The Cheapest Places To Live In The World. $500 A Month

[LaoPo]

The cheapest places to live in the world. $500 a month

Are you tired of busy cities, crowded streets, high rents and almost non-affordable mortgage? Well...there are places in the world where you can live well for less. The cheapest places to live are also the most beautiful and exotic destinations. So why not to pack your bags and dreams and move to one of these paradise locations, if not for a lifetime, then at least for a year or two?

There are two simple rules to follow while searching for low cost destinations. Firstly: if you find some places cheap to travel to, then most probably you will also find it cheap to live. Secondly: wherever you are, the further from the big cities and large agglomerations, the cheaper it gets.

Off course cheap is a very relative concepts as what is cheap for you may not be cheap for people living on the other side of your country or the globe.

But if cheap means spending just a few dollars/euro/pounds a day, then these locations in Asia and Central America may interest you...

THAILAND

Have you ever been in Thailand? Do you remember that feeling of paying $1 (€0.70) for a glass of beer? Have you then asked yourself how it would be to pay that much for a drink back home? Or the other way around...how it would feel to enjoy such prices on a daily basis. If your answers are yes, yes, yes ...then why not consider moving to the Land of Smiles for a while?

Life is short and, really, no one force you to spend your entire life sitting in the office with a computer your best friend. Think about sandy beaches, constant sunshine and excellent food and realize that you can have it all for less than $500 (€350) a month.

Off course this amount will not pay a beach apartment but you can easily find a cheap accommodation in such places as beautiful Chang Mai, up north, where you will pay around $30 (€21) a month for a small flat. Nearer the coast the room in the apartments starts from $90 (€63).

Cooking at home will cost you nothing as fruits, vegetables and meat at the local markets fall into the budget category. If you are too lazy to cook then try yummy Thai food from street side food stalls. You can get spicy chicken with rice or noodles for around $1 (€0.70). Spending around $200 (€142) for food a month you still have around $200 (€142) spare to enjoy local trips, restaurants, parties and some small shopping.

CAMBODIA

Thinking about Cambodian history, the bloody regime of Pol Pot and poverty, no one would dare to call the country a paradise, but in terms of living cost Cambodia rivals Thailand. It does not have such great beaches as its Thai neighbour but, well, it is not all about beaches, right? You can easily live for less than $500 (€350) in the country’s capital Phnom Penh.

As they are more and more foreigners living in the town, the accommodation prices are getting higher – it would be hard to find something below $200 (€142) a month, but you can always reduce this cost by sharing a flat with a friend or some long-term travellers.

With $300 (€213) left you can easily get by in the country. The food prices are similar or lower than in Thailand. Eating in local restaurants will cost you around $2 (€1.40) a meal and $1 (€0.70) a beer but if you really aim to trim your budget you can try street stalls food, which is simple but great. Travelling by tuk tuk will cost you several bucks/euro a day.

Living in Phnom Penh, the town of no McDonald’s and Starbucks, may be a life changing experience for you. Be aware that Cambodians are extremely poor but modest people so treat them with respect. Getting to know a few natives may help you to understand the complex history and tough life in the country. You can always teach English or get involve in some ngo’s to help changing the reality around you.

PHILIPPINES

Another exotic destination where life will cost you not more than $500 (€350) a month is the Philippines. Following the rule of getting away from big cities, Manila is not an option, as a rent prices start from $360 (€255) a month. But if you head for Cebu, one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines with sandy beaches, golf courses and great shopping , you can get an apartment for $150 (€106) a month. In other boasting towns such as Damaguete City you can easily rent a room for around $40 (€28) per month.

Food is also cheap. $200 (€142) a month will be absolutely enough to provide you with all necessities including alcohol and tobacco - a big glass of beer and pack of cigarettes cost $0.55 (€0.39) and $0.80 (€0.57), respectively.

Moreover the Philippines offer a special resident retiree visa that you can get as early as age 35. At that age you need to deposit $50K in a bank there, whereas at 50 years and above you just need to deposit $10K and prove a monthly pension of $800 single, $1K couple.

Malaysia , has a similar retiree offer called My Second Home program.

COSTA RICA

Just a few dollars/euro would be enough to survive in Costa Rica. And surviving in Costa Rica may be just a pleasure. The land has 12 different climatic zones and abundant wildlife, but in general the weather is hot tropic and natives (called Ticos) are very spirited and friendly people.

San José's prices are low - the cost of goods and services is among the lowest of any city's in the world. You can easily live on $500-$600 (€350-€425) a month if you share a house or flat with a partner or a friend.

Obviously the further away from San José, the lower the cost of housing. Around 75 km (50 miles) from the town you can rent a small or medium house for $250 (€177) a month.

