Curiosity has long motivated people to visit far flung locales. While at one time living abroad was only possible for retirees with ample retirement income and students who applied for a semester abroad, that is no longer the case.
There are plenty of countries you can live in for under a thousand dollars a month. While staying in a major city like Paris, Tokyo or Mumbai would be fairly expensive, smaller cities are much more affordable. The following are 4 great places that are affordable and delight anyone’s curiosity for those who wish to live abroad.
- Hua Hin, Thailand
This is a great place to live and explore Southeast Asia at the same time. Located about two hours from Bangkok on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin has long been a popular destination for the Thai elite since as far back as the 1920’s.
Because the language barrier can be difficult to get around at first, contacting a Hua Hin property agent is a great place to start searching for accommodations. It is important to have a native speaker to help find accommodations as Hua Hin is considered the most “Thai” beach resort in the country. The benefit of this is that you would be living somewhere that is more authentic to the local, lived experience.
Property rentals aren’t exorbitant. In fact, they’re unbelievably low compared to living in most American beach communities. As a bonus, healthcare is affordable, and in some cases expatriate workers qualify for the national health care services by paying local taxes.
With a wealth of internet cafes, Hua Hin is considered one of the best places in the world for internet nomads. There are cultural festivals to enjoy year-round, several wildlife preserves in the region, and plenty of traditional beach parties for fun nights out.
- Prague, Czech Republic
This is one of the most beautiful cities with much of its original Gothic architecture still standing. Because they have their own currency, it is much more affordable than many places in Western Europe. Rentals can be found for as little as $300 a month for a studio or $1000 for a 2500 sf apartment in a historic building in the city. For a population of over a million people, there is ample public transportation, and trains can take you pretty much anywhere in Europe. Healthcare is affordable and easily accessible as well.
Prague is renowned as the location most frequently used in many American films set in Europe. It also is the fifth most visited city in Europe for people who speak English. The entire city center is a Unesco World Heritage site, and there is a tradition of musicians and philosophers living there, which has created a vibrant social scene. There are also numerous breweries throughout the country, making beer not only popular but also affordable for nights out.
- Goa, India
Outside of Mumbai, India is one of the least expensive places to live in the world. Goa is a former Portuguese colony that was a major trading post for the spice trade. Today, the remnants of that still exist in the plethora of street markets and spice plantations surrounding the city.
You can live very comfortably in Goa for under $800 a month. With this beach community being a mecca for travelers, there are many western comforts available. With Goa’s location on the Arabian Sea, the beach is a popular destination to relax after work. There are excellent medical facilities with plenty of doctors trained in the west. It also is among the most liberal places in India, so women are not ostracized for wearing western clothing. There is also a booming tech industry throughout India, so it is ideal for digital nomads wishing to live in a tropical setting.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina can be either very inexpensive or horribly inflated. However, when inflation isn’t an issue, Buenos Aires is an expat’s paradise.
Apartments can be found on the outskirts of the city for under $400 a month, and there is ample public transportation. With it being one of the largest cities in South America, there are numerous hospitals and health care options for people on a budget. Best of all, dining out is shockingly inexpensive with a steak dinner only costing about $5.
As a haven for expats since WWII, there are many European languages spoken here. There also are many museums and cultural activities throughout the city. For sports fans, some of the best football clubs outside Europe are based in Buenos Aires.
Living abroad for even a short time is a great way to enrich your life. With these affordable cities, it’s possible to fulfill your wanderlust and satisfy your curiosity while living comfortably.
Love traveling.
