Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living in the World

Tunisia offers an incredibly low cost of living, with a monthly budget of just $424. With this affordable cost, anyone can visit this country. For only $1.50, you can enjoy a meal at a local fast food place serving traditional dishes. For $45 or more, you can rent a room just a block away from the main Habib Bourguiba Avenue in downtown Tunis. You can even stay near the beach in Hammamet for around $40. A typical taxi ride across Tunisia will cost between $3 and $6, depending on traffic. Healthcare costs are quite affordable, with a visit to a private clinic costing around $20 without any insurance. Unlike many other countries where processed and packaged foods are cheap while fresh fruits and vegetables are expensive, Tunisia offers the opposite: cereals and packaged foods are inexpensive, while fresh produce is quite affordable. Overall, everything in Tunisia will likely be cheaper compared to a similar destination in Europe!

Sri Lanka, a rapidly developing nation, is becoming increasingly popular as more people discover its countless charms. With a monthly cost of living around $428, it’s possible to live affordably in Sri Lanka, especially if you use local transport and stay in budget accommodations. You can travel across the island by bus for just $25, enjoy hearty meals at local eateries for just a few dollars, and find basic rooms to rent starting at $25.

Located between the well-traveled regions of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With its endless beaches, ancient ruins, welcoming people, numerous elephants, cheap surfing, exciting train rides, famous tea, and flavorful food, Sri Lanka is hard to resist. However, due to the ongoing economic crisis, visitors may experience shortages in essential supplies such as fuel, cooking gas, and medicine. There may also be planned power outages and disruptions in fuel availability during your stay.

Kyrgyzstan, a small, landlocked country in Central Asia, is defined by the stunning Tien Shan mountain range, which covers 80% of its territory, lush valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear alpine lakes. The country is truly one of the most picturesque destinations in the region. Known for its untouched wilderness, fertile valleys, pristine lakes, and ancient nomadic culture, Kyrgyzstan is an affordable place to live with a monthly cost of just $430. If you're traveling, especially during the summer, your living expenses will be even lower.

This is one of the few places where you can still experience authentic nomadic culture. You can camp for free almost anywhere in Kyrgyzstan, and when you're not camping, you'll find that staying in hostels, guesthouses, or yurts is incredibly inexpensive. A dorm bed in major cities costs just $8 per night, and a hearty meal in a local restaurant will cost you under $5. The most expensive form of transport in Kyrgyzstan is by car, while the cheapest way to get around is by public transport.

As the largest country in Africa, Algeria boasts stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage (with no fewer than 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and beautiful beaches. Algeria is one of the most affordable countries to live in, with a monthly cost of just $431. You can comfortably live here with a full range of services available. Restaurants and cafes in Algeria offer delicious meals at reasonable prices, and dining out is relatively affordable, especially for those on an average income. Living costs can be even lower if you avoid eating out, but the most economical way to live is to shop at local markets and cook at home, as groceries are quite inexpensive.

If you're in Algeria, you’ll likely need to travel around the country or within your city by bus, train, taxi, or car. The great thing is, transportation is very affordable, and the public transport system is excellent, as Algeria has one of the most developed road networks. Besides rent, utilities typically cost around $30 a month, which is very reasonable. On the other hand, mobile phone charges are very cheap.

Syria is home to several ancient civilizations, with the Phoenician civilization being one of the most notable. It has passed through the hands of the Persian, Macedonian, and Roman empires, becoming a center of power and Islamic civilization from the 7th century and part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516. Once one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East, Syria today offers incredibly low living costs, with a monthly expense of just $435. Living costs in Syria are on average 64.27% lower than in the United States, and housing is 90.70% cheaper.

While access to housing, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and basic services has deteriorated since the conflict began, tourists can still find decent services while visiting. Damascus, the capital, is one of the safest cities for tourists and remains unaffected by the violence seen in cities like Aleppo and Homs. From food to accommodation, everything in Damascus is affordable.

