agencyRelocating abroad doesn’t always mean earning a high salary or living a luxury lifestyle. In many parts of the world, foreigners are living comfortably, safely, and happily on modest incomes while enjoying good healthcare, affordable housing, reliable transport, and a strong sense of community. In 2025, rising living costs in traditional destinations like the US, UK, and parts of Western Europe have pushed many migrants, retirees, digital workers, and students to explore cheaper countries that still offer a high quality of life.
Living comfortably is not just about low rent. It includes access to healthcare, food affordability, social stability, visa friendliness, safety, and opportunities to work or do business. This guide explores some of the cheapest countries where foreigners can live well, what daily life looks like, and why these destinations are increasingly popular.
What “Living Comfortably” Really Means for Foreigners
Comfortable living does not mean luxury apartments or expensive entertainment. For most foreigners, comfort means being able to pay rent easily, eat well, access healthcare, move around safely, and still save money or invest in the future.
A country may be cheap, but if it lacks safety, infrastructure, or healthcare, it may not be comfortable. The countries discussed here balance low cost of living with livability, making them suitable for workers, families, retirees, and long-term migrants.
Portugal
Portugal consistently ranks as one of the most affordable and comfortable countries in Western Europe for foreigners.
Rent outside major city centers is relatively low, groceries are affordable, and public transportation is efficient and cheap. Healthcare is high quality and accessible, even for non-citizens with residence permits. The climate is mild, crime rates are low, and English is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Portugal also offers a relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals, and strong social integration for foreigners. Many people live comfortably on modest incomes compared to other EU countries.
Mexico
Mexico remains one of the most popular low-cost destinations for foreigners from North America, Europe, and Africa.
Housing costs are affordable, especially outside Mexico City. Food is cheap and fresh, public transport is widely available, and private healthcare is both affordable and high quality. Many foreigners enjoy comfortable living with access to international schools, modern infrastructure, and vibrant communities.
Mexico’s cultural richness, warm climate, and strong expat networks make it easy to settle in and live well on a reasonable budget.
Thailand
Thailand is a top destination for foreigners seeking a high quality of life at a low cost.
Accommodation, transportation, and food are extremely affordable. Street food and local restaurants cost very little, yet healthcare standards are high, especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Private hospitals are internationally accredited and inexpensive compared to Western countries.
Thailand’s infrastructure, safety, digital connectivity, and visa options for long-term stays make it ideal for workers, retirees, and online professionals.
Vietnam
Vietnam offers one of the best cost-to-quality-of-life ratios in Asia.
Rent is low, food is affordable, and transportation costs are minimal. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer modern amenities, strong internet access, and growing international communities. Healthcare is improving rapidly, with affordable private hospitals available.
Foreigners often find that their money stretches far, allowing comfortable living, travel, and savings at the same time.
Georgia
Georgia has emerged as a hidden gem for foreigners seeking affordability and visa flexibility.
Living costs are low, housing is affordable, and food is inexpensive. Georgia offers simple residence options and is known for its welcoming attitude toward foreigners. Cities like Tbilisi offer modern services, safety, and a growing international community.
Healthcare is affordable, public transport is cheap, and the cost of daily life is significantly lower than in most European countries.
Turkey
Turkey combines affordability with strong infrastructure and cultural richness.
Rent, food, and transportation are reasonably priced, especially outside major cities like Istanbul. Healthcare services are modern and affordable, and private hospitals are widely used by foreigners.
Turkey offers a comfortable lifestyle with good public services, diverse climates, and a strong balance between urban life and tradition.
Colombia
Colombia has transformed into one of Latin America’s most affordable and livable destinations.
Housing is cheap, food costs are low, and public transportation is reliable. Cities like Medellín offer modern infrastructure, good healthcare, and safe neighborhoods. Many foreigners enjoy comfortable lifestyles with access to social activities, nature, and strong expat communities.
Colombia’s improving economy and welcoming culture make it attractive for long-term living.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers excellent value for money, especially for foreigners looking for comfort and stability.
Rent is affordable, healthcare is world-class and inexpensive, and public transportation is efficient. English is widely spoken, making integration easier. The cost of food, utilities, and services is low compared to many developed countries.
Malaysia’s safety, infrastructure, and multicultural society make it one of the most comfortable low-cost countries in Asia.
Indonesia
Indonesia, particularly cities like Bali and Yogyakarta, attracts foreigners seeking low-cost living with a relaxed lifestyle.
Housing costs are low, food is cheap, and transportation is affordable. Healthcare is accessible, and private hospitals cater to international residents. Many foreigners live comfortably while working remotely or running small businesses.
Indonesia’s culture, climate, and affordability make it appealing for long-term stays.
Romania
Romania is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union.
Rent and utilities are low, groceries are inexpensive, and transportation is cheap. Healthcare costs are manageable, and private services are accessible. Cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca offer modern living with lower expenses than Western Europe.
Romania combines EU benefits with low living costs, making it attractive for foreigners seeking stability and affordability.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers one of the lowest costs of living in Europe while maintaining a decent quality of life.
Housing is affordable, food prices are low, and utilities are inexpensive. Healthcare is accessible, and cities like Sofia offer growing international communities.
Foreigners can live comfortably while enjoying European infrastructure at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere in the EU.
Philippines
The Philippines is a budget-friendly country with strong English proficiency and a welcoming culture.
Rent and food are affordable, healthcare is accessible through private hospitals, and transportation is inexpensive. The country’s warm climate and friendly locals make settling in easier for foreigners.
Many retirees and remote workers live comfortably while enjoying coastal and city lifestyles.
Factors That Affect Your Cost of Living Abroad
Even in cheap countries, your lifestyle choices matter. Living in city centers costs more than suburban or regional areas. Imported goods increase expenses, while local food and transport reduce costs.
Visa type, healthcare coverage, and housing standards also influence overall expenses. Understanding local systems helps foreigners live comfortably without overspending.
How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably
In many of the countries listed, foreigners can live comfortably on incomes that would barely cover rent in major Western cities. Monthly budgets vary by country and city, but many people manage housing, food, healthcare, and transport while still saving.
The key is adjusting expectations and embracing local lifestyles rather than replicating expensive habits from home.
Key Takeaways
Living comfortably abroad does not require extreme wealth. Countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America offer affordable living with safety, healthcare access, and quality infrastructure. Portugal, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Georgia, Turkey, Colombia, Malaysia, Romania, and others allow foreigners to enjoy stable, fulfilling lives at a fraction of the cost found in traditional destinations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right country can dramatically improve your quality of life while reducing financial stress. The cheapest countries to live comfortably as a foreigner in 2025 offer more than low prices — they provide safety, community, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive. With proper planning and realistic expectations, relocating abroad can lead to a more balanced, secure, and enjoyable life without overspending.
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