You know that feeling when your paycheck evaporates by Friday? In some parts of the world, the same money comfortably covers an entire month. We’re talking apartments with a view for less than your weekly rent, delicious meals for a few dollars, and transport so cheap you’ll forget surge pricing exists. If your income is tied to a stronger currency, or you’re traveling on savings, these destinations stretch each dollar, euro, or pound further than you might expect.
What “a week feels like a month” really means
Think of your usual weekly outlay back home—rent or mortgage, utilities, commuting, groceries, eating out, the odd drink. For a lot of people in higher-cost countries, that easily reaches $700–1,200. In the places below, that same figure can cover a full month of comfortable living: a private apartment, daily local meals, city transport, a SIM with data, gym or coworking access, and weekend fun.
This isn’t bare-bones backpacking. It’s everyday life at a mid-range comfort level—AC, decent coffee, reliable Wi‑Fi, and a few splurges. If you want to go ultra-frugal, you’ll spend less. If you want Western-style luxury, you’ll spend more. The point is the value gap: the essentials cost far less without sacrificing quality of life.
How we compared costs
We looked at pragmatic daily expenses for one person: furnished studio or one-bed rental, utilities and internet, daily meals (mostly local spots), city transport or scooter, a mobile data plan, and a budget for fun and fitness. Prices are in USD, rounded, and naturally fluctuate with exchange rates and inflation.
For each country, you’ll see a realistic monthly range for a single person living in a popular city. You can do it cheaper—shared apartments and street food every day—or pricier with frequent Western restaurants and tours. Families should roughly double housing and add per-person costs for food and schooling.
Who gets the most value
- Remote workers paid in USD/EUR/GBP who want to boost savings without compromising comfort.
- Long-term travelers who prefer slow travel over fast hopping.
- Creatives and entrepreneurs who need low overhead to focus on building.
- Anyone taking a sabbatical: these places make a long break financially doable.
13 places where your cash goes a long way
1) Vietnam
Vietnam is the rare blend of exciting cities, breezy beach towns, and costs that feel unfairly low for the quality. Expect vibrant food culture, motorbike freedom, and internet that’s good enough for calls and uploads. A typical monthly budget in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City runs $700–1,100 for a solo traveler with a private apartment, eating out daily, and weekend trips.
Local meals are $1.50–3, specialty coffee $1.50–3, and app rides across town $2–6. A modern one-bed apartment lands around $350–600 in Da Nang, $450–800 in HCMC. Vietnam now offers a 90-day e-visa to many nationalities, with multiple entry—great for Southeast Asia hops. Best bases: Da Nang for beach/city balance, Hoi An for calm, HCMC for energy and career networking.
2) Indonesia
Beyond Bali’s boho allure, Indonesia’s value shines in places like Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Lombok. A month in Canggu or Ubud runs $900–1,300 if you want a private villa or modern apartment, frequent cafe meals, scooter rental, and yoga/coworking. Head off the main tourist trail and that drops to $600–900 without losing comfort.
Local food is $2–4, scooter rentals $60–100/month, and decent apartments range $350–700 outside tourist hotspots. For many nationalities, an e-VOA grants 30 days with a 30-day extension; the B211A visa can cover longer stays. Internet is fine for calls; coworking is widely available. Avoid peak-season price spikes by coming April–June or September–November.
3) Thailand
Thailand’s sweet spot is convenience. Street food for a dollar or two, fast airports and trains, and apartments that punch above their price. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands all offer their own flavors. Budget $800–1,200 in Chiang Mai for a stylish studio, daily dining out, gym, and some island weekends; Bangkok comes in a bit higher.
Local dishes cost $1–2.50, ride-hailing is affordable, and monthly condos often include pools and gyms for $350–700 in Chiang Mai, $500–900 in Bangkok (outside prime zones). Many nationalities get a 30-day visa exemption with a simple extension; check current policy. Work-friendly cafes abound, and coworking runs $80–150/month. Cool season (Nov–Feb) is prime.
4) Philippines
If your happy place is island time, friendly smiles, and English-speaking ease, the Philippines is hard to beat. A month in Cebu City, Dumaguete, or Davao runs $800–1,200, with Manila pricier. Beach towns with fiber internet (e.g., Siargao, certain parts of Palawan) are improving for remote work but still patchy in places.
