With the rising cost of living in many major cities, finding a place where you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without stretching your budget feels harder than ever. Yet, around the world, there are still vibrant cities where $2,000 a month covers rent, food, transportation, and even a few indulgences — all without sacrificing quality of life. These aren’t just sleepy towns or remote villages, but thriving urban hubs offering culture, community, and modern amenities.
From bustling Southeast Asian capitals to scenic cities in Eastern Europe, affordable living doesn’t mean giving up excitement or opportunity. These cities combine a lower cost of living with access to great food, entertainment, healthcare, and a welcoming expat scene. They’re ideal for digital nomads, retirees, or anyone looking for a fresh start somewhere new.
In this post, we’ll explore ten cities where you can stretch your dollars further while still living well. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked beaches, rich cultural history, or a vibrant nightlife, these destinations offer a lifestyle that’s both affordable and fulfilling.
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Quick & Easy Tips for Living Comfortably Abroad
Research Local Costs Beyond Rent — Factor in utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare when budgeting.
Live Like a Local, Not a Tourist — Shop at local markets, use public transit, and avoid tourist traps for better value.
Consider Shared Housing or Co-Living Spaces — These often offer more amenities for less cost, plus built-in communities.
Check Visa Requirements Before You Go — Some countries have affordable living but strict long-term stay regulations.
Tap Into Expat Communities for Insider Advice — Locals and expats can help you find the best deals and neighborhoods.
One common misconception is that living comfortably on $2,000 a month means settling for subpar conditions. In reality, many cities offer modern apartments, quality healthcare, and vibrant cultural scenes at this budget — especially when compared to skyrocketing costs in places like New York or London.
Another debated belief is that you’ll automatically earn “cheap living” status by moving to a lower-cost country. The truth is, lifestyle choices have a huge impact. Dining out every night or living in expat-heavy neighborhoods can quickly blow your budget, even in traditionally affordable places.
Perhaps most surprising is the idea that these affordable cities are unsafe or lack opportunities. Many of the world’s budget-friendly cities have thriving economies, active social scenes, and excellent infrastructure. They may not be on every travel influencer’s radar, but they offer a high quality of life for those willing to explore beyond mainstream destinations.
1. Medellín, Colombia
Estimated monthly budget: $1,200–$1,700
Why it’s great: Dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín offers perfect weather year-round, a thriving digital nomad scene, and modern infrastructure.
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom apartment (El Poblado or Laureles): $500–$800
Utilities and internet: $80–$100
Groceries and eating out: $300–$400
Public transportation: $30/month
Excellent healthcare, reliable Wi-Fi, and walkable neighborhoods with mountain views.
2. Da Nang, Vietnam
Estimated monthly budget: $900–$1,400
Why it’s great: Coastal city vibes with a modern twist—Da Nang blends beaches, affordability, and infrastructure better than most in Southeast Asia.
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom near beach or center: $300–$600
Utilities/internet: $50
Local food: $2–$4 per meal
Motorbike rental: $50/month
Peaceful compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, with a fast-growing expat community and laid-back lifestyle.
3. Lisbon (or outskirts), Portugal
Estimated monthly budget: $1,500–$2,000
Why it’s great: European capital with old-world charm and ocean views—plus excellent public transport and a rising remote work scene.
Cost breakdown (if you live just outside the city center):
1-bedroom apartment: $800–$1,100
Groceries and dining: $400
Metro pass: $45/month
Healthcare (public or private): very affordable
EU residency perks, visa options (D7, digital nomad), and a fantastic quality of life.
4. Cuenca, Ecuador
Estimated monthly budget: $1,000–$1,400
Why it’s great: Historic charm meets Andean serenity. Cuenca is safe, welcoming, and home to a growing community of expats and retirees.
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom apartment: $400–$600
Meals out: $3–$6
Public healthcare: included for residents
Transportation: walkable, buses ~25 cents
Low altitude issues, spring-like climate, and UNESCO-listed architecture all add to the appeal.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Estimated monthly budget: $800–$1,300
Why it’s great: A long-time favorite for nomads and slow travelers, Chiang Mai offers low prices, good infrastructure, and peaceful living in northern Thailand.
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom condo: $250–$500
Food: $1–$3 per meal from street vendors
Coworking space: ~$100/month
Monthly scooter rental: ~$70
Mountains, temples, yoga studios, and excellent digital infrastructure make it easy to stay long-term.
6. Tbilisi, Georgia
Estimated monthly budget: $1,000–$1,500
Why it’s great: A hidden gem in Eastern Europe with incredible food, a rich culture, and a generous visa policy (1 year for many nationalities).
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom apartment in central areas: $300–$600
Dining: $3–$7 for meals
High-speed internet: included in most rentals
Transport: $15/month
Unique mix of modern and ancient, surrounded by nature and famous for Georgian hospitality and wine.
7. Split, Croatia
Estimated monthly budget: $1,400–$2,000
Why it’s great: A historic coastal city on the Adriatic with Mediterranean charm and modern living standards.
Cost breakdown:
Rent near old town or beach: $600–$900
Groceries and markets: $300–$400
Transportation: walkable, local buses ~$1
Healthcare: low-cost, high quality
EU access, laid-back lifestyle, island-hopping potential, and strong digital nomad presence.
8. Oaxaca, Mexico
Estimated monthly budget: $900–$1,300
Why it’s great: Rich culture, world-famous cuisine, and colonial beauty make Oaxaca one of Mexico’s most loved (and affordable) cities.
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom apartment: $400–$600
Street food or lunch menus: $2–$5
Healthcare: great private options
Wi-Fi, SIM, and utilities: very cheap
Art, mezcal, colorful festivals, and friendly locals offer more than just affordability—it’s an experience.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
Estimated monthly budget: $1,200–$1,800
Why it’s great: East meets West in this vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating city with ancient history and a modern pulse.
Cost breakdown:
Apartment in Kadiköy or Beyoğlu: $500–$800
Local eats: $3–$7 per meal
Ferry, metro, tram pass: ~$30/month
Great café culture and Wi-Fi
Dynamic expat life, historic architecture, and access to Europe and Asia in one place.
10. Dumaguete, Philippines
Estimated monthly budget: $900–$1,300
Why it’s great: Often called the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete is small, friendly, and perfect for divers, nature lovers, and budget-conscious expats.
Cost breakdown:
1-bedroom near city center: $250–$450
Meals: $2–$5
Utilities: ~$50/month
Healthcare: inexpensive, English-speaking doctors
Easy island access, good scuba diving, and one of the lowest costs of living in Southeast Asia.
Final Thoughts
Finding a city where you can live comfortably for under $2,000 a month isn’t just about saving money — it’s about gaining freedom, flexibility, and a lifestyle that feels both affordable and rewarding. With the right research and a little adventurous spirit, the dream of affordable city living is still alive in many corners of the world.
The key is knowing what you want from your lifestyle and being open to places that might not have been on your radar before. By balancing affordability with quality of life, you can discover cities that offer not just financial freedom, but cultural richness, community, and daily enjoyment.
So before you write off the idea of moving abroad or changing cities, take a look at these ten destinations. They might just offer the perfect blend of affordability, adventure, and opportunity you’ve been looking for.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.