Places to Live Under US$1,000 per Month

If you only had US$1,000 per month to live on, where would you go – and why?

Whether you’re living off investment interest or starting over from virtual scratch, there are places in the world where you can make that kind of budget work.

As always, getting the right advice from the start can save you a lot of time, effort, and money. 

Rather than relying on local providers, it pays to have impartial advice from international experts with no specific allegiance to any one jurisdiction – that way, you can be confident that you’re ‘going where you’re treated best’.

So, the Nomad Capitalist team has put together this in-depth guide to finding somewhere to live for under US$1,000 – even a few locations where you can do it in style. 

We also asked our Nomad Capitalist audience, and they chimed in with an abundance of recommendations.

Where to Live on US$1,000 a Month: Our Top Pick

Tbilisi, Georgia

At Nomad Capitalist, we’ve been discussing Georgia for many years, and it seems that many nomads have started to move there as a result. 

Tbilisi is Georgia’s largest and capital city. Located in the eastern part of the country, on a riverbank and against the backdrop of a valley, this city is sure to charm anyone who visits.

It also has a new Bohemian scene.

From nightclubs to speakeasies to wine factories and underground bakeries, there are many fascinating gems to find in this city. There’s also a flourishing café scene. 

And if you love architecture, the city features art-nouveau and Soviet-era buildings. There are several with breathtaking interior and exterior designs.

Tbilisi also has many mosaics, monuments and historic churches. They even have a fortress. 

If you want to discover something truly interesting, you can venture just outside the city centre and see the secret location of Joseph Stalin’s underground printing house.

You definitely won’t get bored in this city.

It’s also a very affordable place to live and there are several good reasons to choose it as your number one location. 

First, the people are extremely friendly. Georgia, as a whole, is a very hospitable nation and when you need something, people are there to help you. 

Often, there’s the spirit of friendship that people are looking for. If you had to spend your time in one place, then Georgia is a very, very good choice.

You could live a great life by spending US$1,000 per month on food, entertainment and the cost of maintaining a house. The country is also opening up to the idea of cryptocurrencies if that’s your thing.

The cost of groceries has gone up in the last year or two, yet they are still pretty cheap. Plus, there’s plenty of local produce. 

You could also buy some land. If you save up and buy land somewhere in the country for a couple of thousand dollars, you could grow your own vegetables. 

Georgia has great soil, so you can even have a backyard garden, which goes well with Georgia’s large, organic, locally produced meats. 

Even if you owned a home, you could still go out and enjoy dinner and drinks a couple of nights a week on a budget of US$1,000 per month.

And they really do have some of the best wines. 

If you had to rent, though, you could still rent relatively affordably, cover your utilities, enjoy Georgian life, and stay within your budget. It would probably mean fewer dinners out, but Georgia would still be a great place to live.

Having four seasons is attractive to many people. It doesn’t get super cold in the winter, but it does get chilly, and in the summer months, it gets relatively warm. 

You’ve got all four seasons, and you could potentially take some weekend trips.

Where Can I Live On US$1,000 a Month?

Before we get started, let’s establish some criteria. 

Certainly, there are a lot of places in the world where you could go and live in some far-flung village and raise your own goats to live on US$1,000 a month. 

We’re not talking about that. We’re talking about larger towns up to mega-cities or somewhere in between. 

Another important factor to consider is if you can immigrate there. Unless you’re from one of these countries, you need to be able to stay there. 

If you constantly have to rely on 30-day tourist visas – and you can only get two of those a year – that’s not going to work. 

So, we’re looking at countries where you can easily get immigration through a residence permit or extended tourist or digital nomad visa. 

For example, in Georgia, many people can go for 360 days on just a tourist visa or by getting a residence permit. 

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Let’s say you want to live in Asia. 

A lot of people look at cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Thailand. Those are affordable and you could probably do it on US$1,000 a month. 

There’s nothing wrong with Thailand, but Malaysia provides a more laid-back Asian vibe. 