In the restaurants you can have an excellent meal with desert for about $4.00 - $5.00 (€2.8-€3.5) And if you buy food at local markets and from the street vendors you pay less- a bunch of bananas will cost you $0.50 (€0.30) or less. Cigarettes are only about $1.20 (€0.90) per pack. In general the prices in supermarkets are 30% higher than on the local markets and street stalls.

While in Costa Rica you can learn or develop your surfing skills as the coast has a great breaks and excellent surf condition. And if you not lazy enough you can learn or practice your Spanish. Your lessons will cost you much less than back home or in Spain.

To find out more check the blog written by Tim, who has lived in the country for several years. It seems that he knows a lot about living in Costa Rica.

If you seriously think about moving to Costa Rica you should also read ‘Living Abroad in Costa Rica’ written by Erin Van Rheenen who herself moved to live in Costa Rica. The book explores the country’s history and culture, describes the nation and off course suggests a trip to Costa Rica to get to know it more before deciding to move.

BELIZE

You dream of personal heaven for a bargain price may also come true in Belize that is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. It has it all: great beaches, sub tropical climate, and diverse wildlife. An official language in the country is English – that makes things simpler, doesn’t it?

The country is also a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling lovers .The Belize Barrier Reef with 127 offshore Cayes (islands) has the best preserved marine ecosystems in the world.

The costs of living are similar to those of Costa Rica. For a large house in Cayo district, a one-hour drive west from Belize City, you may pay $300 (€210) a month and if you share with two other friends then it is only $100 (€70)!!!

Groceries are cheap when bought locally. Imported stuff is in general 50% more expensive so if you want to trim your budget you should shop at local markets and street vendors.

If you’re 45 years or more you may consider retiring to Belize. The Retired Person’s Incentive Program may allow you to live a tax free lifestyle which should definitely help you saving up a few bucks.

Before you pack your bags, be aware that the country has dry and wet seasons so the weather is not always as perfect as you wish. The wet season starts in May and ends in October – it rains all the time and the hurricanes may occur, so if you want to spend just a few months in the country go between November and April.

The world is changing fast and the bargain destinations may soon become less affordable, so go there before it will be too late.

And don’t forget that the best things in life are for free. Living abroad for less than $500 a month is great but what count most is the people you meet, friends you make, experience you acquire, places you see, tastes and smells you learn to recognize.

There are also countries in Europe and Africa where you can live for $500 a month. So keep checking the blog... the article is coming soon.

P.S. While writing this article the currency rate exchange was $1 - €0.71

Source: http://opentravel.com/blogs/the-cheapest-p...ld-500-a-month/ with photos and links

LaoPo

[Texpat]

It amazes me what some people consider living.

There's a big difference between living and surviving.

[JimsKnight]

Belize is one I'd consider if I make big money.

But it lost it's cheap and frugal nature a long time ago when big bucks won over.

In Thailand the country is large enough to absorb this and not be messed up as much IMO.

[steelepulse]

Hilarious.  Who can live ( not survive) off such little money?

[Datsun240Z]

It amazes me what some people consider living.

There's a big difference between living and surviving.

If you try to find happyness in less, you can find it.

[BigSnake]

Go else where please Thailand has enough Cheap Charlie already

[Texpat]

It amazes me what some people consider living.

There's a big difference between living and surviving.

If you try to find happyness [sic] in less, you can find it.

No thanks. I couldn't be happy living such a frugal, miserable life.

Thirty bucks a month for a place to live in Chiang Mai? I can only imagine.

Edited July 6, 2009 by Texpat

[syd barrett]

Consider Djibouti.

$5 a day is enough for food and lodgings. Enjoy the beach life and year-round hot weather.

Great!

[Jingthing]

I dunno about your Djibouti but I don't want to consider my Djibouti, its big enough!

Baby's got Djibouti.

Lonely Planet says budget 50 to 100 dollars a day to visit there. Not so cheap.

The thing about that part of Africa, it you want western mod cons it will cost VERY big. How many of you go native like a poor African?

Edited July 6, 2009 by Jingthing

[IanForbes]

I can live on the necessities for $500 a month. I do it every winter in Chiang Mai. $200 a month for a nice room with a view in a hotel with fridge, TV, air-con, internet, toilet and shower. It costs me $3 to $5 a day for food in a Thai cafe and supplement that with fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice. The only thing that costs extra are my trips and entertainment. Ladies have always been expensive... everywhere.

As Tex Pat says, there is a huge difference between living and being alive.

[Lopburi99]

We lived in Chao Lao Beach (near Chanthaburi) for four months this year, staying at a new bungalow resort for only 8000 per month. This is for an extremely clean air conditioned bungalow. There are of course cheaper resorts available there also, but I wanted to mention this one because some might consider this a luxury resort which most farang would be be comfortable in. Chao Lao Beach is an up-and-coming resort area being completely updated with a new road, lighting, and other facilities. Many Thais drive or bus to spend their holiday there. The area is the ultimate in clean. The municipality is gearing toward being another of Thailand's major resort areas. Our resort had a swimming pool right near the sea, plus the use of a snooker room. My friends in the U.S. can't believe I can live such a pleasant life in a beautiful resort like this for only $235 USD/month. Pattaya is only about a 3 hour drive away, so when I craved some western food or entertainment we would go there for a couple of days.

