As housing, groceries, and fuel continue to rise globally, many are exploring where the dollar stretches furthest. While Western nations face mounting costs, several countries still offer monthly living under $500. These nations combine low rent, affordable food, and budget-friendly transit – all while covering basic needs.
Here in this article, we will list the 20 cheapest countries in the world to live based on average monthly living expenses.
Cheapest Countries To Live
1. Nigeria
Average Monthly Cost: $355
Nigeria remains the most affordable country to live in. Urban apartments rent for as little as $100. Street meals cost under $1, and local markets provide bulk produce at low prices. Shared minibuses (“danfo”) and motorcycle taxis (“okadas”) dominate city transport and cost cents per ride.
Utilities are inexpensive. Mobile data is cheap and widespread. Though electricity supply can be unstable, solar options and generators are common. Despite inflation, the essentials remain within reach for locals and expats alike.
2. Pakistan
Average Monthly Cost: $357
Pakistan offers an extremely low cost of living. Rent in cities like Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad stays between $100 and $200. Daily meals cost less than $1, with traditional food readily available on nearly every street corner.
Public buses, rickshaws, and ride-hailing apps keep transport affordable. Mobile and internet services cost under $10 per month. Private healthcare is cheap and accessible in major cities. For digital workers and students, Pakistan presents a functional, low-cost lifestyle.
3. Malawi
Average Monthly Cost: $361
Malawi stands out for its simplicity and affordability. Housing in towns like Blantyre or Lilongwe averages $80–$150 per month. Local dishes such as “nsima” are both filling and cheap.
Public minibuses and bicycle taxis make transportation efficient and cheap. While infrastructure is limited, especially outside urban zones, utilities like water and electricity remain affordable. Mobile coverage is improving across the country.
4. Nepal
Average Monthly Cost: $392
Nepal offers low costs and high-altitude living. One-bedroom apartments in Kathmandu or Pokhara can be rented for $100–$150. Traditional meals including dal bhat cost under $2.
Buses and micro-vans provide affordable city transport. Internet is reliable in urban areas, and mobile data plans cost less than $5 monthly. Despite some infrastructural issues, Nepal provides exceptional value for both locals and long-stay visitors.
5. Libya
Average Monthly Cost: $422
Libya remains cost-effective due to subsidized energy and food. Apartments rent for under $200 in cities like Tripoli and Benghazi. Local meals rarely exceed $2.
Fuel prices are among the lowest globally, which keeps transport costs down. Public transit is limited, but taxis are affordable. While instability affects some regions, living expenses stay low where daily life continues uninterrupted.
6. Bangladesh
Average Monthly Cost: $423
Bangladesh balances affordability with dense urban living. In cities like Dhaka or Chittagong, one-bedroom apartments rent for $120–$180. Food is incredibly cheap—a filling meal often costs $1.
Rickshaws, buses, and ferries keep transport cheap and efficient. Internet and mobile services are fast and affordable. Healthcare costs remain low, and private clinics are widely available.
7. India
Average Monthly Cost: $441
India offers budget-friendly living across most of its cities. Rent in second-tier cities like Jaipur, Kochi, or Bhopal ranges from $100–$200. Street food is abundant and rarely costs over $1.
Public transport, including metro rail and buses, is well-developed and extremely cheap. Mobile data is the cheapest globally. Healthcare is diverse, with low-cost private hospitals in major cities.
8. Tunisia
Average Monthly Cost: $452
Tunisia delivers Mediterranean living at budget rates. Apartments cost between $150–$250. Local produce and bakeries keep food costs minimal. Dining out is affordable, often under $3 per meal.
Public transport includes metro trams and buses. Shared taxis are common and cost less than $1. Electricity, gas, and water are subsidized. Tunisia also offers visa-free stays to many nationalities.
9. Bhutan
Average Monthly Cost: $455
Bhutan supports a low-cost, high-peace lifestyle. In smaller towns, rent averages $100–$150. Meals made from rice, lentils, and vegetables cost less than $2.
