The cheapest places to live in the world. $500 a month

Guest Dec 12, 2010 1:03 AM

Detroit Michigan!

Jacob Dec 12, 2010 10:54 AM

?QUESTIONS ABOUT COSTA RICA:

My friend and I are moving to Costa Rica in January. A big part of it was seeing how cheap it was to live their according to this article and we already have plane tickets and everything bought. We both just finished our degrees 23 and 24 years old and are hoping we can just teach english down there and live off the money we make from that or work at a resort or something. We want to work and live in Heredia and have both saved up 1000 dollars for when we first get there to hold us over.

Any information would be great, thanks a lot.

-Jacob

Life is Good Dec 13, 2010 11:22 AM

First, I want to say thanks for the article. And thanks for the comments (took about 3 hours to read, but lots of good info/lots of BS too)

I like what one guy said...something about...Learn how to be nice to people and that will save you alot of money. Some of these posts sound like complete jackasses, no wonder you'll get ripped off, treated like sht, and leave a foreign country hating it.

I love seeing the idiotic "$500/month in (whatever country) is IMPOSSIBLE" Then the post right below will give a detailed outline of someone's finances who lives in that country currently and spends less than $500.
And yea, how about all the people who don't even make $500/month. They are still alive, lol.

One thing about our country is we have dumbasses making $100,000 USD/year with no savings. Then they borrow even more money with interest. All to buy a bunch of sht they don't need. Then lose their job, and are totally screwed. If one can be smart and financially responsible, you can live a good life with less than $30,000/year. Hell, even alot less if you are creative.

I lived in Los Angeles, CA recently on about $800/mo. Shared an apartment with some guys from college, had my car paid off, cooked most my meals ("family" BBQs), $30/mo gym membership, Runyon canyon free, Beach volleyball free, walked to Happy Hour at 10pm for $1.50 beers (now $3).

I think someone asked "Is costa rica safe?" LMAO!!!!! I love how people will compare one area to a whole country. You have to be smart. There are shootings in Compton and South Central. But that doesn't mean you are probably going to get shot in Beverly Hills or Westwood. Its all "Los Angeles" though....I don't hear it as much, but last year I loved the "OMG Mexico is soo dangerous!!" I went to Cabo San Lucas a few times and even DROVE to Puerto Penasco!!! "You are crazy! Mexico is dangerous! People are getting kidnapped! Police are corrupt! Drug dealers are shooting everyone!" BULLETS AREN'T FLYING ACROSS THE WHOLE COUNTRY!! My 3 weeks in Cabo and few days in Puerto were great. no troubles, fun times.

I backpacked Western Europe in 2006 (everything euros, could have been cheaper if I did a little research beforehand. My friend and I actually got off the plane in London and said "Hmm..now what?" 30 days, 14 cities, 6 countries. 5 flights. 10+trains. TOTAL= $2,000. $505 roundtrip LA-London Air New Zealand. Fly Ryanair the rest. Stayed in Youth Hostels and camped out a couple nights. Met people and hung out with some locals for advice really helped. I went Canyoning (cliff jumping, floating down the river, rappelling, rock climbing) in Interlaken, Switzerland for about $90. Beautiful place. "Extreme sports capital of the world" although I think other places say that too.

With all this talk, I might buy a plane ticket somewhere tonight haha.

Seriously though...to anyone reading this..travel the world...respectfully, with an open mind. You'll learn so much about other cultures and yourself. And you'll have an amazing time. And its NOT EXPENSIVE if you are flexible, friendly, and smart.

Guest Dec 13, 2010 10:03 PM

I have experienced many major United States cities. I agree it would be nice to find an inexpensive country to live in that is safe! The core of many americans cities have been rotting from the inside out now for many years. While reading the responses in this article I have realized people in the United States are figuring out that many countries governments and citizens are very aware of what people are looking for when relocating countries. This means they have manipulated the less expensive economies world wide and will continue to do so. I think the true victorious parties in all of this are the multinational corporations, and the governments they influence legislation in, and invested in. The internet fortunely has made it possible to at least receive a more "down to earth prospective" of life around the world through the eyes of a foriegner. Thank you all for contributing your input and at least trying to help prospective relocaters to see a more down to earth prospective.

I have paid and am currently paying the debt that i seem to have inhereted from the past generations that did wrong to different cultures. Although i would love to find a place where life is inexpensive, and people are color blind, I find this may be a very complicated task.
It may be time to start applying for residency at different indian reservations around america! .

joe Dec 16, 2010 4:43 AM

I live in Thailand and over the past few years it has gotten expensive.
I think to live kinda ok not to grate you need at least 2000$ a month. And if you live in Bangkok or bye the sea you need more.
It's not cheap here anymore.

WAYNE Dec 18, 2010 10:48 PM

What is with the beer ? You CAN actually live without beer you know!

