Top 10+ most affordable countries to live in revealed

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

To create the list, expats were asked to rate three different factors on a scale of one (very bad) to seven (very good). These were cost of living, financial satisfaction and whether a disposable household income is enough to lead a comfortable life. Curious as to where you're most likely to get a bang for your buck? Here are the new 'cheapest countries' to live in in 2024… Bon voyage! (Picture: Getty Images)

10. China

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

China came in at number 10, thanks to its relatively inexpensive cost of living. According to the MSA Advisory, daily living expenses don't tend to be that much - however, costs vary from city to city. As you'd expect, major cities are more expensive, whereas quieter, suburban areas are cheaper. In terms of essentials like food and public transport, the study notes that street food and local markets present cheap options for residents, and that buses, subways and bikes are both widely available and affordable. The country also has free public healthcare. In addition to being affordable, China is also an incredibly unique destination. Not only is it home to one of the world's oldest civilisations, but it's amodern nation with the world's largest economy, too (Picture: Getty Images)

9. Brazil

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Expat insurance provider William Russell reports that the cost of living in Brazil is 40% lower than the UK, and that a single person's monthly costs equate to around 2,526 BRL (£392). To put things into perspective even more, Global Citizens Solutions compares the price of a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Brazil's most expensive city, São Paulo, with North America's most expensive city, New York City. While the former costs around $560 per month, the average rent for a similar apartment in the latter is about $4,110. It's not just the cost of living in Brazil that's appealing, either. From its climate stability (aka consistent hot weather), to its free public healthcare, there's also the diverse and breathtaking landscape to take into consideration (Picture: Getty Images)

8. Thailand

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Let's be honest - who wouldn't want to spend their days lounging on tropical beaches and dining al fresco on Thai green curries? Sounds like the dream, right? For many expats, it's their reality - and it could be yours too. William Russell also reported that, as of 2022, Thailand's cost of living is around 43.87% lower than in the US, and 34.2% lower than in the UK. These stats take rent, travel, food, and disposable income into consideration, therefore presenting expats with a lucrative lifestyle at a small cost (Picture: Getty Images)

7. Mexico

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Western Union, a global financial services site, reveals that Mexico is 39% cheaper to live in than the US as of 2024. So, for those who only live a stone's throw away in North America and don't want to move too far (but also want a cheaper existence), Mexico sounds like your best bet. While some kinds of healthcare are free in the country, if you do have to pay, you can expect it to be about 50% cheaper than in the US. Plus, the fact that Mexico is a melting pot of bustling city life, tropical beaches, and dense rainforests and jungles, it's the perfect backdrop to count your extra pennies in (Picture: Getty Images)

6. India

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

India is one of the most inexpensive countries in Asia, and according to Niyo Bank, it's 6.5 times cheaper than the UK. Additionally, educations.com reports that the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the capital, New Delhi, will cost you the equivalent of £189. For utilities, it's £54 per month, and a monthly public transport pass will set you back £13.50. As for eating out, it won't break the bank either. Rather, you'll likely be able to afford to eat out every night, as a meal at a standard, inexpensive restaurant will cost you around £3. And we all know that Indian cuisine is elite, and one of the tastiest on earth. The thought of dining out every night alone is surely enough to convince you to take the plunge, right? (Picture: Getty Images)

5. Philippines

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Tropical beaches, stunning islands, luscious greenery… What more could you want? Not only is the Philippines known for its stunning landscape, but the people are also some of the friendliest on the planet. Seriously, Forbes Magazine once ranked it as number 8 in its Top 15 Friendliest Countries list (and the first in Asia). With such a positive resume already, you'll also be pleased to know that the Philippines is an incredibly cheap place to live, too. International Living notes that you can live comfortably in the country on £600-900 per month, which covers all your necessities, including housing, utilities, healthcare, food and taxes (Picture: Getty Images)

4. Panama

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Over to central America now, and at number four is Panama. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Panama is 28.4% lower than in the United Kingdom on average. Rent is also around 35.1% lower than in the UK. Plus, the big bonus that people take advantage of in Panama is the fact that expats aren't required to pay taxes on their foreign-earned income. Taxes only need to be paid for Panama-earned income. As for what the country has to offer, expect palm tree-lined beaches, a bustling city feel, and a tropical climate combined (Picture: Getty Images)

3. Indonesia

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Into the top three, and Indonesia has claimed the third most affordable spot. William Russell writes that not only is Indonesia extremely cheap compared to Western countries, but also when compared with other parts of South East Asia. For example, the site says that as of 2024, the cost of living in Indonesia is 62% lower than in the United States, and 57% lower than in the UK. The Expat Insider survey also notes that nearly 72% of expats are happy with their financial situation in Indonesia. And why wouldn't they be? With cheaper outgoings, therefore more readily available disposable income, you're also living amongst natural beauty. Cue dense tropical forests, turquoise waters, crystal clear oceans and majestic volcanic mountains (Picture: Getty Images)

2. Colombia

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Colombia has been ranked as the second cheapest country to live in. Here's why: the Expat Insider report states that over 85% of respondents are incredibly happy with their affordable lifestyle. Additionally, 91% claim that their disposable income is more than enough to live on. So, what can you get for your money here? As per Remoti, a professional talent platform, you can live comfortably on just over £500 a month. Sounds dreamy, right? You'll also be exposed to a wonderful country and culture, stunning nature, vibrant cities, exciting nightlife and a growing community of digital nomads (Picture: Getty Images)

1. Vietnam

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

At number one is Vietnam, a beautiful country located in South East Asia. Expat Insider reveals that 86% of expats 'rate their cost of living favourably,' while 68% agree that their disposable income is more than enough to live a comfortable life. This is the fourth time Vietnam has topped this list for its affordability, with William Russell also pointing to a report that the cost of living in Vietnam is 63.5% lower than in the United States and 42.8% lower than in the United Kingdom. Plus, that the average expat salary is £55,000. You do the math! As for what you can get up to in your spare time in the country that is also informally dubbed as the adventure capital? Whether it's trekking, canyoning, white water rafting or even completing the infamous Hà Giang Loop, if you're more of a stationary kind of person, why not spend your time flitting between the countless beautiful beaches? Passports at the ready! (Picture: Getty Images)

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

Have you ever travelled to any of these countries?

10. China, 9. Brazil, 8. Thailand, 7. Mexico, 6. India, 5. Philippines, 4. Panama, 3. Indonesia, 2. Colombia, 1. Vietnam

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