Buckle up, because we’re about to uncover some budget-friendly gems that might just be your next home. From affordable rents to wallet-friendly dining and transportation, these cities are termed “best buys” by experienced people on the internet looking to cut costs. Time is money, so let’s get right into it, shall we?
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a budget-friendly city to live in. From street food feasts to cozy guesthouses, this Thai gem wraps you in affordability, but be sure you understand the burning season before you move there. A fellow traveler stated that he could rent a place in the heart of Chiang Mai for $250/month. The place was surrounded by amenities like restaurants and shopping. Is that about what you’re paying in the U.S.?
➤ Learn more about living in Thailand
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is significantly cheaper than most countries when it comes to renting places to live. A commenter emphasized that she ate the best steak of her life at least three times a week with local wine and lived in the best neighborhood for only $440/month. She was feeling blissful that she was able to save so much money. According to her, it’s the exact opposite in the U.S. That said, Argentina may switch soon to the U.S. dollar, so enjoy the bargains while you can.
➤ Learn more about living in Argentina
3. Qingdao, China
China, the most populated country in the world, comes with the most convenient solutions, too. As concluded by an expert voyager, most prominent cities in China are super cheap and very safe. He added that he used to pay $300/month for a big modern loft, and the food and groceries were more affordable. The only potential drawback there is the language barrier.
4. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is on the list of cheap cities to live and for obvious reasons. A traveler could stay in Da Nang for only $202/month, and that’s super affordable compared to the rental prices in other countries. Da Nang also offers gorgeous beaches and hot weather, so bring your sunscreen.
➤ Learn more about living in Vietnam
5. Taipei, Taiwan
Multiple contributors said they enjoyed their stay in Taipei and that it was well balanced in terms of cost of living, including rent, restaurants, shopping, and quality of life. Travelers can get an excellent place for themselves for $600-$900/month. Another plus point is that there are tons of things to do, the connectivity is amazing, and you can easily travel around the rest of the island without breaking your bank account.
➤ Learn more about living in Taiwan
6. Lviv, Ukraine
The city isn’t considered cheap by Ukrainian standards, but it was still half the price of the average city in the United States. The locals’ warm hospitality and Lviv’s rich history make every stroll through the town feel like a journey through time. A commenter said he rented a one-bedroom apartment for $411/month and paid just an addition $73/month for utilities. Pretty cheap, right? The city was hit by a Russian missile strike in July and August of 2023, but the town is near Poland and far from the war front.
7. Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore is significantly cheaper than even most of the other cities on this list. The open arms and the delightful smiles of Pakistanis add a cherry on top. Seasoned travelers emphasized that staying in Lahore is easy on the bank account because you can rent pretty lovely places for less than $150/month. Now, that’s a perfect blend of affordability and convenience.
8. Kumamoto, Japan
The city that offers a wallet-friendly journey into Japanese culture: Kumamoto, Japan. The delightful street food creates an ambiance that’s highly irresistible for tourists and residents alike. A user offered that the range of rents here is about $200-$700/month. He lived there for two-and-a-half years and can’t wait to go back.
➤ Learn more about living in Japan
9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
An explorer believes that the cheapest city he has lived in while traveling has to be Ho Chi Minh City (also called Saigon) in Vietnam. He stated that the quality of life there was definitely worth it, and he really enjoyed his time. The cost of living is low, and you can eat well for cheap. He paid $600/month for a modern, budget-friendly apartment, and he thought that despite being a big city, it had a friendly village vibe.
➤ Learn more about living in Vietnam
10. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Can you imagine living well on just $200/month without having to go back to the ’40s or ’50s? Well, one user had the opportunity to do just that in Bishkek. He said that no city can beat the charming Soviet vibe and incredible nature this city offers while costing next to nothing. He highly recommends trying it out!
Source: Reddit
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