Wayne Dec 18, 2010 11:07 PM

Some people speak absolute nonsense about prices. I bet they all buy bottled water, can't survive without email and internet access and use expensive sun-creams and cosmetics. I live in Prague. I have a luxury apartment. I eat out regularly. I don't drink beer nor bottled water. I earn 820 Euro a month. In the last month I've been to Vienna by train via Bratislava - and went to Dresden for the Christmas Markets. I recently ran a 3 lesson course for my high school students on how to travel cheaply and I was deeply shocked at how ignorant and naive they are about cheap travel. The best advice I can give anyone about travelling and LIVING cheaply overseas is this . . . BE NICE TO PEOPLE . . . . it comes back to you in bucket loads. And secondly - - - SAY YES more often than you say NO - - - if you get invitations, accept them (applying common sense of course) and don't be an arrogant westerner. A farmer in India works about 6 hours a day. His wife in the same village about 5 hours a day. Life is a struggle but they are not working the 70 - 90 hour weeks of a corporate lawyer in the west. They have never seen an iphone, could never comprehend the concept of bottled water, and would think what you call ''freedom and democracy'' is the biggest stupidity they've ever imagined. So never feel you are superior and they are just ''peasants''. My best friend from Moscow just wrote on her Skype profile - ''people who don't travel are like people who always read the same page of a book every day'' - - TRAVEL please everyone - and swear on your mother's life that you'll never arrive in a strange place and head for McDonalds!!!!!

Masum Zaman Dec 19, 2010 9:59 AM

I am a applicant of PRA in Philippines. I have to deposit USD 50k for lifetime resident visa.Is there any more country that i can deposit same amount or less and can get lifetime or long term resident visa? +639289957163

TravelNonu.com Dec 20, 2010 11:21 AM

I think, India has always been the most cheapest place to live. Cost of living here is far less than the most of the so called cheapest places of the world.

Your Name...dada Dec 20, 2010 9:09 PM

As a single woman over 60, likes outdoors, beaches, sunbathing, daily showers, AC, safe neighborhoods looking for a couple months away from New England Winters, have a partner but he still works, what country would be pleasant and doable around $600 a month?

Your Name...dada Dec 20, 2010 9:36 PM

As a single woman over 60, likes outdoors, beaches, sunbathing, daily showers, AC, safe neighborhoods looking for a couple months away from New England Winters, have a partner but he still works, what country would be pleasant and doable around $600 a month?

In bali Dec 22, 2010 9:06 AM

I dunno, I used to think of retiring in another country but your friends always up and leave when they run out of money and stuff. I think spending 6 months in a foreign country a year is a more realistic and easy way of doing it.

Screwing around with visas and doing visa runs as well as having to deal with all the crap that comes with being a foreigner.

And to those that say being nice will save you money I cant understand how it could possibly help to be nice in a country where every second person is trying to screw money out of you.

I've seen a lot of nice people hemmorage money when they get overseas whether it be through girlfriends or businesses or whatever.

The thing is what do you actually do with your time overseas if you are living this budget life, it's like you're just going through the motions.

You have to have some purpose for being there, language, fitness, martial arts, surfing or something otherwise you will end up just another booze hound expatriate in the dark corner of a bar wondering what happened to their life.

d Dec 24, 2010 7:44 AM

Costa Rica's cost of living is pratically at par if not more than the us. This writers ignorant with terrible reviews. Stop blogging, your maleducating people. His opinions are trivial.

dark low Dec 25, 2010 7:30 PM

I read many travel books so i now it. The cheapest place to live is africa ( particulary western sahara ). In burkina faso you can buy a dinner for 20c or a football for 1US$. The people are very friendly to ( despite the heat )

Guest Dec 26, 2010 6:57 PM

Laos in southeast asia is also a very cheap place to live. It is, however, a communist country and pretty cut off from the rest of the world.

Sasha Dec 26, 2010 11:06 PM

Wayne, you are talking utter rubbish. Internet access is not a luxury, most people need it to survive. How much does it cost for a huge bottle of water, $1-1.50?, peanuts!, and in a lot of countries much safer than tap water

So you are teaching kids to travel the world by relying on the generosity of others? shameful!. If someone when i'm travelling offers me a free meal I might take it, but I wouldn't rely on it.

It seems like you're quite a cheapskate. Whilst travelling around south-east asia I was appalled by the ultra low budget travellers who always had to stay in the cheapest accommodation, make their own food when it costs like $1 for a meal. They look starving and emaciated, but somehow they think they are better than the people who can afford to go to a bar for a beer, they think by travelling and being a cheapskate they are somehow having a more 'cultural experience'. And these people can't even afford to visit tourist attractions!, if you haven't got the money to travel don't go!,go home!.

I rarely think about how to save money, I more think of how to make it, even whilst travelling. I would like to teach your school kids how to make money whilst travelling, instead of scraping themselves around the world

John Conti Dec 28, 2010 2:52 PM

I have been in living in and out of Thailand for the last 26 years. I have seen prices rise but lets face it anyone who knows Thai knows Thai. I have bean hehe... Many many countries and you just can not beat hehe Thai!

