15 surprisingly cheap cities where locals actually love living in 2025!

Living in a city can often feel like a balancing act between enjoying its culture, nightlife, and dining options while keeping your wallet intact. While big cities are usually synonymous with high living costs—especially rent and dining—some urban destinations around the globe offer surprisingly affordable lifestyles without compromising on experiences. Time Out’s annual survey asked thousands of city-dwellers across more than 100 cities to rate the affordability of everyday activities—from dining out and grabbing a coffee to attending live music, theater, or comedy shows. Based on the responses, the survey highlights which cities are cheapest according to the people who know them best—the locals themselves. Discover the 15 most affordable cities to live in 2025, according to locals, along with estimated monthly living costs for a single person (excluding rent) as per Numbeo.

1. Medellin, Colombia
Estimated monthly cost: 2,271,192.6Col$ (Rs 54,057.3), excluding rent
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellin offers year-round pleasant weather, colorful street art, bustling markets, and vibrant culture. Affordable cafés, nightlife, and local experiences make it perfect for expats and travelers.

2. Bogotá, Colombia
Estimated monthly cost: 2,127,870.3Col$ (Rs 50,646.0), excluding rent
Colombia’s high-altitude capital combines rich history, street art, and buzzing nightlife. Affordable food, reliable public transport, and lively cultural events make Bogotá a favorite for budget-conscious digital nomads.

3. Beijing, China
Estimated monthly cost: 4,098.5¥ (Rs 52,627.3), excluding rent
China’s capital blends centuries-old architecture with modern skyscrapers. Affordable street food, local markets, and efficient public transport make Beijing an appealing choice for expats and students looking for a cost-effective lifestyle.

4. New Orleans, USA
Estimated monthly cost: 1,362.5$ (Rs 123,424.5), excluding rent
Famous for jazz, Creole cuisine, and lively festivals, New Orleans offers culture on a budget. Affordable local eateries, live music venues, and historical districts let visitors enjoy the city without overspending.

5. Naples, Italy
Estimated monthly cost: 840.0€ (Rs 89,315.7), excluding rent
Italy’s southern gem is known for pizza, historic landmarks, and Mediterranean charm. Naples is cheaper than Rome or Milan, with affordable markets, cafes, and daily life making it a great destination for expats.

6. Hanoi, Vietnam
Estimated monthly cost: 11,976,230.7₫ (Rs 41,241.0), excluding rent
Hanoi impresses with French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and buzzing street markets. Affordable local cuisine, transport, and cultural experiences attract both travelers and long-term residents seeking value for money.

7. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Estimated monthly cost: 18,189.4฿ (Rs 52,303.7), excluding rent
Known for temples, scenic mountains, and digital nomad communities, Chiang Mai offers a relaxed lifestyle. Street food, massages, and affordable activities make it ideal for budget-conscious travelers and expats.

8. Shanghai, China
Estimated monthly cost: 4,103.4¥ (Rs 52,690.1), excluding rent
Shanghai combines futuristic skyscrapers, art districts, and bustling shopping streets. Despite its global city reputation, daily expenses like transport, local food, and entertainment remain affordable for long-term residents.

9. Lima, Peru
Estimated monthly cost: 1,929.1S/. (Rs 51,257.2), excluding rent
Lima blends Pacific coastline with rich colonial history and vibrant markets. Affordable street food, public transport, and lively neighborhoods make it an attractive destination for expats and travelers alike.

10. Jakarta, Indonesia
Estimated monthly cost: 8,202,324.5Rp (Rs 44,645.9), excluding rent
Indonesia’s sprawling capital offers a mix of culture, commerce, and nightlife. Low-cost transportation, local markets, and budget-friendly restaurants make Jakarta ideal for cost-conscious urban living.

11. Johannesburg, South Africa
Estimated monthly cost: 12,234.7R (Rs 65,685.3), excluding rent
Known as the city of gold, Johannesburg features art, culture, and history on a budget. Affordable markets, eateries, and reliable transport attract both locals and expats seeking urban adventure.

12. Bangkok, Thailand
Estimated monthly cost: 20,792.0฿ (Rs 59,787.5), excluding rent
Thailand’s energetic capital blends bustling street markets, grand temples, and nightlife. Budget-friendly dining, affordable transport, and cultural experiences make Bangkok a hotspot for travelers and expats alike.

13. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Estimated monthly cost: 3,442.2AED (Rs 84,902.4), excluding rent
The UAE’s capital balances luxury and affordability. Iconic landmarks, diverse dining, and efficient transport are accessible to residents seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle without overspending.

14. Santiago, Chile
Estimated monthly cost: 645,139.0CL$ (Rs 64,003.6), excluding rent
Chile’s capital combines mountains, vineyards, and cosmopolitan living. Affordable cafes, local markets, and accessible public transport make Santiago a great option for budget-conscious travelers and expats.

15. Cape Town, South Africa
Estimated monthly cost: 11,810.1R (Rs 63,405.9), excluding rent
Set against Table Mountain, Cape Town offers beaches, vineyards, and lively local markets. Affordable food, transport, and leisure options make it a favorite for expats and travelers seeking scenic urban living.