How Far Your Dollar Goes Outside of The US

We can all agree that living in the United States is expensive. Inflation isn’t quite as high as it was, but prices are still rising. Everything from rent to groceries to clothing is more costly than it used to be. If you’re considering a move to another country, here are some other places where you can live for less.

Panama

Located in Central America, Panama has a lot to offer. Its climate is mild and it has plenty of beautiful beaches. It’s also located relatively close to the US, so moving there won’t put you too far from your friends and family. That makes it a great choice for those who want to relocate.

The cost of living in Panama is about half of what it is in the United States. The average cost to live there for a month is only $1,112 per person. Rent will only cost you about $588 a month while groceries come in at a little under $100 per week.

Mexico

You might think of touristy spots like Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, or Cozumel when you think of Mexico. That’s natural, but there’s a lot more to our Southern neighbor than tourism. For starters, it’s a country with tons of natural beauty including jungles and sandy beaches. The food is delicious and inexpensive.

It’s far less expensive to live in Mexico than it is in the US. The average rent is shockingly low at about $354. A single person can live in Mexico for under $800 per month including rent, utilities, and groceries. Healthcare is much less expensive than in the United States and it’s pretty easy to become a resident, too!

Portugal

Some European countries have a cost of living that’s not very much lower than in the States. Portugal’s an exception. It’s a beautiful country with tons of charm. The Portuguese coastline is welcoming and warm-and the food, which is Mediterranean and based on fresh ingredients, is incredible!

If you move to Portugal, you can expect an estimated cost of living of about $1,073 per person. Portugal might be a small country, but it has stellar public transportation, so you may not even need a car. That means you’ll save money on gas and insurance, too.

Costa Rica

It’s undeniable that countries in Central America have a lot of allure for US citizens who want a less costly place to live. Costa Rica is a great example. Rent for one person averages only $440 per month and you can live there for about $1,000 per month.

Like Mexico, Costa Rica has affordable healthcare, which means you can live or retire there without depleting your savings. The weather’s mild, the beaches are gorgeous, and there’s a thriving expat community and friendly locals, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends.

Ecuador

If you’re tired of worrying about paying the rent, may we suggest a move to Ecuador? The monthly cost of living for one person is an incredibly low $785 and the average rent is only $322. Compare that to what you’re paying now! We’re willing to bet it’s a lot less.

Whatever kind of natural beauty you prefer, Ecuador has it. Choose from rainforests, mountains, and miles of beaches. Those who have moved there praise the country for its safety and comfortable climate. If you’re looking to get away from the daily grind, Ecuador could be your new home!

Colombia

If you’re looking for a country with a built-in expat community, may we suggest Colombia? The cost of living there is only about a quarter of what it is in the United States, coming in at about $546 per month. That includes everything-even rent!

Nature lovers are particularly fond of Colombia, which is one of the most biodiverse nations on Earth. It borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific. The Amazon rainforest is in the East of the country while the Andes Mountains soar over the west.

Malta

What about an island lifestyle that’s still way less expensive than living in the US? If that’s your idea of a dream, Malta is waiting for you. This small island nation is surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean-and you’ll have 360-degree views of that sparkling water!

The cost of living in Malta isn’t quite as low as it is in some other countries we’ve mentioned, but it still comes in at only $1,340 per month. Of course, there are some luxury spots where rent is more expensive, but food and other items are far more affordable than they are in most American states.

France

France is the home of wine, the home of cheese, the home of high fashion, and the home of famous artwork. Who wouldn’t want to live there? It might surprise you to learn that the average cost of living in France is only $1,451, which makes it significantly cheaper than the US.

Not only is the cost of living affordable, France also has low-cost healthcare. There’s so much to see in-country that you may never want to leave. You can lounge on the beach, ski in the Alps, or dine in a Michelin star restaurant in Paris. C’est la vie!

Uruguay

At this point, it shouldn’t surprise you to see another Latin American country on this list. The average rent in Uruguay is a mere $526 per month, and the cost of living is only $1,143. That’s about half of what it costs to live in the United States.

Uruguay is a small-ish country, but it has about 400 miles of beautiful coastline. People who like winter and summer will appreciate that Uruguay has four seasons. There’s plenty to explore, delicious food, and you won’t be too far from your friends and family in the States!

Spain

The third European country on our list is next to the first one. Spain is a large and diverse country with a rich cultural history. You can eat tapas for lunch and take in a flamenco show at night! If nature’s your priority, Spain’s got beaches, mountains, and everything in between.

When it comes to expenses, the average cost of living for one month is about $1,246 or a little more than half of what it is in the US. Spain’s got fantastic healthcare that’s affordable, too. That alone would be enough to make a move to this gorgeous Mediterranean country worthwhile.

Home Is Where The Heart Is… And It Doesn’t Need To Be Expensive

There’s no question that moving to another country is a big deal. If you’re up for an adventure, though, it could be just what you need to expand your horizons and save money! The ten countries on our list all offer lower costs than the US.

The best part about all these places is that they’re close enough to home to make visiting often a possibility. The only other thing we’d suggest is that you might want to brush up on your Spanish considering how many Central and South American countries made our list. Vamonos!