If you nead hehe to save money then learn to move like a Thai if you want to live in luxury that is your choice. Thailand caters for everyone!

Enjoy your life... Money is not everything...

John Conti Dec 28, 2010 2:57 PM

"O" I forgot to mentiom hehe I am only 23 now!!! haha

Lá Dec 30, 2010 2:35 AM

I'm from Costa Rica and NO......!!!!!!! you can't live here with just $500 or $600 a month. Gosh.

cheche Dec 30, 2010 7:48 AM

$500 dollars a month in philippines is enough,unless you will stay in luxurious hotels,try Anawangin beach in Zambales,

Bella Jan 3, 2011 12:25 AM

Oh kids, I need not pay for cable with the fun of all your bickering. You are all right in your comments. Now thyself, is the principle behind all choices to be made. Make your wish list for life, prioritize, a little trial and error, trust your intuiton, and bring out that mustard seed called faith; others can't really decide for us, and... that's the fun part.

the unknown traveler Jan 3, 2011 6:31 PM

if you will discover Tagaytay, Philippines... live out in next suburb town for $300/month. being a member of freemasonry helps a lot, my journey resulted to big savings unlike before when i was not yet initiated. thanks pinoy brethren.

Kate Karver Jan 5, 2011 12:30 PM

It is certainly interesting for me to read this blog. Thank author for it. I like such themes and anything connected to them. I definitely want to read a bit more on this blog soon.

Kate Karver

JayJay Jan 6, 2011 2:47 AM

I love the Philippines, and I live there part of the year. I would have a hard time living there or $500 a month and I live in one of the lowest cost places in the archipeligo. English is spoken north to south, but not perfect English as some sites indicate. Food is cheap if you like rice, limited selections of vegetables and fruits and pork. Beef is expensive, fish is very cheap. Smokes are cheap and alochol is very cheap.
Clothing is a bit cheaper than most places and can be tailor made for almost any size. Housing is cheap but Americans can not own land...Filipinos can and do... as in Filipinas married to North Americanos.

Greek Dude Jan 6, 2011 3:14 AM

I am thinking of backpacking through Europe.
It seems much cheaper than going to Botsuana or Weirdistan.Airtickets are way too expensive to visit third world countries and safety is very important too.Europe is the shit overall,you know it.

guest Jan 7, 2011 2:06 AM

YOU IDIOTS ITS NOT ALL EXPENSES INCLUDED ITS JUST RENT FOR A ONE BEDROOM PLACE. ITS LIVING COSTS NOT TOURIST. LEARN HOW TO READ AND CLEARLY YOU HAVE NO TRAVELING EXPERIENCE CAUSE I LIVE IN PHILIPINES.

dhie12 Jan 7, 2011 8:58 AM

philippines is the cheapest! $100-$300!!

Julia Kuree Jan 7, 2011 11:22 PM

Impressive post. Will be back soon.

Julia Kuree

guest Jan 8, 2011 11:30 PM

To all of you who continuously state that Nicaragua, or Guatemala or any other country in Central America is better, cheaper and safer than Costa Rica you may think again. Panama is very safe but also very expensive when it comes to electricity and groceries. Costa Rica is beautiful, and people are very nice. All of the other countries in Central America have huge issues on safety. Guatemala is considered very dangerous and so is Nicaragua. They are both very pretty and very good options but if you wish to have a longer stay i would recommend Costa Rica, there is a reason its the happiest country in the world.

Hi Jan 10, 2011 3:21 PM

What about Yemen?

vimal Jan 10, 2011 9:57 PM

india is also better..Here is life not money
n others have money not life.

jane abuan Jan 12, 2011 12:22 PM

hi poe....,,,,ustah nah sainyo,,,

DG Jan 12, 2011 9:20 PM

OK, where is the best place to go with $2500 if you want to stay 2 months and have a great time eating tasty food, meeting women, doing new things and hobbies?

Anete Swenson Jan 13, 2011 2:27 AM

It is rather interesting for me to read that article. Thanks the author for it. I like such themes and everything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.

Anete Swenson

Tye Jan 13, 2011 2:22 PM

I am looking for a cheap place to live, anywhere. preffered light skinned country. I do not need luxeries of internet, cable etc. preffered warm climate vs. cold or somewhere inbetween. Some where safe to start a family. I like country life, quietness. A life of poverty with the touch of being healthy. Any ideas? I'm from USA

tye Jan 13, 2011 2:27 PM

bye the way hoping to maybe be semi-retired, sell my home here and have about $50,000 USD. maybe I'm dreaming, but my expectations are low.

