11 Best Cities To Enjoy An Affluent Lifestyle On A Small Budget

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It may be hard to believe, but according to U.S. Census Bureau data from the early 1970s, one could earn a $10,000 income in the United States and still be viewed as part of the American middle class. Fast forward and you'll find that today, many people believe that they need to earn at least ten times that much money to feel some sense of financial security. In fact, 56% of Bankrate survey respondents said they need more money than what they're currently earning to live comfortably.

The rising cost of living in the U.S. is a serious concern, to the point that many people feel that they aren't earning enough to survive, let alone thrive. However, it might be possible to take your American income or retirement money abroad, to a city where you can not only live comfortably, but enjoy a level of affluence that currently feels out of reach domestically. 

Let's say you're an American individual that earns $45,000 every year or part of a $90,000 two-income household. In major cities like Los Angeles, that might not be enough money to afford an apartment and cover utility bills. However, in some countries such as Vietnam, Albania, or even nearby Mexico, that's enough money to live in relative comfort and enjoy all sorts of amenities. If you're looking to transform your living situation from that of just scraping by to having a luxurious lifestyle on a smaller budget, these are some cities that are definitely worth considering.

Who doesn't love the idea of living life at a slower pace a few steps away from a Mediterranean beach? Sarandë is a highly affordable city, located in the deep south of Albania, situated on the Ionian Sea. With nearly 300 days of sunshine, it is a perfect permanent getaway for anyone weary of the hustle and bustle of American life. Even better, it's a remarkably affordable city, where Americans who earn at least $2,200 per month will find their money goes far.

Numbeo data reveals the average monthly cost for apartments in Sarandë ranges from $397 and $1146. Prices vary depending on where you live in the city; a three-bedroom city center apartment might cost up to $1,500 per month. This is still a massive bargain compared to places like New York City, where the current average rent is reportedly $4,000 per month. Thanks to the money saved on housing, you'll likely have extra cash to spend on shopping and taking full advantage of local amenities. Sarandë in particular is known for its thermal spas, an activity we found to be priced for as low as $88 through Get Your Guide. You also have the option of visiting ancient castle ruins, or enjoying a high-end meal for up to $50. Sarandë is a great choice for anyone who dreams of retiring to a romantic European destination, but doesn't want to have to break the bank to do so.

For American travelers and retirees looking to live well for less, Da Nang is quickly becoming one of the best options to settle down. Vietnam overall is a much more affordable country than the United States, with cities that offer extremely budget-friendly housing, utilities, and grocery expenses. If apartment hunting in Da Nang, Numbeo suggests that you could find a nice place for as low as $300 monthly. By paying closer to $1,000, you could afford to rent a fully furnished living space.

If you're seeking the equivalent of a Western, middle class lifestyle while residing in Da Nang, International Living recommends setting a budget between $800 and $1,000 per month. With rent, that would a month-to-month budget of between $1,200 and $2,500. You might be surprised to realize just how far your money goes in Vietnam. The dollar is nearly 26,000 stronger the Vietnamese dong (VND), and so you'll find that meals are much less expensive. 

Even while Americans are starting to consider fast food a luxury, a meal at McDonald's costs less than $5 in Da Nang. Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines reveals you can enjoy truly high end meals starting at $50. If you prefer a lovely view with your meal, rooftop dining at premium locations costs anywhere from $42 to $82.

If you've always wanted to move to Central America but was worried it would be outside of your budget, then Cuenca is a town worth your consideration. The cost of living here is extremely affordable, reportedly between $500 and $1,860 per month. In other words, those with incomes above $25,000 per year can relocate to this region of Ecuador and live very well. Housing is very wallet-friendly; we found houses for sale for as low as $79,000. If you're looking to rent in Cuenca, Numbeo data suggests apartments cost between $356 and $716 depending on the part of town you live.

Thanks to its warm weather and affordability, it's of little surprise that there is reportedly a growing and flourishing community of expat retirees. For Americans on a fixed income, it is especially important to be able to live in a city where one's basic needs are affordable. Even more important for retirement age Americans is access to good quality and relatively cheap healthcare. Luckily, living in Cuenca means being able to get medical needs met for far less than it costs in the States. For example, EcuaAssist estimates that an MRI scan would be priced at $250. In America, that same scan might cost between $400 and $10,500.