Although Kuala Lumpur and Penang are probably too expensive to live a great life at US$1,000 per month, you could probably pull it off in Kota Kinabalu, otherwise known as KK.

KK is on the island of Borneo and is partially surrounded by a rainforest. Known for its markets and beaches, this city also offers several natural attractions.

Plus, it has many activities to keep you busy. From climbing Mt Kinabalu to exploring the local cuisine and visiting the many landmarks, there’s plenty to do. You can even take a short trip to other nearby islands.

And KK has more of that laid-back Asian vibe that people might like about other parts of Southeast Asia.

Here, you would have all the benefits of the beautiful Malaysian people and a pretty easy immigration process. They let pretty much anybody come in for numerous residence permits or through tourist visas. 

It really is a great place to live. 

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

If you want a larger city in Asia, it gets a bit more challenging because a lot of the larger cities are expensive, especially if you want to be on the beach.

Most cities in Southeast Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, aren’t going to work. You may want to consider Hanoi, Vietnam, although being able to stay in Vietnam would be a challenge for most people.

In that case, you could go to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. You can get a business visa in Cambodia that you can renew every year. It’s definitely becoming more difficult, but it is still doable. 

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and sits on the southern side of the country. While the city is known to be busy, for some travellers, that’s also the allure.

While Phnom Penh has also drawn many expats and digital nomads, parts of the city can be a bit rough. That’s why you should always take extra precautions.

However, with the growing nightlife and an active food scene, it will hopefully still make you want to live there. 

And while Cambodia uses the US dollar, which can make some things more expensive, you could still get by with US$1,000 a month. Renting something would be relatively cheap as there are still a good number of rentals.

While any big Asian city might be tough to live in on just US$1,000 a month, it should be possible in Phnom Penh. It’s also likely in Hanoi, with the caveat that it’s a bit more difficult to get in and stay there. 

Antalya, Turkey

Let’s say you want to live near a beach in Europe. 

There are probably some small towns in the Algarve region where you could really stretch your money. Yet, the problem is that Portugal is becoming more expensive. 

Antalya is a resort-like Turkish city known as the ‘Turquoise Coast’ due to the colour of the Mediterranean Sea that graces its shores.

While Antalya is rapidly being developed, the archaeological museum houses artefacts from historic ruins. Beautiful natural attractions, such as waterfalls, mountains and beaches, can also be discovered.

Due to the decline of the lira, you could probably pull something off in Antalya, especially if you sign a year-round lease and live there for US$1,000 a month.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

What if you had your heart set on living in Latin America?

Some of the big cities might be tough. 

But if you are only living on US$1,000 a month, you wouldn’t be as concerned about taxes. So, a place like Bogota, Colombia, could be on the list. 

Given the Argentine peso’s decline in recent years, your best bet might be to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

You would have a great quality of life and the financial chaos probably wouldn’t bother you that much. In fact, it would benefit you because your dollar would go even further as the peso struggles.

Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, it’s a vibrant, beautiful city with a lot going on. That may be convincing enough because it has become more affordable as the currency has declined.

Plus, the food scene is insanely good and the nightlife, well, it never ends. You can stay out doing everything in Buenos Aires later than in other cities.

And if you like tango, they have that too. In fact, they perfected it.

Buenos Aires is certainly not as expensive as Mexico City. 

Obviously, you wouldn’t be living extravagantly in any of these places, with the exception of Tbilisi, depending on where you choose to rent. 

Where Can I Live Comfortably on US$1,000 a Month: Ask the Audience

We asked our Nomad Capitalist audience: ‘What city would you choose to live in if you had US$1,000 a month?’ and here’s what they said.

Cheapest Places to Live in Asia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Some report that Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a charming city in which to live. Located in the northwestern part of Cambodia, this city hosts many ancient ruins known as the Angkor Archaeological Park. 

Many tourists are drawn to the country to visit this expansive 150-square-mile park, including the famous Angkor Wat Temple. As the city has reinvented itself over time, it can cater to both backpackers and the chic alike.

