Let’s face it—life in many big cities is expensive. Between rent, groceries, transportation, and just trying to enjoy yourself a little, it can feel like your money disappears faster than it comes in. But here’s the thing: if you’re flexible about where you live, there are places around the world where your dollar stretches a lot further.
In fact, there are cities where you can live comfortably—not just scrape by—on $1,200 a month. That includes rent, food, transport, and even a few weekend treats.
Here are 10 cities around the world where your money goes a long way.
1. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a laid-back coastal city that strikes a perfect balance between modern convenience and local charm. It’s cleaner and quieter than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, but still has great food, a growing expat scene, and stunning beaches.
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Rent: $300–$400 for a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment
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Street food: Delicious meals for under $2
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Total monthly cost: Around $800–$1,100
Bonus: High-speed internet, motorbike rentals for $50/month, and friendly locals make Da Nang a favorite among remote workers and retirees.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a long-time favorite for digital nomads and travelers. It’s affordable, safe, and surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. The pace of life is slower here, and that’s part of the charm.
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Rent: $250–$350 for a fully furnished apartment
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Food: $1.50 street food plates and $5 Western meals
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Total monthly cost: $900–$1,200
You can easily live well here, especially if you cook at home and don’t party every night.
3. Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. It’s known for its colonial architecture, fresh mountain air, and relaxed lifestyle. Bonus: the currency is the U.S. dollar.
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Rent: Around $400–$500
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Healthcare: Cheap and high-quality
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Total monthly cost: $1,000–$1,200
Expats love Cuenca for its walkability, vibrant local culture, and friendly vibe.
4. Lisbon, Portugal (on a budget)
Okay, Lisbon isn’t exactly cheap, but if you avoid tourist-heavy neighborhoods and live like a local, it’s doable. Think shared housing, public transport, and pastel de nata from corner bakeries.
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Rent: $400–$600 (shared flat or outer suburbs)
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Transport: Monthly pass for under $50
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Total monthly cost: $1,100–$1,200
And with Portugal’s relaxed visa policies for remote workers, it’s becoming a hotspot for digital expats.
5. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) is becoming a haven for budget travelers and digital nomads. Tbilisi has a quirky charm, tasty food, and super low costs.
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Rent: $250–$350
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Utilities and internet: Around $50/month
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Total monthly cost: $800–$1,100
You can also stay in Georgia visa-free for a year, which is rare and super appealing if you don’t want to bounce around all the time.
6. Medellín, Colombia
Once infamous, Medellín is now a beautiful, modern city with a spring-like climate year-round. It’s also surprisingly affordable.
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Rent: $300–$500 for a decent one-bedroom
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Food: Local dishes for $2–$4
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Total monthly cost: $1,000–$1,200
Plus, the city has a solid metro system, fast internet, and a growing expat community.
7. Bucharest, Romania
If you want a European city with decent infrastructure and a low cost of living, Bucharest is a solid bet. It’s underrated and rarely crowded with tourists.
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Rent: $300–$450
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Utilities and internet: $75/month
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Total monthly cost: $950–$1,200
English is widely spoken, especially among younger locals, and the city is filled with cafes, parks, and nightlife.
8. Penang, Malaysia
Penang offers a mix of cultures, epic food, and seaside views. It’s one of the most affordable places to live in Malaysia and has a decent expat scene.
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Rent: $300–$400 for a modern apartment
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Street food: Incredible meals for $1–$3
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Total monthly cost: $900–$1,100
Malaysia also offers a long-term visa program, making it easier to stay if you fall in love with the place.
9. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is full of color, tradition, and some of the best food in Mexico. It’s cheaper than Mexico City but still has all the charm and culture you could want.
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Rent: $250–$400
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Groceries and food: Very affordable, especially local produce
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Total monthly cost: $850–$1,200
And yes, you can get by with minimal Spanish—though learning some basics goes a long way.
10. Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan is a hidden gem in the Caucasus region. It has old-world charm, fast internet, and a low cost of living.
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Rent: $200–$350
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Food: Hearty meals for $2–$5
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Total monthly cost: $800–$1,100
It’s also a great base for exploring the region, and you can stay visa-free for up to 180 days per year.
Final thoughts
Living on $1,200 a month doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort or fun. In the right cities, that budget can get you a comfortable home, great food, fast internet, and a rich cultural experience.
Whether you’re looking to retire early, take your job on the road, or just change things up, these cities prove you don’t need a massive paycheck to live a full and vibrant life.
So… where will you go next?
