The cost of living is one of the most important factors that influence the choice of country to live in. Find out where in the world a family of two can live comfortably on a budget of $1,500 per month.

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Is it possible for a couple to live abroad on $1,500 a month? Yes, it is quite possible.

The good news is that this amount will include housing, food, healthcare and even entertainment. Thousands of people already know about these fabulous places. Therefore, in this article we present to you a rating of places where you can live for $1,500 a month, according to the resource Internationalliving. Let's go on a budget trip.

Penang, Malaysia

Penang Island combines history, golden beaches and a cultural mosaic. In Georgetown, the capital of Penang, carefully preserved buildings from the early 19th century create a magical backdrop.

The main advantage of Penang is its multicultural environment, as the island is inhabited by Malays, Chinese, Indians and expats from other countries.

In addition to its cultural richness, Penang stands out for its affordable living and first-class healthcare system. For example, a three-bedroom apartment with stunning sea and hill views within a 3-kilometer radius of the city center can be rented for as little as $380 per month.

Monthly living expenses, excluding housing, are extremely affordable: just $500 for a single person and $1,000 for a family of two. This affordability adds an extra layer of appeal to Penang, making it a great destination for those looking for a comfortable and economical lifestyle.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Expats in Chiang Mai are drawn to the charm of an ancient city nestled in the northern Thai mountains. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Today, its Old City, surrounded by walls and a moat, is home to hundreds of fascinating Buddhist temples.

The population of 127,000 is a mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian and expatriate.

The city’s fascinating history and cultural richness, affordable cost of living and mild mountain climate create the perfect environment for expats to live. Here, you can rent a three-bedroom apartment with panoramic hill views within walking distance or in the heart of the Old City for a reasonable $300 per month. Monthly living expenses, excluding housing, are extremely affordable for foreigners – $300 for a solo explorer and $1,000 for a family of two. This financial feasibility enhances the city’s charm, attracting those seeking a comfortable and economical lifestyle amidst ancient cultural splendor.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It was once the center of the early Khmer Empire and later the French colonialists. As a result, the city’s architecture is a blend of French and Khmer heritage.

The city has a population of 2.3 million, but they all live in a very large area, and there are times when you’re walking along Phnom Penh’s wide boulevards all alone. It’s also fashionable to speak French, and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club offers views of the Mekong River and its fashionable residents. Prices are quite reasonable—a three-course meal for two can cost as little as $40, and a beer at a local bar nearby costs just 75 cents.

It’s a walkable city, and just a 15-minute walk from the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, you’ll find three-bedroom apartments for $1,100 a month. Living costs, if you live like a local, are very low at $300 a month.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its location along the mouth of the Thu Bon River and proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam give it a special appeal, which is why Hoi An has become one of the most popular and thriving small towns in the country.

Recognized as one of the world’s largest coffee producers, Vietnam boasts high-quality and affordable coffee. At just $1.50 a cup, indulging in a cappuccino here is a treat that won’t break the bank. Rent is also good, with a two-bedroom apartment in the city center costing just $500 per month.

Two people could live a comfortable middle-class lifestyle here for less than $1,500. This includes rent, all utilities, a weekly cleaner, eating out at least once a day, and incidentals.

Many of the services and goods that foreigners need are available right in Hoi An. There are great restaurants, imported food stores, an international school, lively markets, and great boutiques, especially for clothing.

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Queretaro, Mexico

Today, Queretaro is one of the most popular cities for North Americans and Europeans moving to Mexico. The metropolitan area has a population of over 1 million and continues to grow as companies and business executives from Mexico City relocate to Queretaro's more livable environment.

Medical care in Queretaro is excellent at any of the city's several private hospitals, and since Queretaro is just over two hours from Mexico City, you can easily reach international airports to fly to any corner of the world.

Despite being a large city, Queretaro offers a surprisingly low cost of living. Its mild climate keeps air conditioning and heating costs low. For shopping, the city offers a wide range of options at a variety of prices, from local shops to warehouses like Costco and Sam's Club to upscale Mexican chain Liverpool.

Expats living in Querétaro say they can live on just $1,500 or less per month – all of which includes rent starting at $500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and dinners for around $25 per couple at some of the city’s best mid-range restaurants.

Alicante, Spain

Located on the sun-drenched Costa Blanca, Alicante is the gateway to Spain’s east coast. It is home to around 330,000 residents who have a significant influence on its traditions, cuisine, festivals and daily life. This harmonious blend of Spanish heritage and cosmopolitan flair makes Alicante a great place to move.

Accessibility is one of Alicante’s strong points. Imagine living in a chic apartment in the city center or a cozy house overlooking the calm Mediterranean Sea, all for less than $700 per month.

Alicante’s culinary landscape is a foodie’s paradise. Savor a local breakfast with a traditional Spanish coffee and croissant for $2, or explore the many flavors at local markets and restaurants. A three-course lunch menu costs an average of $12 per person, including wine, beer, or water. A romantic dinner for two at a vintage bistro averages around $35, where you can enjoy local gastronomy and wine.

Alicante is the perfect destination for couples looking for a relaxed yet culturally rich lifestyle for under $1,500 per month.

Granada, Spain

A gem nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia, Granada offers a blend of Moorish heritage and Spanish charm. It’s a city where every cobblestone and every corner tells a story. With a population of around 230,000, Granada boasts a vibrant local community.

Granada’s affordability is a major draw for families looking to live a good European lifestyle without the financial strain. Housing options are plentiful, with comfortable apartments in the city center available for less than $600 per month. The total cost of living, including groceries, transportation, rent, and utilities, averages around $1,000 for two.

Granada’s appeal lies not only in its historical grandeur and cultural vibrancy, but also in its accessibility and quality of life. It’s a city that invites you to live at your own pace, explore its narrow, winding streets, and immerse yourself in a cultural lifestyle that’s easy on the wallet, all within a budget of $1,500 per month for a couple.

Bergerac, France

The Dordogne region of France is the golden heart of the southwest, part of the vast Aquitaine region. For many would-be expats, it’s quintessential France, a dream destination for shopping in a small maison de village, or honey-colored stone house with a steeply pitched red-brown tiled roof.

The second most populous city in the Dordogne, after the administrative capital, Périgueux, Bergerac is classified as a center of art and history. Residents can enjoy a wide range of activities, including the annual jazz festival in May, book fairs, classical music celebrations and the Les Tables de Cyrano gastronomic festival, which celebrates French culinary art every July.

Bergerac makes an easy base from which to explore the rest of southwestern France or even head further east to the beaches of the French Riviera. The central train station connects to Bordeaux in the west, with stops in Toulouse, Carcassonne and eventually Marseille for long weekends on the coast.

Add to that the fact that you can live on a budget of up to $1,500 per month and you have the perfect place to move.

There are many cities in the world where living can be quite affordable. So choose your destination and embark on the world’s best adventure.

Reminder! Finland attracts tourists and expats from all over the world with its high standard of living. Find out more about whether Finland accepts foreigners in 2025, how to move to Finland for citizens of different countries, which cities are the most popular for living among foreigners and more about the pros and cons of living in Finland.

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