15 Budget-Friendly Countries Where You Can Live Well for a Month

A month abroad doesn’t have to be a splurge. With the right base, you can rent a comfortable apartment, drink good coffee, eat out often, get work done on reliable Wi‑Fi, and explore on weekends—without burning through savings. The countries below consistently deliver excellent value for a one‑month stay, with realistic budgets, neighborhood suggestions, and on‑the‑ground tips to help you live well, not just scrape by.

How to Use This Guide

• What “live well” means: a clean studio or one‑bedroom in a central neighborhood, most meals local with a few sit‑down restaurants, cafes and coworking when needed, ride‑hailing or public transport, and a handful of paid activities.

• Budgets are for a solo traveler in USD, leaning mid‑range rather than bare‑bones backpacking. They exclude flights and long‑term insurance.

• Prices vary by city and season. You’ll pay more in capital cities and peak months; shoulder seasons often unlock great deals.

• Always check current visa rules for your nationality and confirm apartment internet speeds before booking if you work online.

Asia

Vietnam

Vietnam hits the sweet spot of low costs, big flavor, and strong digital infrastructure. Da Nang offers beach life with city convenience, Hanoi brings a historic center and cafe culture, and Ho Chi Minh City is a fast, modern hub.

• Typical month: $900–$1,400

• Best bases: Da Nang (My An, An Thuong), Hanoi (Tay Ho), Ho Chi Minh City (Districts 1, 3, or Phu Nhuan)

• Housing: $350–$600 for a modern studio with weekly cleaning; negotiate for monthly rates

• Food: Street bowls $2–$3; mid‑range restaurants $6–$12; specialty coffee $2–$4

• Getting around: Grab moto rides $1–$3; scooter rental $60–$90/month

• Workability: Fiber 50–200 Mbps is common; cafes welcome laptops

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities can get an e‑visa for 30 days, extendable within the country

• When to go: Feb–May for Da Nang/Hoi An; Oct–Dec for cooler Hanoi weather

• Local tip: Learn a few dish names (bun cha, cao lau, com tam) and you’ll eat like a king for very little.

Thailand

Thailand blends modern comforts with remarkably fair prices. Chiang Mai is a favorite for its calm tempo and coworking scene; Bangkok is pricier but brings big‑city energy and endless food.

• Typical month: $1,100–$1,700

• Best bases: Chiang Mai (Nimmanhaemin, Santitham), Bangkok (Ari, Phrom Phong, Thonglor for splurge)

• Housing: $400–$800; condos with a pool and gym are common on longer stays

• Food: Excellent street food $2–$4; cafe lunches $5–$8; coffee $2–$3

• Getting around: Urban transit in Bangkok is great; Grab and motos cheap in Chiang Mai

• Workability: Fast fiber and top‑tier coworking scene

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities receive 30–45 days visa‑free; extensions possible

• When to go: Nov–Feb for cooler, dry weather up north

• Local tip: Monthly rentals often exclude electricity. Budget an extra $40–$80 depending on AC use.

Indonesia

Bali gets the headlines, but consider Yogyakarta for culture or Canggu/Ubud for creative communities. Costs are low if you avoid peak coastal areas and eat local.

• Typical month: $1,100–$1,800 (Bali on the higher end)

• Best bases: Canggu (Berawa), Ubud (Penestanan), Yogyakarta (Prawirotaman)

• Housing: $500–$900 for a private studio or small villa; deep discounts off high season

• Food: Warung meals $2–$4; Western brunch $6–$10; coffee $2–$3

• Getting around: Scooter $60–$80/month; GoJek/Grab plentiful

• Workability: Varies by area; Ubud/Canggu coworking is excellent, 30–100 Mbps typical

• Visa snapshot: Visa on arrival for many nationalities (30 days, extendable once)

• When to go: May–June or Sept–Oct for good weather and better rates

• Local tip: Power cuts happen. Ask hosts about backup power if you work online.

Malaysia

Malaysia delivers a modern city experience at a fraction of Western prices. Kuala Lumpur is connected and cosmopolitan; Penang has heritage shophouses and legendary food.