Meep Zorp Jan 14, 2011 3:30 AM

I expect that the grass is never greener on the other side of the hill unless you have a lot of green at your disposal. I am using my personal flying saucer so I can go wherever I want whenever I want. It only houses a family of four so sorry, your not invited on my exploits. The downside is these countries keep shooting at me as well as pointig at me as I fly by. Very rude indeed.

I guess middle earth is still the cheapest and safest but after the Nazis came most upper earthers aren't welcome anymore. General Byrd pissed them off somehow as well before he limped back to port. Your best choice is in the Amazon but do your due diligence unless you can handle poison darts from the local tribes. My friends have a few bases there to get away from it all so please check before you move there and get vaporized. Taxes are non existent but the locals can be taxing if you know what I mean.

Seems nowhere is very good to settle down anymore. Mars is cheap and there are less people to deal with but repair parts for your ship are hard to get. Geez, what a conundrum.

If you are the self sufficient type then living on or under the ocean can be done. If you are equipped with the Hafnium Baride laser then Pirates are a thing of the past and will run as soon as they see the sunlight reflecting off the beryllium anode/cathode array arrangement of this device. Only had to use it once though. It tends to knock power out over a wide range so use with caution. Remember the New York blackout?

Anyway, this page hasn't helped me much but thought I would throw some other ideas your way. I have a taste for a tongue sandwich so thought I'd go mutilate some cows down Colorado way so gotta run.

Never give up, never surrender. Can't remember who said that. I will have to check the historical records although some call them on most planets "hysterical records" since no one seems to learn anything from them. Wonder if anything will ever change.

Peace out....Meep

mo Jan 15, 2011 11:47 PM

thanks alien really helped me decide to stay at home and make my own priceless paradise

Living in Peru Jan 18, 2011 1:04 AM

In Peru - Sacred Valley you can live for $500 USD like a Queen, most months its between 350 - 400

ron Jan 18, 2011 11:32 AM

These are just recommendations. I personally lived in manila for a year off an average of $450 a month. 450 a MONTH!!! It is quite easy to find a room for rent for 60-80 bucks or share a studio condo for less than 100 a month. If you know where to eat and drink you will have a great time. email me any questions at ronaldnicol@gmail.com

piddler Jan 19, 2011 4:24 AM

My husband and I have been to none of these countries and to hear what each of you are saying goes from one end of the spectrum to the other. It would be a good idea for us to do much more homework.

Robertrob Jan 19, 2011 8:50 AM

I'm Canadian and have lived in Asia for 33 years. I've lived in Phuket, ( 10 years ), Manila, Cebu, ( studied Aikido in Cebu in 1978 for 4 years ) Palawan, ( I now have an NGO working with kids in Palawan ), and Tokyo ( where I've spent most of the time ). ( Tokyo is great ). We all know its impossible to live in Japan for $500 a month but you surely can live in any place in SEA as long as you adjust accordingly. Philippines is my preferred place at the moment but the personal security issue wears me down. Chiang Mai is on top of my list to retire to in a few years. Best advice I can offer is to enjoy the ride wherever we choose while we have the health. Remember:
"It is a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best you very often get it." WSM. Best of luck to all for 2011.

Thakurdas Jan 19, 2011 6:20 PM

Some one asked about India . . i'm telling ... .
India is a costliest place to live. . . It s the land of beauty . . .

British guest Jan 21, 2011 3:08 PM

You have not mentioned health services in these countries and how much it costs as we all need good health anywhere in the world to be happy. As a British I am always scared of health care system in these countries.
Please supply and it will be useful especially elderly people like me!

sally Jan 21, 2011 8:29 PM

cool

Herman Jan 22, 2011 7:22 PM

I have realised that it is possible to live in South Africa for less than $500 a day. The only expensive thing is housing.

dandan Jan 23, 2011 4:11 AM

It has been noted by the wise ones in the thread, but comfort is totally subjective. Put it this way, I live at the mo in the UK, my rent is £450 pcm for a 1 bedroom flat, my council tax is another £80, my electricity meter chews through about £120 a month at this time of year. Thats not including net connection & phone and oh, that food stuff everyone raves about!
I dont drive a car, I work 37-40 hours a week and earn about £1200 take home every month.
I lived for six months in India, ate very well(local food and tourist resturants), drunk very well, and travelled a fair bit staying in hotel rooms that would have cost £600 per night here in the UK, and I spent about £1000 in six months.
My point......anywhere is cheap compared to the UK, and India is amazing and cheap. Forget the sad old git who said that if you eat out local in India url pay $25 for medical fees.....toughen up you whimp.
I've traveled to Thailand, Oz, Bali, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe & Nepal, and ofc India, and India wins hands down.

Tiny Elvis Jan 23, 2011 3:21 PM

Canada is the best place to live!!!
Great healthcare, abundant job opportunities, clean and safe cities. What more do you want?

guest Jan 23, 2011 11:41 PM

tailand is great, and girls r hot.No, india is dirty and smeilly

polpot Jan 24, 2011 3:20 AM

you can live more cheaply in your home country if you are willing to put up with roommates

use presentation and social engineering to redeem monies from those more fortunate -- stoke brokers, financiers and venture capitalists

Travels for a living Jan 25, 2011 4:18 AM

I have been told Uruguay is cheap as well.

