10 Cheapest Countries to Live in 2024 at Affordable Cost

Moving to a new country for work can be a challenging and complicated process. It involves not only researching the local job market and securing employment, but also adapting to a new culture, language and lifestyle. However, one of the most critical factors to consider when moving abroad is the cost of living.

For the fourth year in a row, Vietnam has been named the most liveable place in the world.

Top 10 most livable countries

According to InterNations’ Expat Insider 2024 survey, Vietnam has emerged as the most livable country for the fourth consecutive year. This makes it an increasingly popular destination for those seeking an affordable and comfortable lifestyle abroad

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 countries with the cheapest living costs, based on InterNations’ Expat Insider 2024 survey and other cost-related indexes.

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

Among the 10 countries with the highest cost of living in 2024, 6 are in Asia: Vietnam (1st), Indonesia (3rd), Philippines (5th), India (6th), Thailand (8th) ) and China (10th). These countries consistently score highly in areas such as overall cost of living, satisfaction with financial situation, and adequacy of disposable income. This makes them ideal for expats looking for low expenses and a high quality of life.

By comparison, four Latin American countries also feature in the top ten: Colombia (second), Panama (fourth), Mexico (seventh) and Brazil (ninth). While these countries also perform well on the index, Brazil ranks lower in cost of living, coming in at 18th, the lowest ranking country in the group

Best countries to live in

1. Vietnam

Vietnam tops the list of countries with the lowest cost of living for the fourth consecutive year. According to the Expat Insider survey, 86% of expats rated the cost of living favorably, with half giving it top marks. The low cost of living combined with a good income to cost of living ratio makes it an ideal destination for budget-conscious expats.

2.Colombia

Second-placed Colombia continues to be popular among expats due to its low cost of living. More than 85% of respondents highlighted an affordable lifestyle, with many claiming their disposable income is enough to live comfortably. Colombia has seen a significant rise in popularity due to its vibrant culture and affordable living.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia, another Southeast Asian country, ranked third due to its lower cost of living and high expat financial satisfaction. Nearly 72% of expats are satisfied with their financial situation in Indonesia, with many citing the country’s affordability and attractive living conditions.

4. Panama

Panama is not only famous for its natural beauty but also popular for its affordability. Panama rates highly among expats for its cost of living and ease of managing finances. This is a hotspot for retirees and digital nomads looking for an affordable and comfortable lifestyle.

  1. the Philippines

The Philippines ranks fifth with its beautiful islands and welcoming expat community. Many expats find that they earn well in the Philippines and can live a good quality of life at a lower cost.

6. India

India remains one of the cheapest countries and the cost of living is very affordable. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet rural area, you’ll find that daily expenses are much lower compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for expats and digital nomads.

7.Mexico

Mexico offers rich cultural experiences and a relatively low cost of living. From bustling cities to beach towns, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The country is a popular choice for retirees and young professionals.

8. Thailand

Often regarded as a paradise for budget travelers, Thailand also ranks highly for long-term affordability. Its low housing and food costs and high quality of life make it a favorite among expats.

9.Brazil

Despite being ranked ninth, Brazil still offers a very affordable cost of living for expats. The vibrant culture and low overhead make it a great choice for those looking to experience South America on a budget.

10.China

Finally, there is China, where many foreigners say their income is enough to cover living expenses. While prices may be higher in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, there are also many affordable areas where expats can thrive financially.