Have you ever dreamed about quitting your job and moving to a place so affordable that you might not need to work? According to International Living’s new report, the “Cheapest Places to Live in the World in 2026,” that idea is more realistic than many people think.

“The big idea here is that you can live better for less in the best-value places,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, told me in an interview. “We want to help folks understand what a truly comfortable, easy life would cost.”

For the past 10 years, I’ve kicked off the new year with an annual look at the most affordable places in the world to live, destinations so affordable you might be able to quit your job and live off your savings. Over time, it has become one of my most-read and most-shared articles, resonating with readers who are rethinking not just where they live, but how they want to live. International Living’s 2026 Cheapest Places report suggests that dream may be attainable.

The 11 countries on this list scored highest in the Cost-of-Living category of International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index. The report evaluates retirement destinations across factors like climate, healthcare, lifestyle and more.

What sets International Living’s report apart is its methodology: The cost-of-living rankings are compiled from on-the-ground contributors living in each destination. “This is not based on general, crowd-sourced data. It’s designed to help give the user a realistic sense for what their costs would be in a community we like,” says Stevens.

And while it’s often possible to live for less, these figures reflect what most expats consider a good life: eating out regularly, living in safe neighborhoods, accessing quality healthcare and enjoying day-to-day comforts.

There’s also a bigger conversation to consider when you think about moving abroad: responsible relocation. “One key to good-value living is seeking out places off the tourist track,” says Stevens. “When you do that—and you make an effort to integrate into the community by learning the language, shopping at mom-and-pop stores, meeting your neighbors—you’ll find you become part of the fabric of a place.”

She adds that pushback against foreigners tends to show up in the most popular destinations, where over-tourism drives up prices and can erode local culture. “So go local, look for places that aren’t as easy to get to,” she says. “There, you’ll find the lowest prices and, typically, a community that’s happy to welcome you when you make an effort.”

Here are 11 of the most affordable places in the world where you can live well in 2026.

Sri Lanka

Why: “When it comes to bang for your buck, you can’t beat Sri Lanka, where our contributor on the ground rents a villa with a tropical garden and a plunge pool for $385 a month,” says Stevens. “This is a place where you can afford to live large on a shockingly low budget.”

Beyond affordability, Sri Lanka delivers on lifestyle: year-round warmth, dramatic beaches, lush hill country and a culture that’s famously welcoming. English is widely spoken, the food is fresh and flavorful and everyday indulgences, from massages to dining out, cost a fraction of what they do in the U.S.

Where to Move: International Living points to several appealing options, depending on your pace and priorities. On the east coast, Arugam Bay offers a laid-back, bohemian beach lifestyle with growing interest from long-term expats. In the southwest, Galle blends colonial architecture, walkable streets and the country’s largest expat community, along with international restaurants and amenities. For a more urban experience, Colombo delivers cosmopolitan energy, excellent dining and some of Asia’s most atmospheric colonial-era hotels.

Expats are also drawn inland to the hill country, where places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela offer cooler temperatures, mountain scenery and even lower costs for those willing to live farther off the tourist track.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Sri Lanka for about $1,100 to $1,250 a month, while a couple typically spends $1,400 to $1,650. It’s possible to live for even less: Some expats report monthly budgets around $1,000. Typical long-term rents range from $400 to $700, depending on location and proximity to the beach.

Local transportation is inexpensive, dining out is cheap (meals at local eateries cost just a few dollars) and services like housekeeping, drivers and wellness treatments are widely accessible.

Vietnam

Why: “Vietnam is one of Asia’s standout bargains,” says Stevens. She calls out the great value and the rich culture. Another area where the country shines is in healthcare. “Our contributor there calls it ‘shockingly affordable,’ says Stevens. “She reports she recently paid $225 for a full lab workup, x-rays, ultrasound, MRI and a consultation with an English-speaking internist.”