(I took this photo myself from the pool)

Edited July 6, 2009 by Lopburi99

[ajarnmark]

It amazes me what some people consider living.

There's a big difference between living and surviving.

If you try to find happyness [sic] in less, you can find it.

No thanks. I couldn't be happy living such a frugal, miserable life.

Thirty bucks a month for a place to live in Chiang Mai? I can only imagine.

Agreed but look at India, where 850 million people are living at $2 or less per day, so comparing to that, living off at $500 per month is a good deal, isnt it

It all depends on your lifestyle, u can live a very happy life with $500 per month in bangkok.

[Texpat]

I can't. Maybe you can, but I can't. Car, UBC, elec, phone, Internet -- that's $400 gone already and I need a house and I'm still hungry.

In Bangkok it would be more like $2,000. Upcountry $1,500. And that doesn't include any savings or take into account any emergencies.

Edited July 6, 2009 by Texpat

[Datsun240Z]

I can't. Maybe you can, but I can't. Car, UBC, elec, phone, Internet -- that's $400 gone already and I need a house and I'm still hungry.

In Bangkok it would be more like $2,000. Upcountry $1,500. And that doesn't include any savings or take into account any emergencies.

Because you never lived like a poor Thai

[bhatmasterson]

I can't. Maybe you can, but I can't. Car, UBC, elec, phone, Internet -- that's $400 gone already and I need a house and I'm still hungry.

In Bangkok it would be more like $2,000. Upcountry $1,500. And that doesn't include any savings or take into account any emergencies.

I know this is an old thread but I came across it because I am helping my sister and her husband, a retired veteran, investigate places to retire.

This post caught my attention because I currently enjoy everything mentioned above including a Honda Wave (2006) 2 story townhouse with 2 bedrooms, a storage room, 3 bathrooms, large living room and kitchen. Ali of this and everything mentioned above for 10,000 BT per month. That's about $330 per month.

I would have thought prices would have gone up in 2 years not down.

[JeffreyMcCollum]

I live fine for 3 people on $500, Yes at times I have more but we just do extra fun thing

Bikes, car, home, food travel

It's how you budget and where and how you choose to llive

[apetley]

The only thing that costs extra are my trips and entertainment. Ladies have always been expensive... everywhere.

As Tex Pat says, there is a huge difference between living and being alive.

That is a cost directly proportional to age and looks:-)

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[chrisinth]

Consider Djibouti.

$5 a day is enough for food and lodgings. Enjoy the beach life and year-round hot weather.

Great!

Joking right? The last time i was there (Djibouti) the price of a bottle of beer was about 3 quid! For anyone that hasn't been there, it is a tiny country in Africa just under Ethiopia and is (rather was in 1993 to be fair) a sh1thole.

Luckily we were being hosted by the Foreign legion when we were there; they used to go "camel counting" over the border to Ethiopia. Bunch of absolute nutters that lot.

Syd, i hope it has changed since then!

[chops]

Realistically, you can't live on $500 a month anywhere in the world these days due to inflation. Sad, but inflation has taken it's toll over the last 5-10 years. Try $1,000 a month.

[NancyL]

Oh please, not another one of these "retire in Thailand for $500 per month" type of articles. Yes, you can cover the basics here on that budget. But what happens when you become ill or have an accident. There's no guaranteed health care for foreingers living here and you may be too unfit (or poor) to travel back to your home country for health care.

[bhatmasterson]

Oh please, not another one of these "retire in Thailand for $500 per month" type of articles. Yes, you can cover the basics here on that budget. But what happens when you become ill or have an accident. There's no guaranteed health care for foreingers living here and you may be too unfit (or poor) to travel back to your home country for health care.

It just wouldn't be sensible to move to any foreign country expecting to live as cheaply as possible without having a back-up plan in case of sickness or injury. It's not only the well-off who know how to make prudent arrangements.

[mikekim1219]

I just came back from CR after a month. You can live very nicely on 1000 usd, this includes playing golf regularly..

[Razzler1973]

Women in Djibouti are beautiful

[thequietman]

It amazes me what some people consider living.

There's a big difference between living and surviving.

If you try to find happyness [sic] in less, you can find it.

No thanks. I couldn't be happy living such a frugal, miserable life.

Thirty bucks a month for a place to live in Chiang Mai? I can only imagine.

I lived in a 2000 baht room in Chaingmai for nearly 2 years. my best memories are from there. lady downstairs connected up all the cable channels for 200 baht a month. toilet and shower in same room. bars only metres away. simple but good times. the best of times.