Goa, India

Many also recommend the beach haven of Goa, India. With both Indian and Portuguese influences, the city is known for its hippie vibe and beautiful beaches. 

Situated on India’s western coast, this city offers ample choices for things to do. You will find many museums, art galleries and libraries to explore when you need a break from basking in the sun.

Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia

We also received recommendations for both Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia, for living under US$1,000 a month. 

Jakarta is a major metropolitan city and you never know if you’re going to be on a wide boulevard or squeezed into a small street with other cars. If you choose Jakarta, you better invest in a GPS system. 

As for Bandung, it’s not as manic. Here, you will find more of a resort vibe and fabulous food. Even people from Jakarta vacation here since it’s only a 2.5-hour drive away.

Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

If you’re set on Malaysia, Sarawak City and Kota Kinabalu also come recommended.

Though the Sarawak state is known for being less-travelled, Sarawak City still offers a combination of city amenities and small-town charm. 

As for Kota Kinabalu, you might want to stay here for its beachside vibe. However, you should make sure to check current safety concerns before moving there.

Mabalacat, Philippines

One YouTube subscriber who has been living in the Philippines for nearly three years recommended Mabalacat, Philippines. 

With a low monthly budget here, you will probably still have some room for weekend travel or splurging at your favourite restaurant. And with attractions such as Subic Bay, leisure parks and a nearby volcano, there will be plenty to splurge on.

Dumaguete, Philippines

Dumaguete, Philippines, is also a recommended destination. Dumaguete is located on one of the country’s southern islands, Negros. 

This city is laid-back and offers a range of activities to meet the needs of both an adventurous and relaxing day. 

If you’re looking for an inexpensive coastal city that allows you to take daily trips to the beach or as a possible retirement destination, this might be your city.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Another Asian recommendation is Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

Sitting on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city and its financial capital. 

You can live here on less than US$1,000 a month. And if that isn’t motivation enough, the city also has a plethora of things to do, such as seeing historical sites, riding in a tuk-tuk or attending a tea tasting.

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Many recommend Thailand, which offers an abundance of options. 

One recommendation is Chiang Rai, which is a small city in the northern part of Thailand close to the borders of Myanmar and Laos. 

Although a point of transit, the city maintains a relaxed atmosphere with fine local food and accommodations at a good rate. 

Heading down to the Gulf Coast, you will find another recommended city with beaches and royal summer palaces in Hua Hin, Thailand. If you’re looking for a tropical resort feel, you will find it in this laid-back city full of hospitality.

Isaan, Thailand

Turning to upcountry Thailand, you can find another recommended city in Isaan, which is in a part of the country that is considered to share a culture and language closer to that of Laos. 

Known mostly for its agricultural products, if you’re looking for a region that’s off the beaten path, this is the one. Or, if you’re looking for something more vibrant, you can head to Pattaya, where the nightlife scene is booming – from the beaches to the bars.

Taipei and Taichung, Taiwan

Two of our YouTube subscribers recommend Taiwan. They claim that in both New Taipei City and Taichung, you can live for under US$1,000 a month. They also think that almost anywhere in Taiwan is doable on that amount. 

New Taipei City is the largest city in Taiwan and is located on the northern coast. And it has everything – from historic sites, coastlines, temples and hot springs. Taichung is considered an international city and is the second largest city in Taiwan. 

With a pleasant climate throughout the year, it’s easy to enjoy the many activities that this city offers. From lavender farms, night markets, museums, national parks and the Rainbow Village, you should be able to find something for everyone.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Another YouTube subscriber recommends Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

Currently living there, this subscriber claims that it does not cost much to live comfortably. 

With their employer covering rent expenses, they can even save 90% of their income and live well on just US$300 a month. 

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and is known for its array of museums. You can also find many contradictions in this city, with both modern and Soviet-era architecture, farmers and city-goers and both Uzbek and Russian being spoken. 

Da Nang, Vietnam

Some also recommend Da Nang. This city is located right in the middle of Vietnam. 

While many people go here to enjoy the beaches, the neon lights, street-food scene and nightlife are also worth checking out. And don’t forget to see the stunning bridges.

Cheapest Places to Live in Africa

Nairobi, Kenya

Mombasa and Nairobi in Kenya both come recommended as affordable places to live. 

Mombasa sits on the coast of the Indian Ocean and is known as Kenya’s oldest city. With white-sand beaches, wildlife parks and national reserves, this diverse city has a lot to explore. 

Further inland, you will find Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and a city that never seems to sleep. With both wildlife and nightlife options at your fingertips, you should never get bored here. 

And if you need to work, Nairobi has one of the best co-working spaces in Africa.

Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

Venture further north, and you may want to consider Rabat and Casablanca in Morocco. Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and is located on the northwest coast. 

With a past that blends Islam and French colonialism, you can find many historical sites that speak to each. And don’t forget the Atlantic coast beaches and exotic gardens that can also be found in Rabat. 

Famous for an iconic film with the same name, Casablanca is the commercial hub of Morocco. Lined with Moorish and art deco architecture, there’s a lot to explore in this city – including nearby camel rides.

Maputo, Mozambique

One YouTube subscriber recommends Maputo, Mozambique. They live there on US$600 a month, which includes a good apartment, a decent car and eating in restaurants every day. 

With US$1,000, you could expect to also hire live-in maids and more. As for the city itself, it’s host to 2.5 million people. Famous for its peri-peri sauce, you can also find plenty of bars, beaches and wildlife reserves here.

Windhoekand and Swakopmund, Namibia

Windhoek and Swakopmund in Namibia are also recommended. Windhoek is Namibia’s largest city and is located in the centre of the country. 

Known to have the best beer in Africa, some may argue that this is the influence of a German colonial past. It’s also the main point of transit in Namibia and where one can find the start of most safari excursions. 

Swakopmund is the biggest coastal town in the country and often a vacation spot for locals. However, if you’re interested in the history of Namibia, it’s documented here in the Swakopmund Museum.

Gqeberha, South Africa

While South Africa is more expensive than its neighbours, Gqeberha is a more affordable major city. With the rand being weak against the dollar, you should be able to get by on US$1,000 a month in this low-cost coastal city. 

Known as the ‘Friendly City’, Gqeberha is host to several stunning beaches, water sports and wildlife attractions. And there are designer suburbs and historic villages to visit nearby too.

Cheapest Places to Live in Europe

Vlora and Saranda, Albania

Vlora and Saranda in Albania are two other recommended cities. Originally founded by ancient Greeks, Vlora sits on the southwest part of Albania and makes up almost a third of Albania’s entire coastline. 

Known for its olive oil trademark, you can also enjoy Italian cuisine, beautiful beaches and historical insights into this city. 

Head further south, and you’ll find the charming city of Saranda, which most people visit for the beaches. It’s also known for its nightlife scene and historic monasteries.

Plovdiv and Varna, Bulgaria

Some have also recommended Plovdiv and Varna, Bulgaria. 

Plovdiv is often right behind Sofia for vacation destinations, but Plovdiv happens to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. 

Nestled between mountain ranges, this city is both romantic and ancient. It also has a creative flair and several museums and galleries. 

On the east side of the country, you can instead find Varna, a resort city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea. Famous for the ‘Gold of Varna’ antique jewellery, this city also offers breathtaking landmarks, royal palaces, the ‘Bulgarian Amazon’, music, ballet, local produce and much, much more.

Rijeka, Pula and Zadar, Croatia

Many recommend various cities in Croatia. One of these is Rijeka, a port city on the Adriatic Sea. 

While it’s mostly industrial, Rijeka was voted as a European Capital of Culture in 2020. With stunning views, a vibrant carnival festival and Hapsburg-era buildings, this city has more to offer than just work. 

Another city is Pula, which is one of the 20 safest countries in the world and is reportedly perfectly livable on US$1,000 a month. 

It’s known for winemaking, shipbuilding and a temperate climate. And you can keep yourself busy looking at its natural beauty, sea and Roman buildings. 

Located on the Dalmatian coast, Zadar, Croatia, is a less populated coastal city than Dubrovnik – which means you can enjoy the city without crowds. Known for its beautiful sunsets, it also has a solar-powered public dancefloor, music festivals galore and nearby natural wonders.

Klaipeda, Lithuania

Others recommended Klaipeda, Lithuania. 

Looking at the buildings in this city, it’s apparent that it was once a part of Germany. With the only seaport in the country, this city has an important job to do connecting to the Baltic Sea. 

It’s close to the Curonian Spit, which is known to be one of the most beautiful areas in the Baltics. 

The city also has theatres, museums, sculptures and monuments to enjoy. In fact, one sculpture known as the ‘Klaipeda Black Ghost’ is thought to have once saved the city’s people.

Chisinau, Moldova

Yet another recommended city is Chisinau, Moldova. With ample natural spaces, it’s no wonder that this city has one of the highest numbers of lakes, parks and wildlife in Europe. 

If you like Soviet-realist architecture, wine tours, cognac, beer or natural attractions, you might find the city an exciting place to visit or stay.

Skopje, North Macedonia

Another recommended city is Skopje, North Macedonia. Back in 2018, it was rated as the cheapest capital city in Europe, and it’s still an affordable place to live. Add to that a mountainous skyline, amazing food and the most beautiful natural attractions and you can see the draw to this city. 

Additionally, Skopje holds a rich history. From archaeological sites, architecture, monuments, a fortress and tombs – it definitely sounds like a city worth seeing. 

Novi Sad, Serbia

With a vibrant and youthful art and music scene, you could say that people in Novi Sad are also serious about partying, even though the city also offers much more than that. 

It has gorgeous architecture, a fortress and a mountain. And it’s only an hour away from Belgrade.

Izmir and Trabzon, Turkey

Beyond the major cities in Turkey, Izmir and Trabzon come recommended as affordable destinations. 

Izmir is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and is located on the western coast. As a manufacturing hub, it creates several exports for the country. With many historical buildings, great views and amazing food options, this lesser-known city is worth discovering.

Going much further east in Turkey, you can also find Trabzon, which is the largest city in this region. 

While it has functioned as an independent state at various times throughout the county’s history, you can see that it still has a bit of its own culture. With historic sites, a monastery and national parks, this city might be worth checking out too.

Cheapest Places to Live in Latin America

Cordoba, Argentina

One YouTube subscriber likes Cordoba, Argentina. Nestled among the mountains, this area is sprinkled with small towns that have vibrant communities and host diverse outdoor activities. 

You can choose to live on a large property with no surrounding neighbours or in a small house within one of the towns. 

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Another recommended city is Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia – often referred to as just Santa Cruz. While this is Bolivia’s largest city, it’s managed to retain a small-town feel. 

Located on the Pirai River, it’s known as the country’s trade and transport hub. However, with a relaxed tropical atmosphere, you can often find locals sitting on the streets to watch the world go by. And shops still close for siestas each day, to boot.

Florianopolis, Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil, is also on the list of affordable Latin American cities. 

Mostly situated on Santa Catarina Island in southern Brazil, this city is also known as ‘Ilha da Magia’ (the Magic Island) since its beauty and charm conquer whoever steps foot on its soil. 

Years-old stories tell of witches and sorcerers who cast spells and curses on the local population. One legend even tells that the boulders off of the beach of Praia de Itaguaçu were once witches before they were turned to stone.

Valparaiso, Chile

Many purport that Chile ranks among the best countries to live in on less than US$1,000 a month. Naming both Valparaiso and Santiago as their cities of choice, it will come down to which kind of vibe you’re looking for.

Valparaiso is located right on the coast and is known for its bohemian charm. The internet connection and cost of living are also reportedly good, which is usually a must-have for any nomad. 

While you won’t necessarily need a car here either, you may want to live within walking distance of the beach. 

Cali, Santa Marta and Medellin, Colombia

While there are a few recommended cities in Colombia, one is known for its salsa dancing. If that sounds like your flavour, then you should consider Cali, Colombia. 

Located in the southwest region of the country and near the Andes Mountains, it’s an area with warm weather, a low cost of living and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, you can reach the beach by car within a couple of hours, making it a very attractive option.

Or, if you prefer a city directly on the beach, then you may want to look at Santa Marta, Colombia. By offering much more than just a beachside lifestyle, the city is also known for many cultural events. 

Sought after by both tourists and retirees alike, the International Theatre Festival, Sea Festival, beauty pageant or Cumbia folklore dance presentations might just add to your appreciation of this city.

Other recommended cities in Colombia include Bucaramanga and Medellin. 

Bucaramanga sits on a plateau in the Andes Mountains near Venezuela and is one of Colombia’s oldest cities. With 160 parks scattered throughout the city, it’s known as the ‘The City of Parks’ and ‘Colombia’s Beautiful City’.

And Medellin comes recommended by someone who lived there on only US$600 a month – noting how much he enjoyed the food, weather and people there. Medellin is also home to some tech-related start-up companies.

Manta, Ecuador

Ecuador is also highly recommended as one of the least expensive countries to live in. 

In most cities, you can take public transportation for well under US$1, the healthcare is great and rent is relatively cheap. 

You can usually eat in world-class restaurants for less than US$50 per couple. Manta, Ecuador, is a good city to know on the central coast as it is the most popular beach location in the country.

Guadalajara, Queretaro, Merida and Puebla, Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico, is highly recommended by a subscriber who spends much less than US$1,000 per month living here. Rent and services run under US$250, groceries cost about US$100 and quality healthcare is extremely cheap.

However, finding these kinds of prices means going off of the ‘tourist trails’ and speaking Spanish well.

Guadalajara is known as Mexico’s Silicon Valley and is host to many tech companies. While the city’s climate is a plus, there are also noise issues here – expect it to be loud.

In addition to Guadalajara, many other cities in Mexico may strike your fancy and have been recommended for various reasons. For example, Queretaro, Mexico, is known to have it all. From a city centre that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site to modern malls, medical facilities, museums and universities, you will find it a very sophisticated destination.

Merida boasts readily available high-speed internet and is well-connected to other parts of Mexico. If you’re looking for a city where you can easily work and still enjoy nature in your free time, Merida might be worth considering.

If you’re instead looking for higher education, then Puebla might be your best bet. It hosts 35 universities, which is only second to the number of institutions in Mexico City. 

There is also Mazatlán, where you will feel like you are living at a beach resort while enjoying good beaches, food, weather and music.

Estelí, Nicaragua

Another recommended city is Estelí, Nicaragua. 

Located on the northwestern side of Nicaragua, this city is famous for its high-quality cigars. It also has active museums and cultural and business centres. 

Additionally, it’s reputed to have many bars and clubs with a good ambience.

Sacred Valley, Peru

Some have also recommend Sacred Valley, Peru, which is one of the most visited locations in the whole country. 

While this region is host to famous cities such as Machu Picchu, the whole area is what formed the Inca Empire. Known for its beauty, ancient ruins and the Urubamba River, it’s hard to beat.

Piriapolis, Uruguay

Located on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, this city has all the elements of a beach resort. Yet, it still maintains a small-town feel. 

There are also stores that provide everything for your daily needs and an ample number of healthcare facilities. 

Cheapest Countries to Live for Under US$1,000 per Month: FAQs

Live in Style for Under US$1,000

Overall, this guide has given you quite a few choices to consider living on a budget of US$1,000 a month. 

From the friendliness of Tbilisi to riding in a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, working for a tech company in Colombia or going on safari in Kenya, there’s a plethora of possibilities.

In short, you’ve got options, and if you’re a nomad, maybe you want to explore multiple options. 

And who knows, living in one of these cities may even lead to citizenship one day.

At Nomad Capitalist, we help wealthy investors and entrepreneurs to ‘go where they’re treated best’, whether that’s by moving their business offshore, relocating to a more tax-friendly country or seeking a second citizenship. Get in touch to get started.