Street food is $1–3, a decent apartment $300–600 outside Manila, and inter-island flights are affordable if you book ahead. Many nationalities get 30 days visa-free with straightforward extensions up to several months. The value rises if you commit to one base rather than hopping islands weekly, which can add up on transport.
5) Malaysia
Modern infrastructure, low hassle, and surprising affordability make Malaysia a quiet star. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh are favorites. Expect $900–1,300/month in KL for a high-rise with a pool, frequent eating out, public transit, and weekend travel; Penang runs slightly lower.
Hawker meals cost $2–4, coffee $2–3, and city trains/buses are cheap and reliable. A comfortable condo often runs $400–800. Many nationalities receive 90 days on arrival, and English is widely spoken. Malaysia works brilliantly for first-time long stays: clean, safe, and an easy base for regional flights to Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
6) Sri Lanka
Think turquoise beaches, green tea hills, and trains with cinematic views—at a fraction of typical costs. A single traveler can live well on $700–1,000/month in towns like Galle, Weligama, or Ella. Colombo is pricier but still reasonable for a capital.
Rice and curry sets run $1.50–2.50, tuk-tuks are cheap for short hops, and intercity trains cost a few dollars. Nice apartments near the coast go for $300–600. The eTA is simple and covers short stays with extensions possible. Internet is good enough for calls in towns; check fiber before committing to a lease if you rely on video-heavy work. Best surfing: Nov–April in the southwest, May–Oct in the east.
7) India
India offers mind-boggling variety and some of the world’s best value if you’re flexible. In tier-2 cities (Jaipur, Kochi, Mysuru), $500–900/month buys a private apartment, regular dining out, and weekend travel. Major metros like Bengaluru and Mumbai cost more but remain good value relative to their status.
Thali meals run $1–3, intercity trains are affordable, and app rides are pennies on the dollar. Studios can be $200–500 in smaller cities, $400–800 in big ones. E-visas are available to many nationalities with varying durations—verify details. For remote work, broadband quality varies by neighborhood; test speeds before paying a deposit. Cultural experiences per dollar are off the charts.
8) Nepal
Kathmandu and Pokhara deliver mountain views with small-town prices. Expect $500–800/month: a furnished room or small flat, daily momos and dal bhat, local transport, and hiking every weekend. Coffee culture and coworking have grown, especially around Lakeside in Pokhara.
Local meals are $1.50–3, cafes $2–4, and long-distance buses are inexpensive if a bit bumpy. Furnished apartments start around $200–400. Tourist visas are issued on arrival for 15/30/90 days for many nationalities; trekking permits add cost if you hit the trails. Internet is fine for most work, with occasional power cuts—bring a power bank and patience.
9) Georgia
Georgia is a digital nomad darling for good reason: a simple entry regime, great wine and food, and rents that feel low for Europe. Tbilisi and Batumi are the go-tos. Budget $800–1,200/month for a central one-bed, eating out often, and intercity travel. Shoulder seasons deliver the best mix of comfort and price.
Khachapuri costs $2–3, solid dinners $5–8, and transport is cheap. Apartments are $300–700 depending on location and season. Many nationalities can stay up to a year visa-free, and registering as an individual entrepreneur can be tax-efficient—get professional advice. Internet is solid and coworking spaces are plentiful. Winters are cold; summers are lively without Southeast Asia’s humidity.
10) Türkiye (Turkey)
From Aegean beach towns to cafe-lined boulevards, Türkiye combines Mediterranean living with prices that can be startlingly gentle—especially outside Istanbul. In Izmir, Antalya, or Ankara, $800–1,200/month covers a private apartment, frequent dining out, and weekend trips along the coast.
Simit and tea breakfast might be $1–2, hearty lunches $3–6, and city transport passes are a bargain. One-beds run $300–700 depending on district. Many nationalities get 90 days in any 180; check e-visa eligibility. Inflation has been volatile, which can create both deals and surprises—pay month-to-month if possible. Internet is good; coworking is common in larger cities.