Vietnam offers a high quality of life at prices that feel almost unbelievable. Internet and mobile service are fast and inexpensive, infrastructure continues to improve and daily life is both dynamic and easy to navigate. The country also delivers a compelling blend of East and West, with French colonial architecture, café culture and modern cities layered over deep-rooted traditions.

Where to Move: International Living highlights a wide range of options depending on lifestyle preferences. In the north, Hanoi offers historic neighborhoods, tree-lined boulevards and a more traditional feel. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City delivers fast-paced energy, international dining and modern amenities.

Smaller coastal and secondary cities are especially popular with expats looking for lower costs and a slower pace. Da Nang and Hoi An combine beach access with walkable centers, while Nha Trang and Vung Tau offer seaside living with established expat communities. Across the country, expats tend to find it easy to integrate, thanks to the welcoming nature of the Vietnamese people and the widespread use of English.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Vietnam for about $1,100 to $1,300 a month, while a couple typically spends $1,450 to $1,750. Typical long-term rents range from $350 to $650, depending on the city and neighborhood.

Everyday expenses remain low across the board. Local meals cost just a few dollars, public transportation is inexpensive and domestic travel (by train or budget airline) is easy and affordable. Even in Vietnam’s largest cities, many expats find they can live well for far less than they ever could in the U.S., without giving up modern comforts or an active social life.

Thailand

Why: “Thailand offers a variety of lifestyles, from beach towns to culturally rich cities, and throughout the country provides world-class healthcare, warm hospitality and an easygoing lifestyle—all at a cost that is dramatically lower than in the U.S.,” says Stevens.

It’s easy to see why Thailand has long been a magnet for expats. Between the warm climate, excellent food and strong infrastructure, you can shape a life that feels both adventurous and comfortable, without spending like you would at home.

Where to Move: International Living points to a mix of city, beach and mountain options. Bangkok appeals to people who want big-city energy, modern malls, great dining and an efficient transit system. Up north, Chiang Mai is a longtime favorite for its slower pace, temple-filled old city and access to outdoor adventure in nearby national parks.

For beach living, expats often gravitate to the islands and coastal towns in the south, from resort areas like Koh Samui and Pattaya to quieter, more low-key islands where costs tend to be lower and life moves at an easier rhythm.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Thailand for about $1,200 to $1,400 a month, while a couple typically spends $1,600 to $1,900. Typical long-term rents range from $450 to $800, depending on location and housing style, and International Living notes that in some coastal areas, it’s still possible to find furnished rentals within minutes of the beach for under $500 a month.

Daily expenses are also notably affordable. Mobile data and internet are inexpensive, local meals can cost just a few dollars and transportation is easy on the budget. Healthcare is a major draw as well, with high-quality hospitals and English-speaking specialists available at prices that are often a fraction of what Americans are used to paying.

Bali

Why: In Indonesia, the island of Bali is the rare place where everyday life can feel genuinely indulgent without a luxury price tag. “In Bali, everyday life feels indulgent—yet monthly costs remain refreshingly low,” says Stevens. “It’s a place where luxuries like a little villa in a tropical garden, domestic help, dining out and wellness services are so affordable, you can regularly indulge. A massage? $10.”

Beyond the low day-to-day costs, the lifestyle appeal is obvious: a warm, near-equatorial climate year-round, a deep sense of culture and tradition and an easy rhythm to daily life that draws everyone from remote workers to long-term expats.

Where to Move: Bali’s expat hotspots vary widely depending on the kind of pace you want, says International Living. In the south, Legian and Seminyak put you close to the beach and the island’s biggest concentration of dining, shopping and nightlife. Sanur is a longtime favorite for a calmer coastal lifestyle, with a walkable beachfront path, sunrise views and a more traditional Balinese feel.

