13 Places Where You Can Live on as Little as $1,500 a Month
©iStock/Julia Lavrinenko
While the costs of everyday life may be rising back home, there are places overseas where $1,500 a month covers you for housing, healthcare, food, fun…the whole nine yards. And that’s for a couple. If you’re flying solo, you can call these places home for even less.

Thousands of folks have already discovered this and are taking advantage of it. So why not join them and start exploring your options today?

There are many good-value locales around the globe, but some truly stand out for their value. Here are 13 retirement spots on our radar where you can live on as little as $1,500 a month.
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Penang, Malaysia


View of Georgetown, Penang. |©iStock/bloodua
The island of Penang unfolds as an enticing canvas, blending history, golden beaches, and a cultural mosaic that positions the island as a top-tier destination. George Town, the charismatic capital of Penang, where meticulously preserved early 19th-century structures infuse the lively streets with a sense of nostalgia, creating a charming colonial backdrop.

A vibrant population of 1.6 million residents converges to shape a dynamic and diverse atmosphere. Malays, Chinese, Indians, and expats coexist seamlessly, crafting a cultural synergy that defines daily life on the island. Penang is not merely an island residence; it embodies an immersive experience, a daily celebration of cultural exchange and harmonious coexistence.

Beyond its cultural richness, Penang stands out for its cost-effective living and first-rate healthcare. Picture securing a three-bedroom condominium with sweeping sea and hill views within a five-mile radius of the city center, all for an affordable $380 a month. Monthly living costs, excluding housing, are remarkably budget-friendly—a mere $500 for a single person and $1,000 for a family of two. This financial accessibility adds an extra layer of allure to Penang, rendering it a compelling destination for those seeking a comfortable and economical lifestyle.

Indulge in the local scene by savoring a $3 cappuccino, or opt for the authentic experience with a $1 cup of local coffee. Dining out is a pleasure, too, with a three-course meal for two costing around $15, offering residents ample opportunities to explore the vibrant food scene without breaking the bank.

Click here to discover How to Move Out of the US (and Where to Escape to).

Chiang Mai, Thailand


©iStock/stockinasia
Chiang Mai in Thailand is where the allure of an ancient city nestled in the northern Thai mountains beckons. Since its founding in 1296, Chiang Mai served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Today, its Old City, surrounded by walls and a moat, hosts hundreds of mesmerizing Buddhist temples, showcasing the city's cultural and religious significance.

Inhabited by 127,000 residents, Chiang Mai radiates with a lively and diverse atmosphere, where Thai, Chinese, Indians, and expats coexist seamlessly. More than just a place to live, Chiang Mai offers an immersive journey through different cultural eras, with echoes of its past resonating at every step.

Chiang Mai's appeal extends beyond its historical and cultural richness to an affordable lifestyle, complemented by a temperate mountain climate. Imagine securing a three-bedroom condominium with panoramic hill views within walking distance or nestled within the Old City center for a very reasonable $300 a month. Monthly living costs, excluding housing, are remarkably expat-friendly— $300 for a solo explorer and $1,000 for a family of two. This financial feasibility enhances the city's charm, beckoning those searching for a comfortable and cost-effective lifestyle amidst ancient cultural splendor.

Immerse yourself in the local scene with a $2 Americano, or opt for an authentic experience with an 80-cent cup of local coffee. Dining out becomes a delightful adventure, with a three-course meal for two costing around $10, allowing you to savor the vibrant food scene without straining your budget.

Chiang Mai extends a warm invitation to explore its history, culture, and affordability. Every corner whispers stories of the past, while each meal becomes a culinary journey. It's more than just a city; it's an open invitation to step into a timeless experience, where the pulse of the present beats harmoniously with the echoes of the past. So, pack your bags and let Chiang Mai weave its enchantment of culture, affordability, and breathtaking landscapes for you to unravel.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia


©iStock/Neil Bussey
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the early Khmer Empire and French colonialists who followed in the 19th century. Its architecture, a mix of French and Khmer, is worth the trip alone. But that’s not all—there’s more! The Cambodian French food fusion award-winning restaurants are what make this city special. Every meal is an experience. Every meal will have you drooling in anticipation of the next serving, wishing it would never end.

Its population of 2.3 million souls is spread over a wide area, and there are times when walking down its wide boulevards when you are completely alone. It’s also fashionably French, and eating at The Foreign Correspondents Club allows not only views of the Mekong River but also its fashionable residents. A three-course meal there for two people can cost as little as $40—a beer at a local bar nearby is just 75 cents.