• Typical month: $1,000–$1,600

• Best bases: KL (Bangsar, Bukit Bintang), George Town, Penang (Pulau Tikus)

• Housing: $400–$700 for condos in KL; Penang slightly less

• Food: Hawker centers $2–$5; mid‑range restaurants $7–$12; coffee $2–$3

• Getting around: Good public transit in KL; Grab is cheap nationwide

• Workability: Reliable fiber 100–500 Mbps; cafes are laptop‑friendly

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities get 30–90 days visa‑free

• When to go: Year‑round; rain varies by coast and season

• Local tip: KL condos often include gyms and pools—great value for money.

Philippines

Island life with friendly hospitality. Cebu City and Dumaguete offer livable urban hubs with quick escapes to beaches and reefs.

• Typical month: $1,000–$1,600

• Best bases: Cebu City (IT Park), Dumaguete (near Silliman), Makati for a pricier but polished stay

• Housing: $350–$650; modern condos cost more in Manila

• Food: Local meals $2–$4; seafood feasts great value; coffee $2–$3

• Getting around: Grab in major cities; island ferries affordable; budget flights connect islands

• Workability: Improving; expect 25–50 Mbps with occasional outages—choose accommodations with fiber

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities get 30 days on arrival with easy extensions

• When to go: Dec–May for drier conditions; typhoon season varies by region

• Local tip: Book accommodations with generators in island towns to ride out brownouts.

Sri Lanka

Tea country views, coastal trains, and flavorful curries, all at wallet‑friendly prices. Base on the south coast for beaches or in Kandy/Ella for misty hills.

• Typical month: $900–$1,400

• Best bases: Colombo 5/6, Galle/Unawatuna, Ella, Kandy

• Housing: $300–$600; seaside villas more in high season

• Food: Rice and curry sets $2–$3; seafood $5–$10; coffee $2–$3

• Getting around: Scenic trains and buses are cheap; ride‑hailing in cities

• Workability: Fiber 50–100 Mbps common in cities; mobile data is affordable

• Visa snapshot: ETA online with 30 days standard; extensions available

• When to go: South and west coasts Nov–Mar; hill country year‑round

• Local tip: Trains are charming but slow—use a mix of trains and private drivers for longer trips.

Nepal

If you want mountains with your budget base, Nepal delivers. Kathmandu buzzes with heritage and cafes; Pokhara offers lakeside tranquility and trekking access.

• Typical month: $800–$1,200

• Best bases: Kathmandu (Lalitpur/Patans), Pokhara (Lakeside but set back from the main strip)

• Housing: $250–$500 for clean apartments; guesthouses offer monthly deals

• Food: Momos $1–$2; Nepali thali $2–$4; coffee $1.50–$3

• Getting around: Walkable cores; taxis cheap; domestic flights save time

• Workability: Expect 20–50 Mbps with occasional outages—confirm backup power

• Visa snapshot: Visa on arrival available for many; 30–90 days

• When to go: Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr for clear skies

• Local tip: Air pollution can spike in Kathmandu—consider an air purifier or base in Patan.

Cambodia

A relaxed pace and lower costs than neighbors. Phnom Penh has a growing dining scene; Siem Reap gives access to Angkor plus a compact, walkable center.

• Typical month: $900–$1,300

• Best bases: Phnom Penh (BKK1), Siem Reap (Wat Bo area)

• Housing: $300–$550; many places include weekly cleaning

• Food: Khmer dishes $2–$4; Western meals $6–$10; coffee $2–$3

• Getting around: PassApp and Grab tuk‑tuks are cheap and easy

• Workability: Fiber 30–100 Mbps in cities; coworking options in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

• Visa snapshot: Tourist e‑visa available; 30 days, extendable

• When to go: Nov–Feb for the coolest months

• Local tip: Siem Reap gets quiet late—plan dinner earlier and enjoy sunrise at the temples.

Europe and the Near East

Georgia

Tbilisi mixes Old‑World charm with modern conveniences and generous entry rules for many travelers. Great wine, hearty food, and a strong cafe scene keep costs low and daily life rich.

• Typical month: $1,000–$1,500

• Best bases: Tbilisi (Vera, Vake, Sololaki), Batumi in warmer months

• Housing: $400–$700 for renovated one‑bedrooms in central areas

• Food: Khachapuri $3–$5; restaurant mains $6–$12; wine by the glass $2–$5

• Getting around: Metro and Bolt rides are cheap; walkable historic districts

• Workability: Reliable fiber 50–200 Mbps; many laptop‑friendly cafes

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities can stay visa‑free up to one year

• When to go: April–June and Sept–Oct for mild weather

• Local tip: Tbilisi apartments can be hot in summer or chilly in winter—ask about insulation and heating/cooling.

