7 Incredible Yet Inexpensive Countries To Live In For A Year

This article may contain affiliate links, learn more.

One thing I always encourage people to do is spend some time outside their native country. Not just to visit, but to live for a while. Places that used to be cheap, like Paris and the Bahamas, sure aren't anymore.

But there are still plenty of outstanding places to live comfortably for not much money. Here are 7 of our favorites.

1. Thailand.

An image from Thailand, showing beautiful flowers and architecture, as well as a bridege going over a serene river
Image Credit: Canva
Image Credit: Canva

Thailand is home to a rich culture and festivals like Songkran, the world's largest festival in honor of Buddha. If you choose to spend some time in Thailand, you'll run into a lot of people like you. It's a top choice for American expats.

Average monthly rent: $300.

Average monthly utilities: $70

Minimum wage: $1.22 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

2. Guatemala.

ADVERTISEMENT
An image from Guatemala, showing a vibrant and beautiful town with a mountain in the background
Image Credit: Canva
Image Credit: Canva
ADVERTISEMENT

The birthplace of the Mayan civilization, blue denim and chocolate, Guatemala is a great place to post up for a year. Explore the Mayan ruins and pick up a monthly transportation pass for less than $20. You won't regret it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Average monthly rent: $320.

Average utilities: $120

Minimum wage: $1.20 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

3. Malaysia.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A beautiful photo of a city from Malaysia, with vibrantly-hued skies behind a cityscape, highlighting some unique interconnected towers. At the bottom of the image is a green area, presumably a park, with elegant water features
Image Credit: Canva
Image Credit: Canva
ADVERTISEMENT

Your overall monthly stay in Malaysia comes in at less than $300, which makes it awfully tempting. Malaysia's modern cities and beautiful countryside are a site to see.

ADVERTISEMENT

Average monthly rent: $223.

Average monthly utilities: $50.

Minimum wage: $1.22 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

4. Panama.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A view of a shoreline in a city in Panama, with beautiful architecture and roads, and a great view of the water
Image credit: Canva
Image credit: Canva
ADVERTISEMENT

This is a country where you watch the sun rise in the Atlantic and set in the Pacific. Pretty cool, huh? This country has beautiful cities, beautiful beaches, and beautiful jungles to explore. Doctors are inexpensive there too. If you get sick, you can see a physician for about $35.

ADVERTISEMENT

Average monthly rent: $450.

Average monthly utilities: $75

Minimum wage: $1.22 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

5. Vietnam.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A view of a city in vietnam, with brightly coloured houses and historic buildings, as well as newer and taller skyscrapers.
Image credit: Canva
Image credit: Canva
ADVERTISEMENT

Vietnam is the perfect place for the relaxed foodie. Locally grown food is a big deal there and food is cheap. The average plate is less than $5 and a beer is about a dollar. You also aren't expected to tip.

ADVERTISEMENT

Average monthly rent: $300.

Average monthly utilities: $50.

Minimum wage: $.29 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

6. Nicaragua.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A shot of a shoreline in Nicaragua, showcasing elements of a charming city, natural beauty with some mountains, and a series of boats deeper in the water.
Image credit: Canva
Image credit: Canva
ADVERTISEMENT

Nicaragua is central America's largest country. You can easily upgrade your overall lifestyle by moving there. It costs less than $10 to get around on public transportation and most expenses are very low.

ADVERTISEMENT

Average monthly rent: $150.

Average monthly utilities: $40.

Minimum wage: $.53 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

7. India.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A picture of an elegantly-designed and colored balcony of a building in India, with vivid colors artistically applied
Image credit: Canva
Image credit: Canva
ADVERTISEMENT

India is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations. It's the birthplace of chess and 7 world wonders. You can live and eat there for less than $400 per month.

ADVERTISEMENT

Average monthly rent: $150.

Average monthly utilities: $40.

Minimum wage: Varies, but generally around $.84 per hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Word of Encouragement

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A picture of a tourist outside of the Colosseum in Rome
Image credit: canva
Image credit: canva
ADVERTISEMENT

One thing I always encourage people to do is spend some time outside their native country. Not just to visit, but to live for a while. Places that used to be cheap, like Paris and the Bahamas, sure aren't anymore.

ADVERTISEMENT

But there are still plenty of outstanding places to live comfortably for not much money. Here are 7 of our favorites.