6 Countries Where $800 a Month Still Works, Cost Data Finds

Living costs continue to soar across the globe, making many dream destinations financially unreachable for the average person. Yet some nations still offer remarkable value where eight hundred dollars monthly can secure comfortable living conditions with modern amenities. Recent data from 2024-2025 reveals remarkable opportunities for expats, digital nomads, and retirees seeking a quality of life without financial strain, opening doors to international living that seemed impossible just years ago.

The appeal of geographic arbitrage has never been stronger. These destinations aren’t just cheap places to survive; they’re vibrant communities offering rich cultural experiences, growing expat networks, and surprisingly modern infrastructure. Each location presents unique advantages, from Caribbean beaches to Andean mountains to Asian metropolises, proving that adventure doesn’t require a massive bank account.

Mexico: Small Cities Pack Big Savings

Mexico stands out as North America’s most accessible affordable living destination. Interior cities like Puebla, Querétaro, Guadalajara, and Mérida remain considerably cheaper, with one-bedrooms ranging from $300-$500, and overall monthly budgets running 20-30% below tourist zones. Small towns and rural areas offer rent that can drop below $250-$350, utilities are lighter (often under $20-$30 without A/C), and fresh food from local markets is significantly cheaper than big-box chains.

Cities like Morelia ($765/month), Culiacan ($795/month), and Leon ($812/month) rank among the most affordable major cities for singles. The proximity to the United States makes this particularly attractive for American expats seeking familiar time zones and relatively easy visits home. According to Numbeo, a family of four spends an average of $2,375 USD monthly living in Mexico. A single person can live comfortably on a budget of $665 USD.

Vietnam: Southeast Asian Development at Bargain Prices

Vietnam represents exceptional value in Asia’s most dynamic region. The cost of living in Vietnam is especially reasonable, averaging $800 to $1,200 per month. In 2025, Vietnam remains one of the most cost-effective countries in Asia for expats, digital nomads, and families. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer world-class infrastructure alongside traditional Vietnamese culture.

Da Nang offers a laid-back beach lifestyle with modern infrastructure and a growing expat scene. Vietnam’s rapid development and increasing digital infrastructure make it particularly attractive to remote workers. The food scene alone justifies the move, with street food that costs pennies but delivers restaurant-quality flavors. Healthcare costs remain remarkably low while quality continues improving across urban areas.

Peru: Andean Adventure on Ancient Ground

Peru combines historical wonder with modern affordability in South America’s most culturally rich destination. Monthly living costs for singles average around $452 without rent, with total budgets typically ranging $600-900, making it easy to live on a budget. Cities like Arequipa and Cusco offer low-cost living, while Lima is more expensive.

Residents in the country have access to cheap groceries and public transport, making it easy to keep daily spending low. Peru’s combination of historical sites, vibrant local markets, and inexpensive fresh produce creates an attractive package for budget-conscious expats. The country provides stunning archaeological wonders and diverse landscapes while maintaining extremely affordable daily expenses. Living among Incan ruins while spending less than most people’s coffee budget creates an unmatched lifestyle proposition.

Dominican Republic: Caribbean Paradise Under Budget

The Caribbean doesn’t have to break your budget, especially in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic provides residents with low-cost housing, food, and entertainment. With monthly living costs of only about $800, expats and digital nomads worldwide are drawn to the country where they can develop a comfortable life without financial strain. The country is also filled with tropical beaches, a vibrant culture, and a warm climate, which can create a high quality of life.

The Caribbean nation offers year-round tropical weather and established expat communities. Beach access, cultural festivals, and affordable entertainment options create an appealing lifestyle package for those seeking warm-weather living. The country even offers a relatively easy residency process for foreigners, which increases its appeal among those seeking foreign residency. The merengue music, pristine beaches, and welcoming locals create an atmosphere that money can’t buy elsewhere.

Turkey: European Culture at Asian Prices

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia while offering incredible value for money. Turkey has one of the lowest living costs in the world while also offering residents rich cultural experiences and a high quality of life. Monthly living costs in Turkey are about $411 without rent, though total budgets including accommodation typically reach $600-800, and residents also have access to affordable housing, food, and transport, which cost less than in Western nations. Istanbul alone provides millennia of history alongside modern amenities.

Expats in Turkey can explore historic sites and dive into the country’s rich culture without breaking the bank. Although inflation is rising, Turkey remains an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers and retirees. The Mediterranean coastline offers beach living while Cappadocia provides otherworldly landscapes. Turkish hospitality combined with affordability creates compelling reasons to consider this transcontinental gem.

Thailand: Tropical Living with Modern Infrastructure

Thailand remains Southeast Asia’s most popular expat destination for good reason. Popular cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok offer vibrant lifestyles, with average monthly living costs of $800. The country successfully balances traditional Buddhist culture with cutting-edge urban development, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Healthcare quality rivals Western nations at a fraction of the cost, while the food scene needs no introduction to anyone familiar with authentic Thai cuisine. Island living becomes affordable in places like Koh Samui or Phuket, though budget-conscious expats often prefer mainland cities. The established expat communities provide support networks while maintaining Thailand’s unique cultural identity. Digital nomad visas and relatively straightforward visa processes make long-term stays increasingly accessible for foreign residents.

These six destinations prove that geographic arbitrage remains a viable strategy in 2025. While costs rise globally, these nations maintain affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Each offers distinct advantages, from Vietnam’s rapid development to Peru’s historical treasures to Thailand’s perfect climate. These six destinations prove that geographic arbitrage remains viable in 2025.

What draws you most to international living, the adventure or the savings?