Turkey

From coastal towns to vibrant Istanbul, Turkey offers culture and cuisine that outpace the price tag. Currency swings make it particularly good value right now.

• Typical month: $1,100–$1,700

• Best bases: Istanbul (Kadikoy, Besiktas), Antalya for beach life, Izmir for a softer city pace

• Housing: $450–$900; Istanbul’s central areas trend higher

• Food: Kebabs $3–$6; meze dinners $10–$15 per person; Turkish coffee $1–$2

• Getting around: Excellent intercity buses; city transit affordable; use Istanbulkart in Istanbul

• Workability: Solid home fiber; cafes and coworking in major cities

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities get 90 days within 180; e‑visa available for some

• When to go: April–June and Sept–Oct shine

• Local tip: Istanbul’s Asian side (Kadikoy/Moda) feels local, lively, and better value than tourist centers.

Albania

Adriatic beaches, mountain day trips, and a casual, friendly vibe. Prices are lower than much of Europe, and sea views in off‑season can be a steal.

• Typical month: $900–$1,400

• Best bases: Tirana (Blloku, Komuna e Parisit), Saranda or Vlore for coastal living

• Housing: $300–$600; coastal apartments rise in July–August

• Food: Byrek $1–$2; grilled seafood $8–$15; espresso $1

• Getting around: Buses and furgons connect cities; taxis are affordable in town

• Workability: Fiber 50–100 Mbps in cities; cafes are welcoming

• Visa snapshot: Many Europeans get 90 days; U.S. citizens often up to a year visa‑free

• When to go: May–June and Sept for warm seas without crowds

• Local tip: Tirana’s produce markets are excellent—cook at home and eat like royalty for pennies.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo’s mix of Ottoman and Austro‑Hungarian architecture creates a unique cityscape, with coffee culture and mountain air at a low price point.

• Typical month: $900–$1,300

• Best bases: Sarajevo (Baščaršija outskirts, Marijin Dvor), Mostar for a quiet, sunny base

• Housing: $300–$550 for modern one‑bedrooms

• Food: Cevapi $3–$5; hearty restaurant meals $6–$10; coffee $1–$2

• Getting around: Trams and buses in Sarajevo; intercity buses reliable

• Workability: Home internet 50–100 Mbps; choose central apartments for better infrastructure

• Visa snapshot: 90 days for many nationalities

• When to go: May–June and Sept–Oct

• Local tip: Winter air quality dips in Sarajevo’s valley—shoulder seasons are ideal.

Latin America

Mexico

Vast, diverse, and delicious. Mexico City, Guadalajara, Merida, and Oaxaca each offer a distinct lifestyle at great value if you rent monthly and eat local.

• Typical month: $1,200–$1,900 (city and neighborhood dependent)

• Best bases: Mexico City (Roma/Condesa for convenience, Narvarte/Escandón for better value), Merida for calm and safety, Oaxaca for food and culture

• Housing: $500–$900 for a good one‑bedroom; CDMX top areas trend higher

• Food: Street tacos $0.75–$1.50; sit‑down meals $6–$12; specialty coffee $2–$4

• Getting around: Metro and Metrobus in CDMX; Didi/Uber are affordable; intercity buses are excellent

• Workability: 50–200 Mbps common in cities; strong coworking ecosystem

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities receive up to 180 days, but arrivals can be shorter—have proof of plans

• When to go: Year‑round; highland cities have mild climates

• Local tip: Filtered water is widely available; many apartments include a garrafon service.

Colombia

Medellín’s “eternal spring” climate, good infrastructure, and friendly neighborhoods make it a top month‑long base. Bogotá is cultural and big‑city; the coast is lively but pricier.

