Top 10 Countries Where Living Abroad Isn’t Just Cheap—It’s Joyful

Portugal: Europe’s Affordable Gem

Portugal has become a magnet for expats who crave sunshine and culture without breaking the bank. As of 2024, the cost of living in Lisbon is about 40% lower than in London or Paris, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging €1,180 per month.

Healthcare is ranked among the best in Europe, and residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year. Recent data from Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics show more than 800,000 foreign residents now call Portugal home, citing its safety and friendly locals as major draws.

The country’s Digital Nomad Visa, updated in late 2023, has made it even easier for remote workers to settle in. Portuguese cuisine, from fresh seafood to famous pastries, adds extra flavor to daily life.

Mexico: Vibrant Culture on a Budget

Mexico’s mix of affordable living, colorful traditions, and warm weather draws expats from around the globe. According to Numbeo’s 2024 cost of living index, living in Mexico City is 60% cheaper than in New York City.

Popular hubs like Mérida and Oaxaca offer rents under $500 per month for spacious apartments. Healthcare is high-quality and inexpensive, with private health insurance plans averaging $1,200 per year.

INEGI, Mexico’s government statistics agency, reported a record 1.6 million foreign residents in 2024, up 15% from 2023. Social life is lively, with street festivals, music, and friendly neighbors making it easy to feel at home.

Vietnam: Southeast Asia’s Rising Star

Vietnam is famous for its street food, stunning landscapes, and extremely low costs. In 2024, expats in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi can comfortably live on $1,000 a month, including rent and daily expenses.

The Vietnamese government’s relaxed visa rules, updated in 2023, now allow foreign workers and retirees to stay longer than ever. According to the World Bank, Vietnam’s economy grew by 5.7% in 2024, offering opportunities for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

The country’s public transport is cheap and efficient, and locals are known for their welcoming attitude toward foreigners. The vibrant café culture and outdoor markets add to the joy of daily life.

Spain: Sunny Days and Social Life

Spain attracts expats with its Mediterranean lifestyle, affordable living, and world-famous cuisine. In 2024, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Valencia is just €900 per month, while groceries and utilities remain below European averages.

Spain’s public healthcare system ranks among the top ten globally, according to the 2024 Euro Health Consumer Index. The country’s Golden Visa program, streamlined in 2024, makes it easier for non-EU residents to relocate.

Spain’s lively plazas, art scenes, and endless fiestas ensure that boredom is never an option. The balance of work and leisure is deeply valued, making for a joyful day-to-day routine.

Thailand: Tropical Living, Friendly Faces

Thailand remains a top pick for expats seeking adventure and affordability. In 2024, Chiang Mai’s cost of living is less than $900 per month, including rent, food, and entertainment, according to Expatistan.

The new Long-Term Resident Visa, launched in 2023, has attracted over 50,000 foreign applicants as of early 2025. Thailand’s healthcare system is modern and affordable, with private hospitals ranked among Asia’s best.

The country’s rich culture, from Buddhist temples to lively street markets, provides endless exploration. Friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and a supportive expat community contribute to a joyful lifestyle.

Georgia: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus, has quietly become a favorite for remote workers and retirees. The capital, Tbilisi, offers rents below $400 per month for central apartments, and daily expenses rarely exceed $800.

The government’s Remotely from Georgia program, launched in 2023, allows foreigners to live and work for up to a year with minimal bureaucracy. Georgia’s cuisine, wine culture, and dramatic landscapes add to the country’s charm.

Recent statistics from Geostat show a 22% rise in foreign residents since 2023. The warm hospitality of the Georgian people is legendary, making newcomers feel like family.

Colombia: Colorful Cities, Low Costs

Colombia has shaken off its old reputation and now ranks among the most joyful and affordable places to live in Latin America. Medellín, with its eternal spring climate, has rents averaging under $600 a month in 2024.

Colombia’s digital nomad visa, launched in 2023, allows foreigners to stay up to two years with minimal paperwork. The World Happiness Report 2024 lists Colombia among the happiest countries in the region, thanks to its upbeat culture and strong sense of community.

Fresh fruit, salsa music, and friendly neighbors make every day feel like a celebration.

Greece: History, Islands, and Hospitality

Greece offers a unique blend of ancient history, island living, and welcoming locals. The cost of living in Athens is about 35% lower than in Berlin in 2025, with rent for a city-center apartment averaging €850 per month.

The Greek government’s digital nomad visa, expanded in early 2024, has attracted thousands of new residents. Local food is fresh and affordable, and the Mediterranean climate ensures sunny days most of the year.

According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, foreign residents in Greece rose by 12% in 2024. The Greek tradition of "philoxenia," or love for strangers, makes expats feel right at home.

Malaysia: Modern Comforts, Multicultural Spirit

Malaysia combines modern infrastructure with a multicultural atmosphere and low costs. In Kuala Lumpur, expats can rent a modern apartment for under $700 a month, and monthly expenses are rarely above $1,200.

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, relaunched in 2024 with easier requirements, has brought in a record number of foreign applicants. The country’s healthcare system is among the best in Southeast Asia, with private hospitals catering to international standards.

Malaysia’s diverse food scene and English-speaking population make integration easy. Vibrant festivals and friendly communities ensure life is anything but dull.

Costa Rica: Pura Vida on a Budget

Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life that attracts expats from around the world. In 2024, the cost of living in popular cities like San José is about 50% lower than in Miami, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment around $650 per month.

The country’s new Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023, allows foreigners to stay for up to two years. Costa Rica is ranked as the happiest country in Central America by the 2024 World Happiness Report, thanks to its safe cities, eco-friendly culture, and welcoming locals.

Access to nature, from beaches to rainforests, is never more than a short drive away.

Get more from Travelbucketlist!

What do you think about this topic? Share your thoughts in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Want more stories like this? Follow us and never miss out!