In recent decades, Nepal has undergone significant political and social transformation, evolving from a rural, agriculture-dependent country into one with expanding urban spaces. The monthly cost of living is approximately $439. While rural Nepali still rely on agriculture, it now contributes only 25% to the nation's economy, with sectors like banking, telecommunications, commerce, and services rapidly growing.

The development of most cities outside the Kathmandu Valley has emerged as a relatively new trend, with the expansion of commercial centers along Nepal's southern border. The average monthly wage in Nepal is around 610 USD. While the cost of living in Nepal is lower than in many developed countries like the UAE or Germany, it remains higher than some neighboring countries like Pakistan. As is typical, rents in city centers are more expensive than in the suburbs. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around 114 USD per month, while a similar apartment in the outskirts may be around 82 USD. Eating out at a budget restaurant can cost as little as 2 USD.

Turkey is one of the most budget-friendly countries in the world, with a monthly cost of living of just 447 USD. The largest portion of your expenses in Turkey will be rent. On the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, a basic two-bedroom apartment will cost you between 214 and 312 USD a month. In Istanbul, the bustling city center, you can rent a basic studio apartment in the suburbs for around 187 USD. Monthly utility bills for electricity, water, sewage, phone, internet, gas, and satellite typically range from 22 to 85 USD.

Annual expenses in Turkey are incredibly affordable compared to countries like the UK or the US. A basic meal at a cheap restaurant or fast food costs about 2 USD, and a mid-range restaurant meal might cost up to 8 USD. For expatriates under 65, residency and healthcare expenses are notable as they must have health insurance to qualify for residency, which costs about 376 USD annually. Shopping at local markets for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products is cheaper than shopping at major supermarkets, averaging around 16 USD per week for a variety of items.

Afghanistan, a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, has been devastated by decades of conflict. Known for its majestic countryside and rugged mountain ranges, visitors come to engage with local communities, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and explore ancient landmarks like the massive Buddha statues in Bamiyan. Today, the cost of living in Afghanistan is among the lowest in the world, at just 354 USD/month, allowing locals to maintain a modest yet stable lifestyle.

While travel to Afghanistan is not recommended in recent years due to security concerns, the country still offers unique experiences for adventurous travelers. With such low expenses, exploring Afghanistan on a budget can be a thrilling adventure. However, healthcare services here lag far behind those in more developed nations. Afghanistan is a land full of mysterious landmarks, ancient stories, beautiful Islamic architecture, medieval streets, and unexpectedly stunning natural beauty.

Pakistan is a country rich in history and has seen significant economic development since gaining independence. Despite this, Pakistan remains one of the lowest-cost countries to live in, with an average cost of just 370 USD/month. The largest sector in Pakistan is semi-industrialized manufacturing. Due to the low cost of living, public services like healthcare and education are not always reliable, and most expatriates opt for private services.

Despite this, Pakistan offers the lowest cost of living compared to any other country in the world, with even petroleum products priced lower than anywhere else. Visitors to Pakistan often express satisfaction due to the affordability. The biggest expense for locals is rent, but housing remains very affordable. Even amid global price hikes and the economic impact of the pandemic, life in Pakistan has remained remarkably stable. The country boasts many stores selling cheap goods, although public transportation can be overcrowded.

India is one of the most affordable countries to live in, with basic expenses like food, water, and housing averaging 423 USD/month. Depending on the city, costs may vary slightly, but in general, it’s cheaper to rent than to buy property. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around 120 USD/month, while outside the city center, the price drops to 60 USD/month. Eating out in India is very budget-friendly, with a simple meal costing as low as 2 USD, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant priced at about 12 USD. The transportation system is also very affordable, and shopping malls in major cities offer both local and international brands. Personal care items are similarly inexpensive. India is a densely populated country, and you’ll find everything from cozy bars and pubs to lively nightclubs in every major city.