12 Of The Cheapest Places To Live Are Also Lively Cosmopolitan Cities

Many Americans are pinching pennies to get by, thanks to inflation and the high cost of living. SmartAsset recently revealed that if you're an adult living alone, you need at least $80,828.80 per year to enjoy "a comfortable lifestyle" in West Virginia, which is the most affordable state in the U.S. in 2025. However, for a family of four, that number shoots up to an unbelievable $195,353.60. In this case, "comfortable" means affording necessities like food, healthcare, and housing, as well as a few luxuries, going by the popular "50/30/20" budget rule. Now, here's a bummer — only 23.9% of households in America brought in $150,000 and above in 2024, according to Motley Fool. This leaves no doubt that a great deal of people are barely scraping by. In fact, data from LendingTree shows that inflation has hurt Americans so much that up to 76% of them are struggling to pay bills.

While some people are adjusting their spending habits and working multiple jobs to survive the current cost-of-living crisis, others are looking for tried-and-tested methods to earn extra money online. And there's another lot willing to move to cheaper cities where they can live in culturally diverse communities and access essential services and commodities at a much lower cost. If you're among them, here are some amazingly affordable places to consider.

If you want a taste of buzzing city life and easy access to nature, Quito, Ecuador's capital city, conveniently sits in the Andes Mountains. According to WorldAtlas, it's "the most affordable city in South America". Its residents can easily access handy amenities like shopping malls, classy restaurants, and museums. That, plus the presence of locations for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, makes this place attractive for foreigners looking to start over.

As of 2025, Quito is home to about 2,017,260 people, as per World Population Review. Most locals can live comfortably for as little as $600 per month, according to Nomads.com, a website that helps travelers find the best destinations to visit or move to based on their cost of living. If you relocate to this city alone, expect to spend around $1,553 on monthly expenses like groceries, rent, and utilities. Families have to cough up approximately $500 more to afford their bills, but it's still inexpensive compared to many other cosmopolitan cities in America.

Bangkok is incredibly popular among digital nomads, retirees, and expats, owing to its low cost of living, which Nomads.com ranges between $823 and $2,882 per month, depending on whether you live alone or with others. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city will cost you roughly $664, but if you plan to live here long-term and want to eliminate the stress of paying rent every month, you can invest in a home. Home prices are based on the type of property you're eyeing — expect to shell out $208,419 for a condo in a trendy neighborhood and $119,577 for a townhouse, according to Own Property Abroad. 

Bangkok's affordability isn't the only aspect that makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from the rising cost of living in the United States. This city offers a high quality of life, owing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, which also translates into more opportunities for business and education. That aside, it's among Southeast Asia's most popular travel hubs, and it paves the way for you to explore nearby regions, such as Vietnam and Cambodia. Bangkok's public transit system is a major draw as well. According to Transit Bangkok, you need 17-62 Baht ($0.5-$1.93) to buy your Skytrain ticket (for one journey), but you can still use a taxi to get around and pay roughly $4.24 in fare for a single trip.

Tirana, Albania, has been in the spotlight for years, with many describing it as an affordable city with an impressive culinary scene. This holds true according to Nomads.com, which estimates the living costs here range between $736 and $2,575 monthly, much lower than in most parts of America and the United Kingdom. According to MyLifeElsewhere, the latter is actually twice as expensive, so everything, including childcare, dining out, housing, and groceries, costs considerably more than in Tirana.

This cosmopolitan city boasts a vibrant scene of bars and restaurants, so you'll have countless places to visit for socializing or networking. Albanians are also known for their hospitality. Therefore, should you decide to move to this corner of the world, you can become part of a tight-knit and friendly community, which can help you settle in nicely. Supposing you love adventure and would still like to see the world, you will be happy to know that this cosmopolitan city is well-connected, too. Tirana International Airport, for instance, offers flights to the Balkans and other regions in Europe. And the best part is, it's only 6.9 miles from the city.

Medellin is Colombia's second-largest city and is also known as the "City of Flowers." Like Santa Marta and Bogotá, it's a large but affordable place to live in the South American country. Data from Nomads.com shows that the cost of living in Medellin is between $593 and $2,077 per month — the exact amount you'll spend rides on factors like your lifestyle and whether you're a local, expat, or digital nomad.

The neighborhood you choose to move to in Medellin may affect your monthly expenses as well as your quality of life. For example, Laureles, which is in the middle of Medellin, is relatively affordable. However, that's not the only reason it topped Time Out Magazine's list of "Coolest Neighborhoods." Other perks of living in this conveniently walkable area include access to a large pool of dining locations and a casual vibe, which suits those who appreciate a moderately quiet and friendly atmosphere.

One thing that draws people to Yerevan, Armenia is its free primary and secondary school education. However, the list of reasons you should consider living in this cosmopolitan city is quite long, and includes its low cost of living, as per World Atlas. Statistics from Expatistan indicate that it's over 50% cheaper than many major global cities, including Miami and Amsterdam.

Livingcost says $1,174 per month is enough for a single person to cover rent, transport, food, and utilities, though a family of four may need twice or thrice as much. You could spend more or less than that, based on your lifestyle. For instance, if you're a fitness enthusiast, you might need to fork out an additional $102 for your monthly gym membership. When you take your kid to an international primary school instead of a public one, it will cost you about $7,528, per Livingcost. Don't feel like cooking at home and prefer dining out? Ensure you step out with at least $25 — dinner for two is slightly more or less than $51.6.

