Imagine packing your bags for somewhere new—a city that doesn’t drain your bank account, but still has the perks you crave. Affordable living is more than nabbing a cheap studio or bargain groceries. It’s about finding a place where you don’t feel stuck choosing between your next meal and your idea of fun. Cities are changing, the world is shifting, and right now, some of the nicest places are also suddenly the cheapest they’ve ever been.
What Makes a Place Both Nice and Cheap?
Cost of living means more than cheap rent. The real sweet spot is where you have pleasant surroundings, reliable healthcare, decent internet, and life feels full—without your wallet shriveling up every payday. When people talk about "niceness" they usually mean clean air, friendly neighbours, green parks, and a sense of safety. But what makes a spot affordable? It comes down to a handful of things: lower rent and property prices, cheaper groceries, affordable public transport, and healthcare that doesn’t involve selling your car to see a dentist.
Take for example, places like Chiang Mai, Thailand, or Porto, Portugal. Chiang Mai's average rent for a one-bedroom in the city centre remains under AU$600 per month, and you can feast like royalty on AU$2 street food meals. In Porto, a glass of wine is cheaper than a soda back in Sydney. But wait—it’s not just about the numbers. Some cities offer great weather, vibrant culture, safe streets, and opportunities to meet people from around the world, all while keeping costs low. Safety, walkability, social life, and access to services actually matter more than scoring the lowest rent.
But here's the kicker: affordability can shift rapidly. Exchange rates bounce around, new visa schemes pop up, and remote work keeps letting people hunt global bargains. According to the 2024 Numbeo Cost of Living Index, cities in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia keep popping up as great value. Tbilisi in Georgia, for example, scores high marks for comfort and affordability. Georgia introduced a remote worker visa in 2023, bringing new life to once-quiet old towns, all at a third of Sydney’s cost.
Think about what you really want. Fast internet? Mild winters? Loads of art, or if you’re the outdoorsy type, plenty of hiking trails? Prioritizing your non-negotiables before comparing costs makes all the difference. Don’t just chase cheap—chase the life you want, in a place that welcomes you without making you broke.
The World’s Standout Affordable Cities in 2025
Right now, if you ask seasoned travelers or those who’ve made the move, a few cities rise to the top. Eastern Europe is especially hot: cities like Bucharest and Sofia are buzzing thanks to low rents, modern transport, and a youthful vibe. Medellin in Colombia, once infamous for all the wrong reasons, has completely reinvented itself. The weather here feels like endless spring, green spaces dot the city, and eating out costs less than cooking at home in Australia, with rents for a city centre apartment hovering at around AU$400 per month. And the expat and remote work community is huge—so you’re never alone.
Let’s not forget Latin America’s gems. “You can live better on less in Mexico than just about anywhere else in North America,” says travel writer Tim Leffel. His advice? Look beyond Mexico City, and check out places like Merida, where colorful colonial streets meet beachy weather—and the cost of living lets you splurge on tacos and take weekend trips without worrying about your bank app.
If Asia is on your radar, Vietnam is a wild card. Cities like Da Nang offer affordable beachside living, fresh markets, and tasty food stalls, all for a quarter of the cost you’ll pay in big Australian cities. Phnom Penh and Tbilisi are hard to beat for the digital-nomad crowd. You’ll find coworking spaces in converted French mansions or industrial-chic lofts, and a coffee will set you back less than a dollar. Plus, these cities still have plenty of opportunities to learn, meet people, and try something new every week.
Here’s a quick look at just how stark the differences really are:
| City | Average Rent (1BR, Central) | Meal (Restaurant) | Public Transport (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney, Australia | AU$2,800 | AU$22 | AU$174 |
| Porto, Portugal | AU$1,150 | AU$18 | AU$55 |
| Tbilisi, Georgia | AU$600 | AU$13 | AU$20 |
| Da Nang, Vietnam | AU$450 | AU$5 | AU$15 |
| Medellin, Colombia | AU$400 | AU$9 | AU$30 |
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but that right mix of low cost and rich experience is out there if you’re open about where to go. Just keep in mind, political stability, visa rules, and healthcare access are important—always look before you leap.
