8 Amazing Inexpensive Countries to Live in For a Year (Guide)

Have you ever thought about chucking it all and moving to a place where the greenback goes farther? Though many of us do, the spots we used to consider cheap—the Bahamas in the 1970s, Paris in the ’60s—aren’t so inexpensive now. Don’t worry. There are still plenty of places where the slightly well-heeled can live comfortably without giving up an arm and a leg.

You have the world available to you, and there are plenty of options for international exploration.

If you have a skill that you can take with you overseas, like writing or design, or if you’re willing to teach English, work in a café, or become a tour guide, you’re in a good position to live in one of these inexpensive countries.

Thailand

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $300
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $70

Home to the Songkran festival and the world’s largest Buddha, there will always be amazing festivities to take part in.  If you choose to plant yourself in Thailand, you’ll probably run into a bunch of other expats, as it’s one of the top choices for those wishing to move.

Guatemala

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $320
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $120

The Mayans invented the chocolate bar and Guatemala is the birthplace of blue denim. Apart from these culturally significant facts, having the Mayan ruins closer to you isn’t a bad deal. Neither is a monthly transportation pass for less than $20.

Malaysia

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $223
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $50

With a less than $300 monthly price tag on a one bedroom apartment, you’ll be tempted to spend the excess cash in Malaysia’s modern cities but spend wisely so you can maximize your experience before returning home.

Panama

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $450
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $75

How would you like the see the sunrise in the Pacific and set in the Atlantic? If that sounds ideal, then put Panama on the top of your travel list.

Once you’re there and you notice the splendor of the tropical rainforest within city limits, calling Panama “home” will seem like a pretty wonderful idea. If perchance you get injured while swimming in either the Atlantic or Pacific oceans on any given day, seeing a doctor will only cost you around $35.00.

Nepal

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $90
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $30

Sandwiched between India and China, Nepal is a hub for cultural diversity and Eastern spirituality. If you’ve finished school and want to use your gap year to resolve your existentialist crisis and “find” yourself, Nepal may be the country you need to experience.

Vietnam

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $300
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $50

For those well-versed in the leisurely hobby of being a foodie, Vietnam is the country for you. With an abundance of locally grown food, getting a bite to eat will rarely cost you more than $5 and a beer won’t set you back more than $1. Also, you aren’t expected to tip at restaurants, so there’s another excuse to use your oven as storage and eat out.

Nicaragua

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $150
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $40

Because prices are so low in Central America’s largest country, you could easily upgrade your lifestyle by moving to Nicaragua. It will cost you less than $10 to get around on public transportation every month and a gym membership will only cost you $30 monthly.

India

Average Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom): $150
Average Monthly Utilities (Electric, Heating, Water, Garbage): $40

Home to one of the oldest civilizations, the invention of chess, and one of the seven wonders of the world, India makes an excellent home for anyone seeking to be emersed in the wonders of Eastern history and religion.

Not only can one live and eat for less than $400 a month, keeping yourself entertained by the sights and exploring the countless educational opportunities in India make it a valuable destination to live in. Stay away from the overpopulated cities, though— the congestion won’t be worth the extra funds in your bank account.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”– Marcel Proust, French novelist

Sources:karmajello, complex, businessweek