11) Egypt
Cairo’s energy, Alexandria’s corniche, and Dahab’s Red Sea value make Egypt a standout for stretching a budget. Expect $600–900/month outside luxury zones: apartment, local food, metro and taxis, data plan, and frequent museum or site visits. Dahab is popular with divers and remote workers thanks to relaxed vibes and low costs.
Koshary is $1–2, falafel sandwiches under $1, and microbuses are the cheapest way around. A simple apartment can be $200–400 in non-tourist neighborhoods. E-visas are available to many nationalities for short stays; extensions are possible but require patience. Cash remains king; carry small bills. Internet is good enough for calls—Dahab has dedicated coworking and backup power in many spots.
12) Mexico
Mexico delivers big-city culture, colonial charm, and beach life without high costs—if you choose the right base. A month in Oaxaca, Mérida, or Puebla typically runs $900–1,300 for a central apartment, daily eating out, and local travel. Mexico City is pricier but still reasonable compared with other capitals.
Tacos are $0.75–1.50, a sit-down comida corrida $3–6, and intercity buses are comfortable and affordable. Nice one-beds run $400–800 outside prime tourist areas. Many visitors aim for a 180-day stay, but immigration officers decide the length at entry, and shorter grants are common—plan accordingly. Internet is reliable, coworking is widespread, and flights within the country won’t wreck your budget if booked ahead.
13) Colombia
The weather is springlike in Medellín, the coffee is world-class, and costs are kind to anyone paid in stronger currencies. Budget $800–1,200/month for a private apartment in Laureles or Envigado, regular eating out, gym, and weekend travel to coffee region towns.
Menu del día lunches are $3–5, ride-hailing apps are inexpensive, and modern one-beds land $300–700 depending on neighborhood. Many nationalities get 90 days on arrival with the option to extend to 180 per calendar year. Internet speeds are good in cities and coworking is easy to find. Use common big-city precautions—keep your phone pocketed on the street and take rideshares at night.
What a month can look like on $900–1,200
- Housing: $350–700 for a private studio/one-bed in a good neighborhood (more in capitals, less in smaller cities).
- Food: $200–350 if you eat local most days and cook a bit.
- Transport: $20–80 for buses, metros, and occasional ride-hails or a scooter.
- Mobile + internet: $10–40 for SIM and home broadband (often included in rent).
- Extras: $150–250 for cafes, gym, coworking, and weekend fun.
Swap in nicer restaurants, frequent flights, or designer gyms and you’ll land closer to $1,400–1,700—still a fraction of big-city Western costs.
How to stretch it even further
- Pick the right neighborhood. Ten minutes outside tourist cores often halves rent without hurting convenience.
- Book monthly, not nightly. Airbnb monthly rates or local Facebook groups/WhatsApp channels beat hotel prices by a mile.
- Eat like a local. Street stalls and neighborhood eateries are both tastier and cheaper than international chains.
- Use local transport apps. Grab, Gojek, inDriver, DiDi, and city metro cards keep costs predictable.
- Bring a travel debit card. Avoid ATM fees and bad conversion rates; withdraw in local currency and decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Check internet before you sign. Run a speed test in the unit if you work online. Ask about power backups in places prone to outages.
- Time your stays. Avoid peak-season surges—shoulder months bring the same sunshine with slimmer crowds and prices.
- Mind visas. Policies change, and overstay penalties can ruin savings. Confirm current rules on official sites before you fly.
Quick planning checklist
- Pick two candidate cities in your chosen country and price weekly rentals and coworking before arrival.
- Budget your first two weeks slightly higher for setup costs and scouting.
- Get a local SIM at the airport or main carrier shop; ask for the best data package for hotspots.
- Learn 20 survival phrases; it saves money and opens doors.
- Keep a backup payment method and a small emergency fund in local and home currency.
- Build a daily routine that’s inexpensive by design: walkable errands, local cafes, and free or low-cost activities.
Make your week feel like a month, anywhere
You don’t need to chase every “cheapest country” list to live well for less. Pick one of these 13, settle into a neighborhood, and let the routine start saving you money. When housing, food, and transport aren’t draining your account, you get the rare luxury of time—time to build, learn, rest, and actually enjoy where you are.
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