For a greener, more inland setting, Ubud draws people who want rice terraces, temples and a wellness-forward scene, while still having plenty of restaurants and amenities. If you’re looking for lower costs and a quieter coastal vibe, Lovina, on the north coast, is known for its laid-back atmosphere and cheaper food and housing than the southern beach towns. And for dramatic scenery and surf breaks, Uluwatu, on the Bukit Peninsula, offers clifftop views and a more “escape” feeling, with pockets that are still comparatively uncrowded.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Bali for about $1,200 to $1,400 a month, while a couple typically spends $1,650 to $1,950. Typical long-term rents range from $600 to $1,000, depending on location, size and whether you’re prioritizing beach proximity or a more local neighborhood.

Everyday extras can be surprisingly accessible: eating out is inexpensive (especially at local warungs), domestic help is widely available and wellness services like massages are famously affordable, making it easy to build little luxuries into your regular routine.

Malaysia

Why: “Malaysia stands out for its modern infrastructure, English-speaking environment, and exceptional cost-of-living value—especially in places like Penang, where you can rent a modern two-bedroom apartment with swipe-card entry, 24-hour security, a pool, a gym and usually two parking spots for $870 a month, or less,” says Stevens.

That blend of value and livability is what consistently puts Malaysia near the top of International Living’s rankings. The country combines efficient public services, excellent healthcare, low crime rates and a deeply multicultural society shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. English is widely spoken, the food scene is considered among the best in Southeast Asia, and travel connections across Asia and beyond are easy and affordable.

Where to Move: International Living suggests Penang, as the country’s standout expat hub. Penang Island offers beaches, walking trails, marinas and a strong sense of community, along with George Town—a lively, UNESCO-listed city known for its architecture, arts scene and food culture. Expats also appreciate Penang Hill and the island’s botanical gardens for outdoor activities.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, appeals to those who want a more urban lifestyle, with world-class shopping, dining, cultural venues and efficient transit. Other popular stops along the peninsula include Malacca, known for its colonial charm, and Ipoh, a quieter city with a growing café scene and lower living costs. Geography also plays a role: western Malaysia avoids the harsher monsoon seasons that affect the east coast, making year-round living easier.

The Cost: According to International Living, a couple can live comfortably in Malaysia for around $2,500 a month, with many spending less depending on lifestyle and location. Modern condos with amenities like pools, gyms, gated security and parking typically rent for under $900 per month, especially in Penang.

Dining out is inexpensive, entertainment costs are low and healthcare is both high quality and affordable—routine doctor visits can cost as little as $50, with no long wait times. Everyday life in Malaysia is widely described as easy, comfortable and low stress, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most appealing long-term bases for expats looking to live well for less.

Ecuador

Why: Long prized by expats for its affordability and quality of life, Ecuador offers a rare mix of mild springlike weather, fresh food, strong social ties and low everyday costs. Healthcare in major cities is high quality and inexpensive, public transportation is cheap and efficient, and daily life tends to feel slower and more human-scaled than in many parts of the U.S.

Where to Move: “Particularly in the Andean highlands, in towns like Cuenca or Cotacachi, Ecuador delivers exceptional value and community. Here the weather is cooler—no need to spend on heat or a/c—and the low-key, gentle culture makes it easy to settle in,”tevens.

Beyond the highlands, Ecuador’s diversity is a major draw. The country packs beaches, mountains and rainforest into a relatively small footprint, making it easy to try different regions before settling on one. Many expats rent for months or even years while exploring what suits them best.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Ecuador for about $1,200 to $1,450 a month, while a couple typically spends $1,750 to $2,050. Housing costs are especially attractive: long-term rentals generally range from $450 to $750, often furnished.

Everyday expenses stay low thanks to inexpensive public transportation, affordable healthcare and abundant local markets selling fresh produce at very low prices. In many highland towns, the temperate climate also means no need for heating or air conditioning, keeping utility bills minimal.

Colombia

Why: “Colombia offers up modern cities, excellent private healthcare and a famously welcoming culture with a low cost of living,” says Stevens.

Long past its troubled reputation, Colombia has become one of Latin America’s most appealing places to live well for less. Expats point to the warmth of the people, a strong café and food culture, lively festivals and access to nature, from beaches and rainforests to mountains.