If you're contemplating moving to southern Malaysia, Johor Bahru, which is home to just over 1 million residents, deserves your attention. According to Uhomes.com, it's among the three most inexpensive metropolitan areas in the country, next to Penang and Kuala Lumpur, whose beauty, low cost of living, and great food scene have made it a top choice for retirees. With roughly $360, a single person can comfortably afford their monthly living expenses in Johor Bahru, excluding rent, as per Livingcost. Throw in your accommodation, and that amount will increase to an estimated $789, slightly lower than Kuala Lumpur's cost of living ($874 per month for a single person). 

Besides its affordability, Johor Bahru is a good place to live because of its rich cultural scene. It welcomes approximately 16 million travelers every year, contributing to its vibrant cosmopolitan vibe. Of course, this means you can meet people from all over the world during your morning or evening run and even stop by your favorite restaurant for a local or international dish. Plus, Johor Bahru is right next to Singapore, which is known for its thriving business scene. You can get there by either driving, taking the bus, or the subway — expect to arrive at your destination in about 50 minutes if you prefer any of the last two options, per Rome2Rio.

With an average living cost of $1,537 to $2,298 per month, according to International Living, Mexico ranks among the most inexpensive countries in North America. Mexico City, its capital and largest city, made it on World Atlas' list of the most affordable cosmopolitan cities, so you should definitely give thought to moving here instead of other parts of the country. The educational website says that a quarter gallon of gas will only cost you about $0.85 in Mexico City, and you can easily snag "a 900-square-foot furnished house" for $706 in neighborhoods surrounding trendy areas like La Condesa and Roma.

Mexico City has a lot in store for newcomers. No matter where you're from, you'll certainly appreciate its slew of restaurants, such as Quintonil, Blanco Colima, and Pujol. Since the central part of the city — where most expats and tourists are — is walkable, you can get by without buying a new ride, plus, you can rest assured knowing that the city's public transit system is quite reliable once you know your way around.

Florianópolis, a charming city in Santa Catarina, Brazil, continues to pull in retirees, expats, and people looking to join a vibrant community without emptying their savings accounts. According to World Atlas, you can spend as little as $320 in rent for a furnished 480-square-foot studio apartment, and Livingcost says that number can go up to $448 when you add the cost of monthly utilities. However, if you move to Florianópolis with your spouse and two kids, your monthly living costs could add up to $2,259, including rent, public transport, and utilities.

But here's the thing — with $900-$2,259 per month, you can have the time of your life in Florianópolis, even if you work full-time. This city is called the "Magic Island" because nearly every part of it radiates natural beauty. It has 42 gorgeous beaches you can explore, enjoying walks on the sandy shores or engaging in fun outdoor activities like surfing. If you like exploring the city after sunset, make sure to add John Bull Pub to your list of must-visit destinations. The live music venue hosts events featuring both local and international artists.

For those looking to relocate to Hungary, Budapest is an affordable cosmopolitan European city with a thrilling nightlife and "historic" architecture. In Budapest, dinner for one goes for about $11, while a cup of coffee at a local cafe is priced at roughly $2.15, as per Nomads.com. According to this website, families spend about $2,829 on monthly essentials, but singles need up to $2,000 less than that to pay their bills.

If buying a home is on your to-do list, you should be relieved to know that the median home price in this city is $221,028, much lower than in the U.S., where the median home sale price is around $363,000, based on data from Zillow. As you settle into your new place, you can start scouring the job market for a well-paying position, if you don't have one already. Employment rates in Hungary have always been above 95%, according to Immigrant Invest, which means your chances of landing a job in Budapest are a high with citizenship or the right visa.

According to uhomes.com, the cost of living in Indonesia was 62% lower than in the U.S. in 2024, so living in an ethnically diverse city like Bandung could turn out to be a smart move to cut your monthly expenses. As of July 2025, the cost of living in Bandung ranges from $527 to $1,301 per month when you include your rent, food, and utilities, as per Livingcost. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in some of the city's cheaper areas can cost as low as $139, but you may have to pay an additional $70 or more if you choose to reside in a neighborhood downtown.

Something else you might like about living in Bandung, apart from the low living costs, is its proximity to major attractions. For example, Kawah Putih, a breathtaking turquoise lake, sits about 31 miles south of the city. Bandung also offers an extended list of shopping destinations where you can buy quality products from well-known American brands like Marc Jacobs and Nike.

Georgia, a transcontinental country that lies in the Caucasus Mountains, is worth checking out if you'd like to live in a safe, multicultural region between Asia and Europe. When it's time to choose a location, the country's capital, Tbilisi, should be among your top picks. According to Nomads.com, Tbilisi residents can afford a large portion of their monthly bills with $1,011-$3,540. Of course, this amount may vary from time to time, depending on your spending habits during a particular month. 

International schools in Tbilisi cost close to $5,053 per year, but that's not to say you can't find cheaper alternatives within the city. If you're a potential homebuyer, you should be happy to know that homes in Georgia are cheaper than in U.S. states like California. In Tbilisi, for instance, the median home price is roughly $63,033, whereas in Los Angeles, it's an estimated $900,000, as per Nomads.com.

Uhomes.com says Vietnam's cost of living is 65.6% lower than in United States, explaining why many Americans desire to live in different regions of this Southeast Asian country. Among the areas they favor is Hanoi, where monthly expenses cost between $653 and $1,688, as per Livingcost. These include groceries, such as milk ($1.41 per liter), oranges ($1.6 per kg), and chicken breast ($3.79 per kg).

Earning a living in Hanoi can be a piece of cake, even for foreigners. You can be a salesperson, a teacher of English, a finance expert, a healthcare provider, or anything else you want, depending on your skills and educational background. Although knowing a little Vietnamese can be helpful for communication with the locals, it's not an absolute must, according to Road Is Calling, a travel blog created to help digital nomads navigate various parts of the world. You can use English, Russian, as well.