Do you find yourself staring out your window on a daily basis, wondering of overseas travels and experiencing new countries? Escape from the 9-5 grind is a desire that many of us share, and an increasing number of people are making it a reality.
But the good news is, travel doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many affordable countries where you can live and work maybe even while traveling while getting much more bang for your buck.
In this article on EKO HOT BLOG, we would be looking at some of the cheapest countries in the world to live and work in.
1. Vietnam
For those wanting to live and work in an exotic place, but not pay a fortune, Vietnam is any budget traveller’s dream. It’s one of the best and cheapest countries to live in for ex-pats. Although Vietnam is still a bit of an insider tip when it comes to cheap countries in which to live and travel, there’s plenty to see and do. Vietnam has stunning landscapes to explore, delicious local cuisine for foodies and is also somewhat of an adventure travel destination.
The main cities are Ho Chi Minh city in the south, the capital Hanoi in the north, and Da Nang in the center of the country. Most jobs will be found in these cities.
The currency, the Vietnamese Dong, is currently worth around VND23,000 to $1 and is one of the few currencies that has weakened relative to the dollar in recent years.
Popular jobs here: The most popular job for foreigners in Vietnam is teaching English. There are many opportunities for English teachers, with average monthly salaries ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 USD, which is higher than in many neighboring countries.
Cost of living: As with most countries, the cost of living in Vietnam depends on the city or region you choose to spend time in. Cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are of course more expensive than rural locations, but the pay is also higher. A small apartment can be rented for around $250 a month while eating out costs are around $1–3 per meal if you stick to local restaurants or street food, and around $10 at Western-style restaurants. Transportation is very cheap, with local public transport starting at around $0.30 and taxis from just $0.50 per kilometer.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is probably the most popular country in Central America, and for a very good reason (not just because it’s one of the 10 cheapest countries to live in). Lush jungles, tropical beaches, and friendly locals will make you fall in love with this country and it’s ‘Pura Vida’ vibe immediately. And you don’t need to go broke while living and working there, because Costa Rica is one of the cheapest countries to live in for Americans. Bargain flights from the US can also be found easily, making a trip to Costa Rica even more attractive. Although Costa Rica is more expensive than other countries in the region, such as Guatemala or Nicaragua, salaries also tend to be higher, which makes up the difference.
Popular jobs here: Teaching English, Tourism, SCUBA Diving
Cost of living: A meal in a local restaurant will cost around $3-6, rent runs from $300-800 per month depending on the size of the apartment and location, and local transportation starts from $0.70 per trip.
3. Bulgaria
You might be surprised to find Bulgaria on our list of cheapest countries to live and work, but hear us out. If you’d love to work and live abroad in Europe but are put off by the high price tags of countries such as Italy and France, turn your gaze to Eastern Europe. Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live and has quickly become a favorite among travelers. A modest budget could allow you to live like a king in Bulgaria, and the country’s central location is perfect for exploring the region, with countries like Greece, Turkey, and Romania on your doorstep. Bulgaria has a rich and vibrant history dating back over 8,000 years ago, so there’s plenty to explore in your time off.
Popular jobs here: Teaching English, Tourism jobs
Cost of living: Rent a 1-bedroom apartment starts at $230 per month, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant will set you back around $5 and a trip on public transport can cost as little as $1.
4. Mexico
Viva Mexico! Why travel further than you need to, when Mexico is just a hop, skip, and a cheap flight away for most Americans and Canadians. Mexico has something to offer everyone. Think of Mayan ruins in the jungle, turquoise Caribbean waters, and laid-back beach towns on the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and have we mentioned the street food yet? From tacos to tamales, ceviche to aguas frescas, the food isn’t only drool-worthy, but also super cheap. If you avoid tourist traps like Cancun or Playa del Carmen and opt for more local destinations like Merida or Guanajuato, living costs can be a fraction of those in Western cities.
Popular jobs here: Tourism, Teaching English, Au Pair, and Sales positions are all available.
Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment costs $200-$500 per month, street food starts from $1 per meal, and a monthly pass for local transportation starts at $16.
5. South Africa
Do you really want to work and live abroad, but worry about getting lost in translation? Worry no more, as there are also some affordable countries where English is spoken, like South Africa—#5 on our list of the best and cheapest countries to live in. Possibly the cheapest English-speaking country to live in is South Africa. Not only can you get by without having to go to language school, but most South African cities also have a high standard of living, similar to Western cities, which will make the transition much easier. This makes it a strong contender as the cheapest English-speaking country to live in!
If that’s not enough, then Africa’s most southern country is also one of the most culturally and naturally diverse on the planet. From safaris to whale watching, river rafting to zip lining, you definitely won’t get bored in South Africa.
Popular jobs here: Despite being an English-speaking country, South Africa has 10 other official languages, so teaching English is still a popular option. You can also find a whole range of jobs in Tourism or with international companies.
Cost of living: Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $350-500 per month, domestic beer is around $1.70 and a meal at a local restaurant starts from $8.
6. China
It might not be your typical work abroad destination but working in China can be both very affordable and very lucrative at the same time. Salaries here are higher than in many other Asian countries and the economy is booming, which means that there are plenty of jobs to choose from. Of course, big cities like Shanghai and Beijing will come with a higher price tag, but salaries will also be significantly higher. China is an incredible country to explore and many work abroad programs will host events and even throw in free Mandarin classes, so you might even end up learning a whole new language while there.
Popular jobs here: Teaching English is the most popular job for ex-pats in China, but Au Pair jobs can also be found easily.
Cost of living: The cost of living in China can be surprisingly low if you avoid the biggest cities. Rent for a 1-bed apartment starts at $300, a meal in a local restaurant costs around $3.
7. South Korea
South Korea isn’t the cheapest country in which to work and live, but it’s made this list because salaries are very competitive, and programs often include free accommodation, which reduces the cost of living significantly. Teaching English is the obvious work choice, as South Korea has made a name for itself as one of the best destinations in the world for teaching English as a foreign language. Korea’s modern cities rival those in the US and Europe, the countryside is stunning and diverse, the food is incredible, and the people are friendly, making it a great destination to work, save money, and travel.
Cost of living: While higher than in Southeast Asian countries, Korea is still very affordable, with rents for 1-bed apartments starting at around $375 and restaurant meals starting from $6.
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