I have been to Most of the Asian Countries Mentioned and almost EVERY COUNTRY in Europe. The UK, Switzerland and now Ireland are the most expensive in Europe, My Mother lives in Spain, (Costa del Sol) it is not difficult to find a 1 bedroom flat for $500usd/Mo...also Portugal, Is a possiblity.
I loved Bucharest but it just seems like all their is are cafe's and restaurants in Old Town,,,but it is cheap, as is Bulgaria, but theft is pretty Common. Also Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is cheap, but the governmental climate is VERY unpredictable, I have been ther for BOTH Gov't Overthrows in the last 5 yrs. Not a fun experience.

Lastly, to anyone adding here about tours and stuff, this is dedicated to LIVING THERE, not being on Holiday.

sophie Jan 27, 2011 11:50 AM

I'm living in Madagascar as an expat in nicer "western comfort" but will garantee anyone can live on $500/month here outside of the cities even on the beach. You just have to be willing to dismiss some luxuries and get back to very simple living. When we holiday here you may not have running water, a hospital near by or a proper kitchen. But you can live by the beach, buy local fresh organic produce, cook on a small stove, fish and live in a cute wee bungalow. It doesn't seem so bad when everyone else is doing it too and you've left your hectic life behind.

sophie Jan 27, 2011 12:06 PM

To the luxery traveller

ie. Sasha (above) sounds like someone who lives by money and doesn't realise the best things in life are free...here's a few thing for them to think about:

How did people possibly survive before the internet?
Have you ever tried to live with the locals instead of as a tourist?
Do you not think that a more cultural experience would be to get out of your comfort zone and learn a little about the place your visiting through experience rather than simply observing?
you then return home and naively believe you now truely know something about where you've visited, when you probably would have learnt more from a documentary than from your hotel room, the tourist bars and attractions.

I say good on the young travellers who get out there even if they don't have a great amount of money. Travel can be done on budgets and many are a richer experience because of it.

Stephen Jan 29, 2011 6:19 AM

Have lived in Thailand for 7 years now, also 1 year in Cambodia. Please do not take the prices mentioned by this author seriously. This article is a big disservice to anyone considering moving to or living in Thailand. If you are willing to live frugally in Thailand you can live on about $700 USD per month, excluding health insurance. Please either update this article or remove it from the internet, this article could cause serious problems for anyone moving to Thailand based on the living expenses stated in this article.

agnes Jan 30, 2011 12:51 PM

I agree with the person says you can not live with 500 a month in Thailand, I am in Chiang mai now, and I look around , it is much more then you amek it out to be.

guest Jan 30, 2011 1:33 PM

i live in chiang mai. i pay approximately $60 a month for my room it has tv, hot water, internet etc.
I spend approximately $100 on food each month. Although if im snacking needlessly i guess it would be more like $150.
Going out drinking is where my money goes. Last nights drinking session cost around $30. Although i was doing shots of sambuca. I ride a bicyle and boil tap water etc. Buying random bits and bobs, clothese will probably cost me around $60 a month. So to round it off i would say around $300 a month.

Carrie Jan 30, 2011 8:56 PM

what about the other things that need paying water, electric, gas if they have any. what do they cost or are they part of the rent?

Friendly Guy Jan 31, 2011 8:30 PM

My father is sitting in jail in Costa Rica, maybe when he'll get out, he will invite me to stay somewhere It would be nice I could sleap in the woods with anti-moskito spray or something.

MT Feb 1, 2011 6:03 PM

Among the serious correspondents in this lengthy thread, it's been suggested that one should examine one's real goal, lest one end up like Geoffrey Firman in Lowry's "Under the Volcano", drinking to death in alcoholic obscurity in fictional Quauhnahuac, Mexico or some other such hellhole. For myself, it would be redemption; I've shattered my life in my home country (USA), and I cling to a remnant of hope that another part of the world might find the remaining talents of an aging middle-aged Yale and Wharton Business School graduate to be of some use. My wife has a particular interest in Egypt, and there are some 85 million Egyptians who, despite the current troubles, might find some use for a native English speaker who can explain in the plainest native English possible the complexities of interest rate and currency swaps, callable notes, and fixed-rate and equity options.

Some of you talk of crime. There are vast sections of my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin into which I daren't walk as a white man.

There's no question that some of our American correspondents are correct that one can get by in many places in the U.S. on perhaps USD 500 or so per month. My wife and I currently get by on USD 835, with a supplement from US food stamps and Medicaid, and we live in a small but pleasantly modern one-bedroom apartment directly on Lake Michigan; lake breezes cool our summer evenings.