Public buses and shared taxis are available in most regions. Renewable energy powers much of the country, making utilities cheap. Internet access continues to expand, especially in urban zones.
10. Algeria
Average Monthly Cost: $472
Algeria remains one of North Africa’s most affordable countries. Apartments in cities like Algiers or Oran rent for $200–$250. Local markets and bakeries offer food at low prices.
Subsidies keep fuel and electricity costs low. Buses and shared taxis serve most regions. Though Western comforts are limited in rural areas, cities offer everything needed at a fraction of global prices.
11. Ghana
Average Monthly Cost: $478
Ghana offers low living costs with moderate infrastructure. Rent averages $120–$180. Meals from local vendors are under $1. Tro-tros (shared minibuses) dominate local transport.
Internet access is expanding quickly. Healthcare and utilities remain low-cost. For those seeking affordable African living with decent services, Ghana is a strong option.
12. Burundi
Average Monthly Cost: $481
Burundi ranks high in affordability. Rent rarely exceeds $100 in most towns. Basic meals and produce are cheap and widely available.
Transport by bike taxi and shared vehicles is cheap. Internet is improving but still limited in remote areas. Peaceful regions remain suitable for low-budget living.
13. Syria
Average Monthly Cost: $486
Despite conflict, daily costs in Syria remain low. Rent in cities like Damascus or Aleppo stays below $200. Food costs are extremely low due to local production.
Public transport is cheap but limited. While the situation is unstable, the financial cost of living stays among the lowest worldwide for those able to navigate conditions.
14. Central African Republic
Average Monthly Cost: $486
Rent in the Central African Republic often stays under $150. Street food is cheap and common. Shared taxis and buses keep transport affordable.
Utilities are basic but inexpensive. Living conditions can be challenging, but essential costs remain low for residents.
15. South Sudan
Average Monthly Cost: $489
South Sudan offers cheap living for those used to minimalist lifestyles. Rent ranges from $100–$180. Local food costs are minimal, especially in non-urban areas.
Transport is basic but low-cost. Internet access is limited, though expanding in cities. It suits humanitarian workers or ultra-budget residents.
16. Kiribati
Average Monthly Cost: $491
Kiribati offers island living with very low expenses. Rent is around $100–$200. Seafood and local crops dominate the diet and are extremely affordable.
Transport is limited to ferries and local roads. Utilities cost little due to low usage. It’s suitable for long-term quiet living, away from crowds.
17. Eritrea
Average Monthly Cost: $493
Eritrea keeps expenses low with rent under $150 in most areas. Food is inexpensive, with traditional dishes costing under $2.
Transport remains simple and cheap. Healthcare is basic but low-cost. Internet services are improving slowly, with mobile networks expanding.
18. Chad
Average Monthly Cost: $495
Chad remains one of the most affordable yet underdeveloped nations. Rent averages $100–$180. Meals from street vendors are common and cheap.
Shared taxis and buses serve urban areas. Infrastructure is limited, but essential costs stay minimal.
19. Eswatini
Average Monthly Cost: $498
Eswatini provides affordable Southern African living. Rent is modest, usually under $200. Meals cost around $1–2 in local markets.
Public minibuses and taxis keep transport costs low. Mobile data and internet are widely available in cities. Healthcare access is growing.
20. Liberia
Average Monthly Cost: $499
Liberia rounds out the list with housing between $150–$250. Local food markets offer cheap staples. Shared taxis dominate transport.
Utilities and internet cost more than in nearby countries but remain manageable. For those willing to adapt, Liberia offers affordable coastal living.
Conclusion
These 20 countries represent the most affordable places to live in 2025. Each offers low monthly costs, especially in rent, food, and transportation. While infrastructure, safety, and access to services vary, all allow for basic living on less than $500 a month. For remote workers, budget travelers, and early retirees, these destinations present real alternatives to high-cost nations.
Choosing the right country involves more than price – climate, visa rules, healthcare, and connectivity all play a role. But for those focused on cutting expenses without giving up stability, the countries listed here deliver unmatched value.
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