Where to Move: Medellín is a top choice, according to International Living, thanks to its mild, year-round climate, walkable neighborhoods, strong healthcare system and thriving cultural life. “In and around Medellin, for instance, you’ll find a spring-like mountain climate, a sophisticated city with museums, theater, international restaurants—yet you could splash out at a high-end restaurant for $30-$40 a person,” says Stevens.

Bogotá appeals to those who want a larger, more cosmopolitan capital with museums, theaters and universities, while coastal towns like Taganga offer a slower, beach-focused lifestyle.

Beyond the big cities, Colombia has a wide range of smaller towns and regional hubs where expats find lower costs and an easier pace of life. Many newcomers rent first, exploring different regions before settling on the climate and community that fits them best.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Colombia for about $1,200 to $1,450 a month, while a couple typically spends $1,750 to $2,050. Housing costs are especially attractive, with long-term rentals generally ranging from $450 to $800, depending on city and neighborhood.

Healthcare is a major draw: private hospitals are modern and affordable, and foreigners can access Colombia’s national health system with monthly premiums that are a fraction of U.S. costs. Dining out, transportation, and entertainment are all inexpensive, making it easy to enjoy a high-quality, social lifestyle without overspending.

Greece

Why: Greece makes International Living’s Cheapest Places list, and it also ttopped International Living’ recent retirement report. It’s easy to see why. “In Greece you benefit from Mediterranean beauty, rich culture, modern healthcare and attractive residency options—all at bargain prices,” says Stevens.

Where to Move: Some of the best value is found outside Greece’s most famous tourist magnets, says International Living. Athens appeals to those who want big-city energy, cultural institutions and excellent healthcare, while Thessaloniki offers a slightly slower, more local-feeling urban lifestyle.

For island living, Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and lesser-known islands like Skopelos or parts of the Cyclades provide strong infrastructure, welcoming communities, and far lower prices than places like Santorini or Mykonos. Inland towns and smaller islands tend to offer the lowest costs—and the greatest sense of integration into everyday Greek life.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Greece for about $1,600 to $1,850 a month, while a couple typically spends $2,050 to $2,350. Housing costs generally range from $700 to $1,100 per month, with significantly lower rents outside major tourist centers. “Even at the high end. Our IL correspondent bought her three-bed, three-bath sea view home on Corfu for €250,000—the sort of property that would cost well over $1 million in the States,” says Stevens. “And you can grab bargains that need a bit of renovation for $80,000, or even less.”

Daily expenses are also reasonable by European standards: groceries, public transportation, and dining out cost far less than in the U.S., and healthcare is both high quality and affordable.

Italy

Why: “Italy offers retirees timeless beauty, world-class food and deep cultural richness—along with surprisingly affordable options beyond the big cities,” says Stevens.

For many expats, Italy’s appeal goes far beyond scenery. Daily life here is slower and more intentional, centered on food, family, and community. From morning coffee rituals to evening strolls through town, the culture encourages you to savor everyday moments, often at far lower costs than people expect.

Where to Move: “Look past the postcard hotspots, and you’ll find an authentic, high-quality lifestyle at a reasonable cost. Umbria looks and feels like Tuscany—but the prices are significantly lower. Near historic Assisi, for instance, you can find lovely, renovated, spacious places for around $150,000,” says Stevens.

International Living points to central and southern regions as some of Italy’s best-value spots. Umbria and Le Marche offer classic hill towns, vineyards, and medieval cities—without Tuscany’s price tags. In the south, regions like Calabria, Puglia, and parts of Sicily deliver warm climates, dramatic coastlines, and especially low housing costs.

Smaller towns and countryside locations tend to offer the greatest affordability, but even areas within commuting distance of Rome, Florence, or Milan can be surprisingly reasonable. Many expats choose to rent first, using Italy’s excellent rail network to explore different regions before settling down.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Italy for about $1,800 to $2,050 a month, while a couple typically spends $2,300 to $2,650. Housing costs generally range from $800 to $1,300 per month, with significantly lower prices in rural areas and lesser-known regions.