How to Spot a Well-Kept Secret: Tips for Finding Affordable Paradise
So, how do you actually find a city that’s cheap and nice, not just cheap and boring? Most of the best spots aren’t getting blasted on Instagram every week. Here’s how you can sniff out those real-life hidden gems:
- Look at the expat and digital nomad groups on Facebook or Reddit. You’ll get unfiltered advice on safety, real crime stats, and how far your money actually goes.
- Search for “cost of living” calculators—Numbeo, Expatistan, and local real estate sites can help you compare dozens of cities. But don’t just trust numbers. Be sure to poke around expat blogs and YouTube channels for behind-the-scenes scoop on what’s changing, especially when it comes to government rules, visas, or new taxes.
- Watch out for “cheap, but for a reason”. Some very affordable cities come with catches: unreliable healthcare, unstable internet, crazy traffic, or serious air pollution. Spend time reading up on the local healthcare system, and check internet speed averages before you commit.
- Try a short stay before making the leap. Sign up for a month on Airbnb or through trusted expat contacts to get a feel for things in real time. The last thing you want is finding out the weather’s all rain all the time, or that the nightlife shuts down at 8pm.
- Balance visa cost and paperwork. Some cool cities have eased up: Portugal’s digital nomad visa costs less than week’s rent back home, in 2025 Georgia still offers easy stays, and Mexico lets you settle in for six months without much fuss.
- Find cities with strong local culture. Why? You’ll get a richer experience, and the local shops, markets, music, and hangouts will make you feel like a part of somewhere—rather than a lost tourist with a map.
Cheapest place to live doesn't just mean cutting back—think of it as opening up. You can get more for less in places that tick your boxes, whether it's the beach, quiet suburbs, or city lights.
"For the same money you spend on a tiny apartment in a hot market, you could afford a spacious home—with ocean views, even—in an overlooked spot," says property analyst Michael Yardney.
“The world’s best value for money doesn’t mean settling for less comfort, it means finding more of what matters to you—without going broke.”
How To Actually Move: Practical Steps and Common Pitfalls
Dreaming about a change is easy, but making it real is a whole other story. Start by deciding what matters most—maybe you want year-round warm weather, or perhaps you value good internet above all. Once you’ve picked a possible city, look up the exact paperwork. Visa policies change every year. For example, as of July 2025, Thailand has a special long-stay visa for digital workers, while Portugal has extended its residency options.
Health is a non-negotiable. Read up on local clinics, hospitals and dental care. Check the vaccination requirements (still a thing in some parts, post-pandemic!). Insurance is a must; international health insurers often offer low-cost plans tailored to young professionals or families.
Packing is a science. Only bring what you can’t easily find abroad (medications, personal documents, a few home comforts). Most big cities have shopping malls and online delivery these days, but double-check if you have favourite brands or tech. Timely banking is another headache to tackle. Open a local bank account, or grab a reliable international debit card—Wise and Revolut are two on-the-go favourites for people moving abroad in 2025.
Set up housing ahead of time. Don’t just show up and hope for the best. Landlords in cheaper cities sometimes prefer cash or short-term leases, so join trustworthy forums and try to get a local contact who can help. If you’re moving with pets, snag the specific rules about animal transport and quarantine—every country is different in surprising ways, some make it a breeze, others drown you in paperwork.
Connect early. The easiest way to not feel alone is to jump into hobby meetups or language classes as soon as you arrive. This gets you street-smart on hidden costs and helps you adjust faster. If you can, find a mentor or a buddy who’s already made the jump, even if it’s just online for the first few weeks.
You’ll hear horror stories about people showing up in the world’s “cheapest” spot, only to leave disappointed. The trick is to spend a little up front—on a scouting trip, or some online research—so you actually get what you hoped for. Being realistic about day-to-day life beats chasing the lowest price and ending up in a spot that makes you miserable.
So where’s that dream spot? It’s out there, a city that feels like you but lets you live better for less. The world’s more open than ever if you’re willing to look for the places few people have heard of just yet.