• Typical month: $1,000–$1,600

• Best bases: Medellín (Laureles, Envigado, Provenza for nightlife), Bogotá (Chapinero Alto)

• Housing: $400–$700; modern units with security are common

• Food: Menu del día lunch $3–$5; restaurants $6–$12; coffee $1.50–$3

• Getting around: Metro in Medellín; taxis and rideshare cheap; buses intercity

• Workability: Reliable fiber 50–150 Mbps; cafes and coworking abound

• Visa snapshot: Many nationalities get 90 days on arrival, extendable to 180 per year

• When to go: Medellín is springlike year‑round; brief showers common

• Local tip: Pick apartments a few blocks off main nightlife streets for quieter sleep.

Ecuador

Compact, varied, and affordable. Quito blends colonial charm and modern neighborhoods; Cuenca offers a relaxed pace and a strong expat community.

• Typical month: $900–$1,400

• Best bases: Quito (La Floresta, La Carolina), Cuenca (El Vergel, along the river)

• Housing: $300–$550 for a well‑located one‑bedroom

• Food: Almuerzos (set lunches) $3–$5; restaurants $6–$10; coffee $1.50–$3

• Getting around: Buses and affordable taxis; domestic flights to the coast and Amazon

• Workability: 25–100 Mbps in cities; choose newer buildings for better infrastructure

• Visa snapshot: 90 days visa‑free for many; extensions available

• When to go: Andean cities mild year‑round; coastal rains Dec–May

• Local tip: Altitude is real in Quito—take it easy your first couple of days.

How to Choose Your Base and Keep Costs Low

• Match climate and rhythm. If you’re energized by big cities, you’ll stretch your money best in urban hubs with great local food and public transit (Hanoi, KL, Medellín). Prefer beaches and yoga? Budget extra for Bali or Thailand’s islands.

• Prioritize neighborhoods, not just cities. An apartment in Bangkok’s Ari or CDMX’s Narvarte can be hundreds less per month than trendier areas two stations away, with no real lifestyle compromise.

• Nab monthly discounts. Message hosts for 30–40% off standard nightly rates, especially in shoulder seasons. Offer to pay a portion upfront for a better deal.

• Trim transport costs. Walkable neighborhoods plus a local transit card or scooter rental often undercut daily rideshares.

• Eat like a local. Hawker centers, mercados, and warungs are where flavor and value intersect. Save Western restaurants for the occasional treat.

• Verify Wi‑Fi, then verify again. Ask for a speed test screenshot, router brand, and whether power backup exists. If you rely on video calls, this is non‑negotiable.

• Mind utilities and extras. Electricity can swing 20–80 USD with heavy AC use in the tropics. Ask about cleaning, water delivery, and building fees before you commit.

• Safety basics. Withdraw from ATMs inside banks or malls, use registered taxis or reputable ride‑hailing, and keep your phone pocket‑safe in crowded areas.

Packing and Practicalities for a Smooth Month

• Connectivity kit: Dual‑SIM or eSIM phone, a compact travel router as backup, and a long lightweight extension cord for quirky outlets.

• Health and comfort: A small first‑aid kit, your preferred meds, a packable air purifier if you’re sensitive to pollution or allergies.

• Work setup: Noise‑isolating earbuds, lightweight laptop stand, and a foldable keyboard if you work on a tablet.

• Payments: A no‑fee debit card with ATM reimbursements and one backup card. Carry a bit of cash for markets and small vendors.

• Local apps: Download ride‑hailing (Grab, Bolt, Didi), delivery (Rappi, Foodpanda), and translation tools before you land.

• Cultural fit: Learn a few phrases. Even a simple thank‑you—terima kasih, kob khun krap/ka, cam on, madloba—opens doors.

Sample Month-Long Budget Blueprint

Use this template to pressure‑test your numbers before you book:

• Rent (studio/1‑bedroom, central): $350–$900 depending on country and city

• Utilities/cleaning: $30–$90

• Mobile data/SIM: $8–$20

• Groceries and markets: $120–$220

• Eating out and coffee: $180–$350

• Coworking/cafes: $40–$150 (or $0 if you work from home)

• Local transport: $25–$80 (scooter rental can add $60–$90)

• Activities/fitness: $30–$120

• Cushion/misc: $100–$200

Plug in city‑specific numbers above to align with the ranges listed for each country.

Make Your Month Count

Pick a place that fits your pace, secure a comfortable apartment with solid Wi‑Fi, and lean into local food and daily rituals. A month is long enough to build routines, find your favorite cafe, and explore the region without rushing. With these 15 countries, your money stretches further, and quality of life rises with it.