Why Americans Are Moving Abroad
With the cost of living skyrocketing across the United States, an increasing number of Americans are looking beyond borders for a better quality of life. From soaring housing costs to expensive healthcare, staying stateside is becoming financially challenging for many.
By relocating to more affordable countries, retirees, remote workers, and expats are finding they can significantly upgrade their lifestyle while spending a fraction of what they did in the US.
Lower Rent
Pay $500/month for a modern apartment instead of $2,000+.
Affordable Healthcare
Access high-quality private healthcare without massive premiums.
Remote Work
Keep your US salary while living in a country with lower costs.
Better Work-Life Balance
Work less, stress less, and afford domestic help and eating out.
Cheapest Countries to Live in 2026
| Country | Average Monthly Cost | Best For | Visa Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1200–$1800 | Digital nomads, retirees | DTV, Retirement, Tourist |
| Vietnam | $900–$1500 | Budget travelers, expats | Tourist, e-Visa |
| Mexico | $1300–$2000 | US proximity, remote workers | Temporary Resident, Tourist |
| Colombia | $900–$1500 | Digital nomads, culture | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Philippines | $1000–$1600 | English speakers, retirees | Tourist extensions, SRRV |
| Portugal | $2000–$3000 | European lifestyle | D8 Nomad, D7 |
| Indonesia (Bali) | $1200–$2000 | Surfers, yogis, nomads | B211A, Remote Worker |
| Georgia | $1000–$1500 | Easy visas, mountains | 1-year visa-free |
Best Cheap Countries for Digital Nomads
Thailand 🇹🇭
Vietnam 🇻🇳
Colombia 🇨🇴
Mexico 🇲🇽
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Abroad?
"Cheap" is subjective. Your required budget depends entirely on your lifestyle choices, whether you rent a local studio or a luxury villa, and how often you eat western food.
Budget Lifestyle
- Local studio apartment
- Eating street food / cooking
- Public transportation
Comfortable
- Modern 1BR with gym/pool
- Mix of local & western food
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab/Uber)
Luxury
- Villa or luxury penthouse
- Frequent fine dining
- Private drivers & domestic help
Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad
- Visa Requirements: You cannot simply move to another country forever. Ensure there is a viable long-term visa (retirement, digital nomad, or student) that fits your profile.
- Healthcare Access: Research the quality of local private hospitals and secure international health insurance before arriving.
- Internet Reliability: If you work remotely, internet speed is non-negotiable. Check connection stability and frequent power outages in your target city.
- Safety: Cost shouldn't compromise safety. Research specific neighborhoods, not just entire countries, to find secure places to live.
- Taxes for Remote Workers: Depending on how long you stay, you may trigger tax residency in your new country while still owing taxes to the IRS.
Check Your Visa Requirements Instantly
Before packing your bags, make sure you legally qualify for entry and extended stays in your dream destination.