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With the cost of living rising, the thought of traveling around the world becomes ever more enticing. If you’ve ever dreamt of living abroad or traveling to a destination for longer than a couple of weeks, now might be your best opportunity.
There are countless destinations around the globe offering affordable living where you’ll get more bang for your buck and be able to stretch your monthly budget further. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 beautiful places where you can live for less than $1,500 a month. These destinations were chosen for their breathtaking beauty, accommodation options, and, of course, value!
Bali, Indonesia
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Famed for its lush rice terraces, rugged mountain landscapes, golden sand beaches, and rich cultures, Bali, Indonesia, is a haven for travelers. Thanks to the low cost of living, this Southeast Asian island is also popular with ex-pats. According to William Russell, more than 100,000 already call Bali home.
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In Bali, you can rent everything from a simple room with a private bathroom in a homestay to a luxury villa with a private pool. Affordable homestays start at around $300, so you’ll spend much less than in the United States. Food, transportation, and utilities cost very little, too, so you’ll have plenty of money to explore the island. Popular places to live in Bali include Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud.
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Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal captivates locals and tourists alike with its stunning views, warm climate, and low cost of living. Thanks to the dense rainforest and pristine coastline, outdoor enthusiasts have endless hiking opportunities in Arenal. In the rainforest, there are over 200 species of monkeys, coatis, and birds to spot, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Property in Arenal can be rented for as little as $600 a month, including utilities and WiFi. Meanwhile, grocery stores sell food at affordable prices, and meals out can cost between $6 and $15. Thanks to the warm climate in Arenal, you’ll rarely have to have the heating on either, saving you money if you decide to purchase a property.
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Penang, Malaysia
The island of Penang offers affordable accommodation, low food and energy prices, and many things to do. When you’re not hiking in Penang National Park or swimming at Batu Ferringhi Beach, you’ll find yourself tucking into local food at a diner, exploring George Town’s street art, and admiring 19th-century colonial architecture.
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Beyond its historical and natural richness, Penang stands out for its cost-effective living. Numbeo says the island is almost 70% less expensive than New York. Without rent, a single person can easily survive off a budget of $500 a month. With private rooms costing as little as $400 a month, you could effortlessly stick to a budget of less than $1,000.
Read also:Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime
Maldives, South Asia
When people think of the Maldives, they instantly imagine picturesque white sand beaches lined with palm trees, turquoise waters, and expensive overwater villas. This isn’t surprising, considering the Maldives is one of the most luxurious vacation destinations in the world. However, what would you say if we told you it’s possible to enjoy the Maldives’ all-around sunshine and tropical beaches for $1,500 a month or less?
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The Maldives is ideal if you dream of a laid-back lifestyle, affordable living, and a good quality of life. According to Living Cost, a single person can live in the Maldives for as little as $1,263 a month, with rent costing approximately $817 a month.
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Granada, Spain
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Andalusia, Granada is a hidden gem offering classic Spanish charm, Moorish heritage, and affordable living. This beautiful city features cobblestone streets, a mesmerizing natural landscape, and a historic fort complex. The city appeals to anyone seeking a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by local tradition and Andalusian culture.
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In terms of prices, Granada’s cost of living falls below the national average. Including rent, residents can expect to spend approximately $1,174 a month. Housing options in the city include central apartments that cost as little as $600 a month, leaving you with a bigger budget to enjoy your time in the city.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai is an ancient city in Thailand’s mountainous northern region. The city boasts a rich culture, many attractions, scenic landscapes, and affordable accommodation. If you moved to Chiang Mai, you can expect your days to be filled with exploring ancient temples, hiking in the lush landscape, indulging in local street food, and getting lost in the Old City.
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According to Expatistan, the average cost of living in Chiang Mai for one person is just $922. This includes housing, groceries, utilities, and personal care. With the money you save, you can visit some of Chiang Mai’s best attractions, such as the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Read also:Incredible Hidden Gems Across the World
Armenia, Colombia
If you love Colombia, Armenia is one of the best places to live or travel for longer. Known for its stunning natural beauty and year-round warm weather, this is one of Colombia’s safest cities. Conveniently, it’s also one of the most affordable.
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A person living in Armenia can survive off a budget of less than $800, including rent. The most affordable accommodation in the city is priced at less than $300 a month, so that you could spend even less. Even one-bedroom apartments in the city cost around $400 to $500. Without rent, you’d be looking to pay approximately $300 a month on food and transport.
Read also:Incredible Natural Wonders Across the Globe
Cozumel, Mexico
Mexico offers a digital nomad visa to tourists, making it an excellent destination for digital nomads and remote workers who want to live away from the United States. One of the most beautiful places to live in Mexico is Cozumel, a small island in the Caribbean Sea.
This beautiful island is famous for its gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class scuba diving. A haven for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers, the island also offers plenty of amenities, including more than 350 restaurants and world-class healthcare services.
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A one-bedroom condo in Cozumel costs between $450 and $700 monthly. Additional costs for groceries and transportation can reach up to $530, so you can expect to spend up to $1,250 a month.
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Valencia, Spain
Valencia is the second Spanish city on our list. Arguably best known for its delicious oranges, it offers travelers a vibrant Mediterranean experience, a high standard of living, and many things to do at an affordable price. Home to approximately 800,000 people, the city has incredible traditional Spanish architecture, the City of Arts and Sciences Museum, and the iconic Turia Gardens.
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You’ll likely explore the city, eat paella, and immerse yourself in local history/culture. From a financial standpoint, you can find well-located apartments in Valencia for less than $800 a month. The average traveler spends roughly $600 a month on food and transport without rent. Therefore, the city’s average monthly cost of living is approximately $1,400 a month.
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Cusco, Peru
Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is an ancient city found in the Peruvian Andes. Famed for its impressive mountain landscape, beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, and unique archeological remains, you’ll never be short of things to do in the city. Popular attractions include Plaza de Armas, the baroque Santo Domingo Convent, and Saqsaywaman. Conveniently, Cusco is also the gateway city to Machu Picchu.
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When it comes to the cost of living, Cusco is very affordable. Nomad List reports that the average expat pays $703 monthly to live in Cusco. Breaking down the costs, apartments in the city can be found for almost $300. Expats can expect to spend roughly $350 to $400 a month without rent.
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Cape Town, South Africa
Travelers who enjoy the great outdoors, nature, and city life will find everything they want in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is a port city along South Africa’s southwest coast. Dominated by the monumental Table Mountain, the city is known for its epic views, scenic drives, stunning coastline, and breathtaking wildlife.
Just a short drive away from the city, tourists can enjoy big game safaris where there’s potential to spot rhinos, lions, giraffes, and zebras. Wildlife enthusiasts can even spot penguins at Boulders Beach. Other attractions in Cape Town include Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, V&A Waterfront, and Cape of Good Hope.
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Including rent, a single traveler can comfortably live in Cape Town with a budget of less than $900.
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Crete, Greece
The final affordable destination on our list is Crete, about 99 miles (160 kilometers) south of mainland Greece. Crete is a popular vacation destination most loved for its pristine beaches, craggy mountains, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Some of the most popular places to stay on the island include Old Town Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno.
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The average monthly cost to live in Crete is $1,144. Apartments on the island, including utilities, can be found for less than $450 a month. Additional costs for things like food, transport, and personal care usually cost around $700 a month. Aside from an affordable cost of living and relaxed lifestyle, Crete also offers excellent healthcare facilities and a wide range of amenities.
Read also:Stunning Beaches Across the Globe
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Georgia Konidari( Founder of World Wild Schooling )
Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
