaragua as feeling like Costa Rica decades ago.

Where to live:

San Juan del Sur for Pacific coast living

Inland colonial towns and lakeside regions

Cost of living:

Single: $1,300–$1,550/month

Rent: $400–$700

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Living abroad isn’t just about spending less—it’s about living better. These 11 countries prove that comfort, culture, healthcare, and community don’t have to come with a sky-high price tag. With the right destination, your money can stretch further than you ever thought possible—and retirement, or even semi-retirement, could arrive much sooner than planned.