It's been noted frequently that something like half the world lives on less that $2 per day; I rather think they'd prefer not to. Does it logically follow that in the valley of the blind the one-eyed man is king? (Think about that last bit; may be too subtle for most our our esteemed correspondents.)

al sowins Feb 1, 2011 7:43 PM

Check cost of living numbers with the missionary of your church and get an accurate rundown.
There are lots of folks with their heads on sideways who may be sincere; and sincerely wrong; especially bozos who get drunk, sell dope and are promiscuous.

traveller Feb 4, 2011 4:52 AM

NICARAGUA AND GUATEMALA ALL THE WAY!

Simon Feb 4, 2011 3:39 PM

China will be the best place infact except for the housing right now.

real world Feb 5, 2011 3:14 PM

yet another so called "live for a dime in paradise myth" happy clappy bull, welcome to the cheap seats dreamers

taste and see Feb 14, 2011 7:56 AM

modest life can be cheap ^__________^

DaleCDA Feb 14, 2011 10:56 PM

I am currently searching the world for a place to live modestly and yet be comfortable and secure. At 50 years old I have just started to look into emmigration because I can not work anymore, nor afford to live in Canada, anywhere on an income of $900cdn a month. I have to have some sort of freedom here, and that is impossible after rent and utilities are paid. I smoke and drink and would like to continue to do so. I get cabin fever after just a few days stuck sitting around the apartment twittling my thumbs. I need to go out and mingle with whoever is out there. That costs money. So far it has cost me my life savings just to feel like a low income resident. Screw Canada and all countries that tax the hell out of you. Im moving soon to a better life where I can be a middle class human being once again.
I went to China, Mexico, and Belize. Poland is sweet, but I do not want to deal with cold winters anymore.
$500 a month to live ? No way. I think $1200 cdn or usd is a better example anywhere in the world. My $900 cdn would be pushing my lifestyle down a little. But, it is still better than living here with high insurance costs and fuel costs and taxes on top of taxes. (PST, GST, CARBON TAX, HST, ETC) No taxes in China on purchases. But, they have winters like us. Mexico seems easy enough to retire on my income. Others mentioned south american countries. I believe they are cheaper yet. I just fear living in any military controlled country. Then again, medical and dental are 90% cheaper then Canada or USA. Maybe I better goggle a few of the coastal countries on this subject.

Clint Feb 15, 2011 6:27 AM

When I stayed in Prague back in the 90's, it was awesome. I haven't been there in ages, but back then I was able to get a nice room to myself in a decent dormitory style hostel (super clean!) for $4 per night. A loaf of bread was about 60 cents and a good beer in the nicest bar was often less than $3. My friend and I had a full duck lunch with salad and a beverage for $6 total including gratuity! Ah those were the days. As I said, I have no clue what it's like now, but Prague is truly a treasure no matter what your budget is. It's the most beautiful city in Europe.

asianinvasion Feb 16, 2011 4:25 AM

you posters are wrong....I leved in Thailand for over a year on less than 500 cdn dollars per month...it takes work but it is very possible....water is 10 bht per bottle in most places...but if you buy warm water it's 2 bht....you can wash your own clothes in the sink and save 50 bht which can be used toward something else....sticky rice 3bht per pckg, small pork skewers 3bht....total 6 bht....12 bht if you want to maintain your weight...monthly rate for bungalow on kohphangan near had yai
150 cad.....YES IT IS POSSIBLE...slow boats, slow trains, slow buses.....take it slow, if you have time you can certainly survive in thailand on 500 usd per month

Alice Feb 16, 2011 3:30 PM

you are my first step in my first important decicion! thank you and never mind that someone writethat something not good heppened with some people there, everywhere there are bad people but not as much as in the big eauropean citys) RUUUUN!!!!

Jacqueline Boss Feb 18, 2011 3:25 AM

very nice. i'm looking into things like this as kind of a lifestyle project- cheap places to live, volunteer, etc. definitely want to spend some time in costa rica.

gust Feb 19, 2011 5:47 AM

well i recomand india its nice peaceful and safe country in whole of asia cheap as well with all fecilities wich we have in western lands. every 1 speak english here ppl are so friendly, i have been there cppls of time, and still want to go there for ever.

