If you’re looking to become an expat and live a relaxed life, moving somewhere inexpensive is a necessity. I was able to quit my job and become an expat so that I can travel the world. I am living the life of my dreams, and I’m here to advise future expats on where to move in order to live a good life that’s also light on the wallet.
I have laid out a list of beautiful, interesting, welcoming and adventure-rich places that are single-friendly and really affordable. As you all know, I’m a living witness about how amazing and inexpensive it can be as a resident of #2 on the list.
1. Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal
- Beautiful views from the rocky coast
- Constant sunshine
- Perfect weather year round
- Great food and wine and lots of history
- Great place for single women to start a business and a life
Total monthly budget: $1,150 per person
Rent: $727
Transportation: $42
Gas: 0
Electricity: $100
Water: 0
Telephone/Internet/Cable TV: $78
Entertainment: $108
Groceries: $140
2. El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia
- Great exchange rate between USD and COP
- Great tourism and investment opportunities
- Well dress, well mannered and welcoming people
- Comfortable, tranquil and Idyllic way of life for a super affordable price
Total monthly budget: $1,650 per person
Rent: $993
Transportation: $50
Gas: $99
Electricity: 0
Water: 0
Telephone/Internet/Cable TV: $99
Entertainment: $136
Groceries: $199
3. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
- Established community of French expats
- Improving infrastructure
- Establishing residency is easy
- Cost of living is a huge bargain
- Very strong economy
- Crime is falling
Total monthly budget: $1,250 per person
Rent: $770
Transportation: $14.50
Gas: $7.40
Electricity: $58
Water: $4.85
Telephone/Internet/Cable TV: $47
Entertainment: $142
Groceries: $190
4. Santa Familia, Cayo, Belize
- Wide-open spaces
- Fresh air
- Warm weather
- Fertile land
- World’s best place to disconnect and unplug
- Small town atmosphere
Total monthly budget: $1,200 per person
Rent: $600
Transportation: $95
Gas: $12.50
Electricity: $88
Water: $6.25
Telephone: $50
Internet: $50
Cable TV: $23
Entertainment: $88
Groceries: $100
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Super low cost of living
- Great weather
- Rich history
- Distinct culture
- Mega-malls
- Huge multi-national grocery & departments stores
Total monthly budget: $1,000 per person
Rent: $736
Transportation: $12
Gas: $9
Electricity: $60
Water: $6
Telephone: $18
Internet: $30
Cable TV: $32
Entertainment: $38
Groceries: $133
6. Barcelona, Spain
- Vibrant, colorful, proud city
- Strong energy
- Very affordable to live
- Compact & well laid out
- Opportunities for diversion, entertainment and discovery
- City of galleries, museums, monuments, theaters, restaurants and shopping
Total monthly budget: $1,600 per person
Rent: $1,000
Transportation: $45
Gas: $90
Electricity: $67
Water: $23
Telephone: $50
Internet: 0
Cable TV: $23
Entertainment: $171
Groceries: $224
7. Granada, Nicaragua
- Cost of living and real estate is really cheap
- Busy and lively city
- Attracts record numbers of tourists and expats
- City is like a fairytale
Total monthly budget: $1,225 per person
Rent: $762
Transportation: $17
Gas: $10
Electricity: $118
Water: $9.50
Telephone: $5
Internet/Cable TV: $33
Entertainment: $82
Groceries: $163
8. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
- Laid-back & quiet
- Low cost of living
- High standard and low cost of health care
- Life revolves around water and outdoors
- Emerging expat community
- Mix of adventure and exotic
- Serene, close to nature lifestyle
- Global bargain
Total monthly budget: $850 per person
Rent: $583
Transportation: $23
Gas: $7
Electricity: $47
Water: $5
Telephone: $12
Internet: MYR60
Cable TV: $16
Entertainment: $59
Groceries: $128