Bansko is a great city to move to if you want to enjoy cozy winter lodging and fun ski activities for far less than what it typically costs in the United States. Per Numbeo, the average net salary of local workers is around $1,200 per month. If you wanted to rent an apartment in the city center, it could cost between $354 and $886. If you opt to live farther from the central area of Bansko, rentals start at around $362.

Because Bansko is a top destination for skiing, it would only make sense to take advantage of such activities, especially as they're so affordable here. A ski lift pass can cost between $33 and $66 depending on your age. Meanwhile, we found that you can rent equipment for anywhere between about $14 per day and $133 for an entire week.

Something important to note is that Bulgaria recently adopted the euro. Though that might impact costs going forward, for now, there's not much to indicate a level of inflation that can compete with the costs Americans already experience in day to day life.

Cebu, Philippines is extremely affordable compared to life in the United States, with some claiming that life in this Southeast Asian city costing about 60% less than in New York City. Due to its convenience and affordability, it's quickly becoming a popular destination for expats. Numbeo estimates that the overall cost of living here, excluding rent, can range from roughly $582 for an individual to just over $2,100 for a family of four. Here, you can easily rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for as low as $290. Three-bedroom apartments in the area are also relatively inexpensive, costing on average $1,100 per month.

Getting around Cebu is remarkably affordable. A one-way ticket on public transport costs roughly $0.25, with monthly passes priced around $13. If you decide to rent a taxi, your trip might cost as little as $0.37 per mile. If driving, filling up your gas tank will be much easier, as gas prices average $1 per liter.

If you want to experience luxury in Cebu on a smaller budget, one of the best opportunities comes by way of fine dining. For instance, The Pig and Palm is a popular high-end restaurant helmed by Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred chef. Menu items start at just under $4. You may be able to eat a delicious three-course meal here or at a similar establishment without spending the hundreds of dollars it would likely cost you in other countries, allowing you to eat affluently without your wallet taking a hit.

In many states, you're lucky if you can a place to live and pay less than $2,500 per month for both shelter and utilities. And yet, in Bogotá, Colombia, Numbeo estimates that the average cost of living for a family of four is said to be about $2,100 monthly, excluding rent. Even when factoring in rental payments, it's possible to find a nice place in the city center for between $566 and $963 on average. Further from the downtown area, you can get an apartment for as low as $300.

But living affluently is about more than just surviving; you want to be able to have fun and enjoy the finer things in life. If you decide to enjoy life in a luxury villa, Booking.com says it's possible to rent one for as little as $35 per night. That works out to a little over $1,000 per month. In addition to an upgrade in living, we found that you could spring for a luxury vehicle for around $142 per day. This is a little less than you'd have to pay out of pocket in the states, where such vehicles can start at around $200 per day and exceed thousands of dollars, depending on the make and model of the car in question.

Bogotá, Colombia is definitely a place worth considering if you are aiming for not just affordable living, but using your additional money to seriously upgrade your living situation. It's also one of the best South American countries for retirement.

When one thinks of Chiang Mai, one envisions roaming Asian elephants and beautiful rice fields. In addition to great natural beauty, it also offers a wonderfully affordable lifestyle. According to Wise, Chiang Mai's cost of living is 34.1 out of 100. By comparison, living costs across the United States averaged out to 70.1, with New York setting the tone with 100 out of 100. Most major cities in the U.S. are 80 or greater, so relocating from living in a more expensive, urban environment to Chiang Mai means you can expect to spend at least 50% less in terms of groceries, utilities, housing and more.

As for housing, costs vary, but living spaces are relatively affordable. We found homes selling for as about $16,000. Numbeo estimates Chiang Mai apartments can cost at least $280 per month, with rates rising the closer you get to the center of town, where rentals cost between $491 and $931 per month.

By finding an affordable living situation and spending much less each month, you'll be able to take advantage of some fun pastimes, such as off-road, ATV racing. Some guided tours cost between $50 and $70. If, however, you want to buy your own ATVs for regular off-road fun, you could pay between $1,100 and $6,500.

Kuala Lumpur is a South Asian destination that is quickly growing in popularity as it provides easy access to various destinations across the region while offering a great lifestyle to those operating on a smaller budget. Per Wise's cost of living estimates, you can expect to spend nearly a third less here than in major American cities. Without factoring in rent or housing, living in Kuala Lumpur costs about $616 per month for an individual to roughly $2,200 for a family of four.

Numbeo states that apartments range in price from $393 for a small place on the outskirts of the city to about $1,200 for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center. Even on the more luxurious end, you could rent a huge place with multiple bedrooms and expect to pay a little less than $2,100. Utilities here are also very affordable. Monthly phone service, per Numbeo, can cost less than $10. Likewise, basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, and cooling), often costs approximately $65. In the United States, just a single utility service can cost three times as much.

Thanks to the money saved by living in Kuala Lumpur, you can likewise afford to take advantage of the extremely affordable fine dining options. A blog called YourUni shared that high-end dining costs range from $20 to $30 per day across three meals. If you are someone with a $2,500 monthly income, you could potentially get away with spending $600 each month on the finest meals and still easily afford a home and living expenses.

As a nation, Panama is already considered one of the most wallet-friendly places for expats looking to relocate abroad. This includes retirees, as Panama reportedly has an established community of older Americans who chose to relocate here and take advantage of not only the warmer weather, but also Panama's retirement visa program.

If you are someone who wanted to move to a coastal city like Miami but found it too expensive, Panama City could work as a more affordable alternative. According to Numbeo, local living costs range between $780 for individuals and $2,850 for families of four. Renting in this city can likewise cost between $773 and $1,800 per month on average.

If you're looking for a more affluent way to spend your time here, one popular activity is renting boats. Some boats are available to rent for a as little as $350 per day. If you'd prefer a yacht, it's possible to rent one starting at around $350 per hour.

If you're coming from a place where you expect to pay thousands of dollars each month for housing alone, then Budapest will no doubt feel like a breath of fresh air. Budapest is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe. It's a city located in one of the more affordable European nations where, according to Numbeo, you may be able to find a small apartment for about $670 if living far from the town center; closer to downtown, that same apartment would cost $873, which is still a bargain for a solo traveler. 

For a larger family for at least four people, Budapest might cost a bit more, about $3,080 for most monthly expenses excluding rent, but this will likely still feel like a bargain relative to what it current costs to live in many parts of the United States. Instead of having rent, utilities, and groceries eat up all of your monthly income, you could afford to set aside money to live a bit more affluently. If, for example, you wanted to take up tennis, Numbeo estimates it would cost about $19 per hour on the weekend.

One pair shared through their blog, the Culture Craving Couple, that they were able to enjoy delicious pastries for up to $4 per item, and paid $4 to $6 per glass of wine. They did find that Budapest is more expensive today than it was in 2020, when they first visited. However, relative to just how expensive life is in the United States, many Americans will find it easier to enjoy affluent activities in Budapest without spending nearly as much money as they would in the U.S.

When it comes to enjoying Mexican warm weather and beaches, many people talk up and move to Cancun, Mexico. However, if you want a similar vibe with lower costs while contending with fewer tourists, you might want to consider a move to Chetumal. This city is located at the southern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, and is just a short drive away from nearby Belize.

If you moved to Chetumal as a single person, per LivingCost.com, you could expect monthly expenses to average about $592; when factoring in rent, this increases to $1,122 per month. For families of four, monthly expenses average out to $17,282 per month without rent and $2,654 monthly when accounting for rent.

If you end up moving to Chetumal, you'll find that Mexico is a popular destination not just for affordable medical care, but medical procedures ranging from dental treatments to forms of plastic surgery. A root canal here could cost as much as $550; in the U.S., this same procedure is reportedly priced between $700 and $2,000 per tooth. Moving to Chetumal would not just help you live more comfortably; you likely will be able to afford a level of healthcare that some would consider reserved solely for the most affluent and wealthy of Americans.