charlie1 Feb 19, 2011 6:49 PM

Howdy..All you Guys and Gals,
I've lived in many countries myself and I do like India. I lived in what was before called a 'Hill Station." One of the numerous British Army outposts during the "Victorian" era. Now called "Darjeeling." It was like going back to the 1930. It was a classic experience. The weather was wonderful. I might have settled down there....but alas...I couldn't find Miss Right. I moved down to Calcutta and got sick of the poverty...all the beggars....the poor folks...caste discrimination...so dis-heartening and despairing. I moved on to Bangkok, Thailand.....a different world altogether....clean, modern, almost no signs of poverty...did see a couple of street beggars..not like the 'hordes' in Calcutta...I gathered my senses and headed up to Chiangmai...No wait...I went to Pattaya first and got myself lxxd. The beach was OK a bit too commercial for my liking. I did step in some horse s--t. But I washed my foot, then feet off with seawater. I also fell in love with Singha...yes Singha beer. I stayed in Pattaya for almost two weeks. The last week making traveling plans then deciding to go to Chiangmai. Well I never regretted my decision to go north. I'm still here now. But I've moved to a smaller town just 100 kliks south of Chiangmai...which is Lampang..My Miss's hometown. I live in her house, but rent is cheap over here. If I had to pay rent..It wouldn't be more than 100 bucks a month, food..eat all we want..13 bucks a day. We budgeted at 13 buck but, she doesn't spend that much every day. Water, for bathing, washing and watering plants, cleaning etc. ...13 bucks a month. In summer, goes up to 15 bucks. Electricity..21 bucks a month. In summer, goes up to 66 bucks a month..We have an airconditioner in the bedroom. Of course there are more expenses but not so significant. Basically we're using 518 bucks a month and in summer it would go up to 577 bucks. Oh yeah, I'm paying installments for a second hand motorbike..23 bucks monthly..We also invest 90 bucks every month in this bank lottery savings, life insurance, accident coverage and gasoline for two motorbikes. Very rarely do I have to pay up to 1000 bucks a month. I'm happy where I am now. Hope this information can help some of you folks out. Contact me if you need additional info... Take it easy to you all..good luck...and happy travelling... Charlie1

ChimpGod Feb 19, 2011 8:28 PM

How is he not telling the truth? It's probably more expensive now, but a lot of natives live on less than $500 a month. I spent some time in Russia, and a lot of people only make $500 at a good job, or less. It's near impossible to live on that in the city, but people manage if you share a flat. Out in the country however, it's dirt cheap to live, and $500 is more than enough.

Mark Feb 20, 2011 3:21 AM

I agree that living in another country just as in the us,the better your standard of living the more it will cost.
I plan on traveling untell I get killed or find the place I'm happy and In regards to living,my plan is to paint in the us for 3-4 months the travel for the remainder of the year. which if history repeats it's self will give me approx 1 thousand a month to live on, I'll have to get lucky to live comfortable.
And since nobody can agree on anything,I will just get out there and take my chances.
PS. I'm going to start ordering the english speaking paper for the area for some real info.
Best of luck to all.

trunsexottdon Feb 20, 2011 10:49 PM

thanks for this nice post 111213

james Feb 21, 2011 1:04 PM

been to all these places. but their getting more pricey, inflation maybe?

bettingstrikeforce Feb 22, 2011 5:47 PM

This is what i'm looking for, awsome blog

Maria Feb 23, 2011 7:27 AM

The best place to live is in the countryside of Spain, in the north is better if you can learn the language and have good computer skills you can live there peacefully, you won't make tons of money but life is european standards wich means better than any 'third world country' you mention above, give a try you won't be sorry.

paula Feb 26, 2011 2:23 AM

this is an interesting site about costs of living around the world

Andy UK Feb 26, 2011 12:42 PM

I lived in Thailand for a year. Its true it is very cheap to live but only if you manage to avoid all the scammers, robbers, thieves, beggers, they start the moment you step foot in the country and it never stops. You may succeed if you find some remote place with no people around to rip you off but not in any tourist areas.

Simancas Feb 26, 2011 6:01 PM

I live in Spain, Madrid and can get by on 370 euros a month, out of which I pay 230 for accoommodation in a shared flat all inclusive. I buy rice, pasta and foods that I can turn into meals and I also buy cheap beer. Essentially, I buy cheap and so, I think that you most certainly can do this in another country like India, Phillipines with ease.

I too have been to and come from England where by you can live on the social wage and still survive.
I also have holidayed in Australia and America and know that most western countries are relative and europe inline with one another e.g France, Germany Spain.

The people I share with are Rumanian and say that whilst it is cheap to get accommodation in certain places like Rumania, Poland etc. Quite often it is buying things like food such as the likes of meats and going out and not so much what the places cost.
I have lived and talked with Russians, Ukrainians, Equadorians, Peruvians you name it. They all say the same thing that the pay is more in England and the Western countries and while their economy is cheap for certain things like rent etc. Certain things are the same like food and the wages are that much lower.

Hence, If I earn 500 pounds but my living expenses are still high, it does not matter if I make good money or not or whether I am in a cheaper country. This is why they move to Spain, England, Australian and the likes. To earn a higher pound in a foreign country and retire with it later.

It is one thing to work and spend in another country and another thing to travel there with the money that you earned from a better paid country.

Rudz Feb 28, 2011 12:47 PM

Cheers to MT, I'm a Marquette grad.
I lived in Lviv, Ukraine from 2008-2009, split a very nice, westernized luxury apartment just 5 minutes from the city center with my roommate for US $550/month including all utilities, internet. That's roughly $275/person, plus $50/month per person for food.
If you like beer, $40 will quickly make you an alcoholic for a month.
Public transport at $5-10/month within the city.
Cell phone should run about $10-20.

