Looking to stretch your budget further abroad? We ranked all 122 countries in our database by monthly cost of living for a single expat. From Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe and Latin America, these are the most affordable places to live as an expat in 2026.

Countries

PKR 18.77 trillion

Cheapest

from DKK 22,000

Most expensive

200

Total cities

🇵🇰

Pakistan

South Asia's most affordable frontier — rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and a growing expat scene

PKR 18.77 trillion 28 Mbps Widely spoken in business & educated circles 2 cities

🇲🇻

Maldives

Tropical island paradise with turquoise lagoons, world-class diving, and a growing expat community

MVR 22-25K (single Malé) 40 Mbps Widely spoken in Malé & resorts 2 cities

🇮🇹

Italy

Stunning beauty, world-class food, rich history, and a growing digital nomad scene with the Flat Tax regime

23 Dec 2025 200 Mbps Moderate in cities, low outside urban areas 7 cities

🇹🇯

Tajikistan

Central Asia's hidden gem — jaw-dropping Pamir mountains, rock-bottom living costs, and an ancient Silk Road culture waiting to be discovered

$50–$52 30 Mbps Limited — Russian is the main second language 2 cities

🇳🇱

Netherlands

Europe's most international nation — exceptional English, world-class cycling infrastructure, 30% tax ruling for skilled expats, and a gateway to the continent

~€148–165/mo 202 Mbps Excellent — ranked #1 globally, spoken by 93%+ 4 cities

🇱🇦

Laos

Southeast Asia's hidden gem — ultra-low costs, slow living, and the warmth of the Mekong

from $600 40 Mbps Limited — basic in tourist areas and expat venues 2 cities

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Bangladesh

South Asia's hidden gem — ultra-affordable living, vibrant culture, and a rapidly growing economy

from $600 60 Mbps Widely spoken in business & expat areas 2 cities

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Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia's hidden gem — jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, ultra-low living costs, and a brand-new digital nomad visa drawing remote workers to the Silk Road

from $600 30 Mbps Limited — Russian essential for daily life 2 cities

🇧🇬

Bulgaria

The EU's lowest taxes — 10% flat income and corporate tax, euro adopted in 2026, Schengen member, and home to Europe's cheapest digital nomad hub in Bansko

from €600 300 Mbps Very good among under-40s in Sofia; good in tourist areas and tech sector 3 cities

🇪🇬

Egypt

Ancient wonders, Red Sea paradise, and an ultra-affordable expat life — from $700/month in Cairo, even less in Hurghada

from $700 50 Mbps Good in expat areas, tourist zones, international schools & hospitals 3 cities

🇺🇬

Uganda

The Pearl of Africa — adventure, affordability, and a thriving expat community in East Africa

from $700 30 Mbps Widely spoken (official language) 2 cities

🇹🇭

Thailand

Southeast Asia's most beloved expat destination — tropical paradise, ultra-low costs, incredible food, and a 10-million-strong expat community

from $800/mo 248 Mbps Moderate in cities; limited outside tourist areas 5 cities

🇻🇳

Vietnam

Southeast Asia's rising star — incredibly affordable, vibrant street food culture, fast-growing expat scene, and a 90-day e-visa that renews with ease

from $800/mo 285 Mbps Good in expat areas and tourist hubs; limited elsewhere 5 cities

🇮🇳

India

The world's most affordable expat destination — ancient culture, booming tech scene, incredible food, and a cost of living that stretches every dollar

from $800/mo 90 Mbps Widely spoken in cities, business, and tech 8 cities

🇰🇭

Cambodia

Southeast Asia's most laid-back expat haven — dollar-based economy, ultra-low cost of living, easy long-term visas, and a welcoming culture that makes settling in effortless

from $800/mo 35 Mbps Widely spoken in expat areas and tourist hubs 3 cities

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