This is a walking city, and just a 15-minute walk from The Foreign Correspondents Club, you’ll find -bedroom, 900-square-foot apartments for $1,100 per month. Living costs, if you live like a local and shop locally, which is a lot of fun, are $300 per month.

Kuching, Malaysia


©iStock/Jui-Chi Chan
Kuching is the capital of the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Founded in 1839 by Sir James Brooke, it is now a diverse city of old colonial buildings and modern towers. Its bustling streets are full of food stalls and juice vendors, which give it vibrancy, unlike any other town in Malaysia.

Often referred to as the 'Land Beneath the Wind,' a term coined by American author Agnes Keith when she moved to Kuching in the 1920s, it was also the chosen capital of Raja Brooke. Nestled along the tranquil Sarawak River, this lively city is renowned for its vibrant café culture. Functioning strategically as a trading post, Chinese trading fleets are known to have visited in the 1600s; it seamlessly connects Asian seaports with the lush, rich interior of Borneo. Thanks to its close proximity to national parks, Kuching emerges as the perfect starting point for thrilling day trips to explore wild coastal and rainforest destinations.

This is a café culture, and a very good cappuccino will cost just $3. The local coffee is also good and strong, and at $0.60 a cup, it is an amazing value. Kuching city is very pretty. The river that slowly meanders through the town, with Raja Brooke’s palace on the far side facing the town, makes this a very attractive city to live in. With numerous antique stores facing the river, you can easily spend a day meandering in and out of them yourself. A three-bedroom house on the river, within walking distance of town, will set you back $700 per month. Monthly living costs for a couple, excluding housing, are an additional $500.

Click here to discover How to Move Out of the US (and Where to Escape to).

Hoi An, Vietnam


©iStock/IamKien
In 1999, Hoi An was designated a World Heritage Site. Its setting along an estuary of the Thu Bon River and its proximity to some of the prettiest beaches in all of Vietnam gave it an allure that attracted visitors from all over the globe, and Hoi An grew into one of the country’s most popular and prosperous small cities.

The heart of the town is a tranquil haven, with its central area off-limits to cars and motorbikes. This pedestrian-friendly environment invites leisurely strolls, providing an enchanting setting for exploration.

Vietnam, recognized as one of the world’s largest coffee producers, boasts high-quality and affordable coffee. With a price tag of just $1.50 per cup, indulging in a cappuccino here is a delight that won't break the bank. The rental landscape is good value, too, with a two-bedroom apartment in the center of town costing as little as $500 per month.

Two people could live a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle here for well under $1,500. That includes rent, all utilities, a weekly housekeeper, eating out at least once a day, incidental expenses, and all the time at the beach that you could possibly desire.

Many of the services and goods that foreigners want are available right in Hoi An. There are many excellent restaurants, imported food shops, an international school, lively markets, and great shopping, especially for clothing.

Querétaro, Mexico


©iStock/Indigoai
Only a few years ago, not many people outside Mexico had heard of Querétaro. Today, the city’s reputation is growing. In fact, it’s rapidly becoming a favorite city for North Americans and Europeans. The population of the metropolitan area is over 1 million and continues to grow, as businesses and business executives from Mexico City relocate to Queretaro’s more livable environment.

Querétaro’s central historic center is a delight—plaza after plaza of fountains, bandstand gazebos, and gorgeous green trees surrounded by stately baroque-style buildings that house restaurants, hotels, museums, municipal buildings, shops, and offices. Querétaro is truly alive. Street musicians, fire jugglers, mimes, and street dancers show off their special skills. Time can get away from you here, and you may find yourself strolling home in the wee hours after dinner and entertainment.

The medical care in Querétaro is excellent in any of the city’s several private hospitals. And as Querétaro is just over two hours from Mexico City, you’re within easy access of international flights home. Or, if you prefer, use the local airport. It offers direct flights to several hubs in the U.S., including Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, and Chicago, as well as domestic flights to other points within Mexico.

Despite it being a major city, Querétaro offers a surprisingly low cost of living. Its mild climate keeps air conditioning and heating costs low. For shopping, the city offers a range of options at a variety of price points: from local stores to warehouse options like Costco and Sam’s Club, and to department stores like the high-end Mexican chain Liverpool.

Expats living in Querétaro report the ability to live on just $1,500 or less per month—all in, including rents from $500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and dinners out for about $25 for a couple in some of the best mid-range restaurants in town.
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