I made $700/month as a volunteer university instructor and reporter. At the end of my nine months, I had saved around $1500 after traveling throughout Europe(France, Ukraine, Poland, Sweden) using my university salary.
~$450/month to live in Ukraine

Currently traveling around the world, and as a journalist felt this article was very out of line. Soviet bloc countries are making a comeback, and are some of the cheapest places to live in the world, and also the least traveled.

lake Mar 3, 2011 8:05 AM

okay, a lot of you bungholes are forgetting the fact that this was written at least a couple of year ago, so it may not be the MOST updated info out there. But it's still helpful.

flanguage Mar 4, 2011 12:08 AM

Hello. And Bye.

Stephen Mar 4, 2011 10:44 AM

the cheap and expensive places all depend on your home currency value.... if u r coming from america or any other high currency value country then all places are cheap for you but if you are coming from shit places like India then all places are expensive for you..... It all depends........
thankz

vitor sequeira Mar 5, 2011 3:32 AM

Costa Rica it's the best place to live.
i am from Portugal and when i'll retire from work i will live there FOREVER!

Mandi Mar 5, 2011 11:08 PM

I Agree with Vitor Sequeira - Costa Rica it's a DREAM!

John R.B. Mar 6, 2011 1:55 AM

don't forget Bali...

joey Mar 6, 2011 10:07 PM

its funny to hear how people think its more expensive than the article states....and what I have to say is I have lived here as a foreigner for 8 years....have learned the language and met many friends and it simple to live on less than $500/month. You cant be a stupid tourist, spending your money unknowingly...develop some street smarts and you will se sometimes you(the tourist) may be paying 10X more than someone who just speaks the language or knows someone who is native who can negotiate a lease for you......live beyond the four walls outside of your cramped hostel or overpriced apartment and visit with natives....you will see the low prices are there.

leo Mar 6, 2011 10:19 PM

Charlie1......How do you stay in Thailand permanently like you have been doing? Whats the best way ?

husky. Mar 7, 2011 12:44 AM

Azerbaijan is a cheap country and living with 500 usd is really possible. i lived with 250 usd full utilized. but if you are looking for western standart 500 usd enough anyway. only house rent is expensive. you can rent with 150 only a bull-shit. other side 1 big glass beer incrediable cheap 0.2cent 1 pack cigarettes 1$ railway (metro) cheapest in the world. it is too low so maybe less than 1 cent. 5 qepik. 100 qepik= 1 Manat 1 manat = 1 euro ( 1 manat higher than usd!!!).. if you are share with a friend house rent, than life is easy. i hear that kazakisthan cheaper than.. they are modest people and love sex and drink ) %30 russian population

chillerdog Mar 8, 2011 12:33 PM

im all so looking to move to asia in next few years and will have a bout 1200.00 a month to live on was thinking vietnam but bit hard to get pads eny sugetions would like to here eny and all ty canada

Esther Adams Mar 8, 2011 10:06 PM

Vote for Costa Rica.

Brian Sims Mar 9, 2011 12:44 AM

Costa Rica, Guatemala or Nicaragua - choose a place in heaven...

JJL Mar 9, 2011 1:40 PM

Have you ever think about Bolivia and Paraguay?They are very nice and low cost countries.

Ritchie Jr. Mar 9, 2011 10:52 PM

Vote for Costa Rica, it's amazing.
Or Indonesia...

VacationGuru Mar 9, 2011 11:53 PM

I have searched during my vacation in Costa Rica for a vacation home and the prices aren't good enough to say it's cheap.
An average home in Costa Rica costs as much as my home in Canada, but of course the home in Costa Rica needed a lot of TLC.

From my experience Ecuador should definitely have been on this list because it has some of the best real estate prices in the world and it will start rising soon!

I looked at new penthouse in a gated community overlooking the beach and ocean in a great area that was only $137 Cdn! Everything was new, beautiful and perfect and living there is so affordable and a great investment.
Thought I'd stop and share my thoughts.
Goodluck!

LoveLoveToTravel Mar 9, 2011 11:56 PM

this is very true!!!!!!!!!!!!
ecuador is an AMAZING COUNTRY
the people are amazing, living is so cheap, listed as one of the best places to retire in the world!!!!!!!!
THEY ALSO USE THE US DOLLAR
but prices are so cheap and it is safe love love love it will b back again!!!!!!

lol Mar 9, 2011 11:59 PM

ya
ecuador shud b here
wonderful people
only some smart americans and canadians live here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HI Mar 10, 2011 12:00 AM

ecuadorians may not be able to afford the good life but foreigners can rack up the savings!!

Aaron Mar 10, 2011 12:02 AM

A small country like Ecuador should get more credit for it's hidden beauty.