Food and daily expenses are often lower than in the U.S., especially if you shop local and eat like an Italian. Healthcare is another major plus: Italy’s national system is highly regarded, widely accessible, and affordable, with many expats supplementing it with low-cost private care.

Mexico

Why: “Mexico remains a very popular overseas retirement destination for Americans, thanks to its proximity, excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure and low cost of living,” says Stevens. “With countless lifestyle options—from beaches to colonial towns—it offers familiarity and adventure. The values are clear.”

Mexico’s draw is how easy it can feel to build a full life: strong communities of fellow expats, a culture that’s warm and social, and a rhythm that’s noticeably less hurried than back home. Add reliable amenities like good airports, solid highways and fast internet in many areas, and it’s easy to see why Mexico is often the first move people seriously consider.

Where to Move: International Living emphasizes that Mexico’s biggest advantage is variety. If you want beach living, the country offers everything from Caribbean-facing islands and resort towns to quieter Pacific coast communities. For a more traditional, inland lifestyle, colonial cities and silver towns deliver charming architecture, food markets, walkable centers, and a cooler climate thanks to higher elevations.

Big-city amenities are also on the table. Mexico has cosmopolitan hubs where you’ll find modern hospitals, international dining, cultural institutions and direct flights back to the U.S., while still keeping everyday costs far lower than most North American cities.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Mexico for about $1,500 to $1,800 a month, while a couple typically spends $2,100 to $2,450. Long-term housing often ranges from about $600 to $1,000 per month, though prices vary widely based on whether you’re prioritizing beachfront living, a historic city center, or a more local neighborhood.

“Our correspondent based on the Caribbean island of Cozumel pays just $500 a month to rent her one-bedroom apartment in the best neighborhood in town,” says Stevens.

On top of affordable rent, many expats point to healthcare as a major value driver: private care can be high quality and significantly less expensive than in the U.S., and basics like groceries, utilities, dining out, and transportation often come in at a fraction of what you’re used to—especially if you “earn dollars and spend pesos.”

Nicaragua

Why: “Nicaragua appeals to retirees seeking simplicity, natural beauty, and affordability in a slower-paced setting,” says Stevens. “This country flies largely under the retiree radar, but it has a lot to offer: everyday costs are low, communities are welcoming, and a relaxed lifestyle comes easily. New infrastructure (including a remarkable coastal road) is going in now.”

What draws many people is the sense of space and calm. Life here feels less commercialized than in neighboring countries, with dramatic landscapes like volcanoes, lakes, beaches and rainforest setting the backdrop for a lifestyle that prioritizes time outdoors, community and ease over schedules and status.

Where to Move: International Living points to Nicaragua’s Pacific coast and highland towns as expat favorites. San Juan del Sur anchors the Pacific scene with surf beaches, ocean views and a growing (but still low-key) expat community. Inland, colonial cities and lakeside areas appeal to those who want cooler evenings, walkable town centers and a more traditional feel.

Because Nicaragua is still emerging as a retirement destination, many expats describe it as feeling a bit like Costa Rica decades ago—less polished, but full of possibility. New roads and infrastructure are steadily improving access between coastal communities and inland hubs.

The Cost: According to International Living, a single expat can live comfortably in Nicaragua for about $1,300 to $1,550 per month, while a couple typically spends $1,850 to $2,150. Long-term housing often runs between $400 and $700 a month, with especially good value outside prime beachfront areas. “In a place like San Juan del Sur, right on the Pacific, $160,000 buys a beautiful place with a pool outside of town,” says Stevens.

Daily expenses are notably low. Local food is inexpensive and fresh, utilities are modest and services like house cleaning, gardening and transportation cost a fraction of U.S. prices. Spend closer to $2,000 a month and many expats say they’re living very well, often with amenities like a pool, outdoor space and frequent meals out built into everyday life.

MORE FROM FORBES: