10 Countries You Can Live For Less Than $1,000 A Month

With the average cost of living just under $1000 a month, Peru is an affordable and beautiful home abroad for expats. Rent ranges from $300 to $500 in Lima, the capital of Peru, and is even cheaper in other cities.

Aside from its affordability, Peru’s perks include being home to one of the seven wonders of the world–the archeological site of Machu Picchu–as well as the beginning of the Amazon River. In addition to its scenery, the country is also famous for its seafood, including ceviche, Peru’s national dish.

Often regarded for its delectable food, breathtaking beaches and vibrant entertainment, South Africa’s affordability is truly the cherry on top. Those looking to make the move can expect rent and restaurant dining prices of about 60% lower than those in the United States. With these significant cuts in cost, the average monthly spend for one person in South Africa is $887.

On a normal day, expats can expect nearly perfect weather, with the country averaging over 300 days of sunshine per year. To soak it in, you can ride horseback in the Drakensberg, watch whales in Hermanus or enjoy a comical colony of endangered African penguins waddling about on Boulders Beach.

The best part of South Africa, however, may be the friendly people who call it home. Travelers have reported South Africans to be among the friendliest groups of people to international relocators, making any expats transition to the country all the more seamless.

A far too underrated relocation destination is Thailand, with an average cost of living about 58% lower than that of the United States. With inexpensive eating options, transportation, rent and recreation, the average monthly expenses for one person total $934.

Beyond the affordability, Thailand offers a wide variety of delicious foods and fruits, stunning beaches, and extravagant cultural festivals like the world-famous water festival Songkran. If it is relaxation you are after, the Thai are also known for their renown massages.

With an average cost of living about 55% lower than that of the United States, Mexico is a close and affordable neighbor for Americans looking to relocate. Estimated monthly costs for one person including rent are $894 in the capital city of Quito and are even less outside of the capital. While eating out can be a bit expensive, the markets offer significantly low prices that will help anyone on a budget save money by buying fresh and cooking their own meals.

Additionally, when spending money in Ecuador, there will be no need for conversion, as the official currency of the country is the US dollar. However somewhat free activities to do in Ecuador include hiking popular trails along Mount Chimborazo (which is actually 1.5 mi taller than Mount Everest) or even enjoying peaceful walks throughout the historic Old Town of Quito, home to beautiful 16th century Spanish architecture.

If an Eurasian lifestyle sounds like a perfect fit for you, Turkey is one of the most cost-effective destinations for settling down abroad. With the cost of living totaling about $880 a month, this picturesque country can make a $1K budget feel like much more.

Expats can expect to pay from $350 to $550 in rent per month, a price of about 80% less than the average cost of rent in the United States.

Outside of a great cost of living, Turkey has something for everyone. If shopping is your guiltless pleasure, spend a day at The Grand Bazaar, the old and largest market in the world selling everything from food to home decor. Alternatively, feel free to sail along the Black Sea and enjoy the coastline, one of the longest in the world with incredible views.

Aside from incredible food and vibrant culture, India can offer expats a cost of living about 80% lower than that of the United States. Including rent, one person can expect to spend around $554 per month on all living expenses.

If you’re looking for extra ways to spend the nearly $500 you’ll have left on a $1K budget, you can enjoy a variety of unique experiences. If serenity and history is what you’re looking for, enjoy a sunrise yoga at the Taj Mahal. If you yearn for entertainment, watch a Bollywood movie in Mumbai, the home of the world’s largest film production industry. If nature is what you’re after, experience a safari from Jaipur to take in a view of native Indian tigers in their natural habitats.

An additional perk of moving to India is that the country is only second to the United States in linguistic diversity, with 10% of the population (about 125 million people) identifying as fluent in English. Another 30% of the population speak some English.

The cost of living in Argentina is 50% lower than in the United States.

You can do well in Argentina with $1,000 per month.

As for rent in Buenos Aires, you can generally expect to pay between $300 and $400 but expect to pay significantly less in other areas.

Argentina is a beautiful place to live where you can eat well, enjoy Argentina’s renowned wine varieties such as Malbec and Torrontes, and beautiful landscapes.

Head to Iguazu to see some of the world’s most amazing waterfalls, or drive Route 40 through Patagonia.

Croatia doesn’t get enough credit as a budget-friendly destination for expats. Estimated monthly costs are $779.80 for a single person. Croatia’s cost of living is 21% less than the United States, and rent is 52% lower.

There’s so much to love about Croatia if you plan to live there, including access to some of the most beautiful beaches and adventures on the wine trails.

The cost of living is what makes Vietnam an attractive destination for aspiring expats. A single person can live in Vietnam for as low as $700 a month, according to Numbeo. The cost of living, on average, is 47% lower than in the United States and rent is 55% lower.

Rent in Ho Chi Minh City will cost you a little more but rent in the beautiful beach city Nha Trang is only $325.

Living under $1K isn’t the only thing you will love about Vietnam but also the warm and welcoming hospitality from locals, and traveling through a place that offers some of the healthiest dishes without breaking the bank.

One place you have to visit is Dalat known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate and some of the most beautiful villages you will ever see.

Known to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the world for its breathtaking scenery and incredible safari, Zimbabwe is full of adventure and a good work-life balance.

A single person’s estimated monthly costs are just under $1000, rent included. The cost of living in Zimbabwe is, on average, 31% lower than in the United States and rent is 44% lower.