14 Countries Where You Can Live Like Royalty on a Budget
1. Thailand
In Thailand, your dollars stretch far, letting you enjoy a lifestyle that’s comfortable and full of little luxuries. Imagine living in Hua Hin, where the monthly cost of living can be as low as $850 for a single person.
Warm weather year-round means more time for beach days or exploring outdoor markets. The country’s healthcare is both modern and affordable. Plus, mouthwatering food, rich culture, and friendly locals make it easy to call Thailand home.
2. Mexico
Living in Mexico is like getting a gourmet meal on a fast-food budget. Fancy waking up to sun-kissed beaches and vibrant street markets while keeping your wallet happy?
Places like Aguascalientes offer an unbeatable mix of quality and value. Your dollars stretch further, with living costs as low as $800 to $1,400 a month in cities like Durango.
3. Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, your dollars stretch further, meaning a more comfortable lifestyle for less. With a low cost of living, you can enjoy good food, rent a beautiful home, and not worry about breaking the bank. The country offers high-quality healthcare, too. If you’re drawn to culture, history, and natural beauty, you’ll find plenty here.
Plus, Bulgaria’s prime location allows for easy travel to many European, African, and Middle Eastern destinations.
4. Portugal
Living in Portugal can be a dream come true, especially if you’re looking to stretch your dollars in a place with charm and sun. With a cost of living that’s easy on the wallet, your retirement funds can go further. In cities like Lisbon, you can find a cozy apartment without spending a fortune.
Groceries, dining out, and public transport are also wallet-friendly. Plus, the cost of living in Portugal means you can enjoy the relaxed lifestyle without breaking the bank.
5. Montenegro
In Montenegro, your budget stretches further, giving you more bang for your buck. A single person’s monthly costs are around €650, while a family of four can live on about €1700. You’ll enjoy cheap public transport and affordable living without sacrificing comfort.
With a cost of living roughly 42.7% cheaper than in the US, your dollars go far in this Adriatic haven.
6. India
Living in India allows you to enjoy a rich cultural atmosphere while making the most of your budget. In cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, you’ll find that your money goes further than expected, whether you’re renting a home or exploring the markets.
The cost of living is incredibly appealing, with affordable healthcare and delicious food that won’t break the bank. While urban areas can be pricier, the vast country offers many locations where a comfortable lifestyle can be maintained without a hefty price tag.
7. Panama
Living in Panama can feel like a dream with its beautiful beaches and vibrant cities. Your dollars go further here, which means you can enjoy a higher standard of living at a lower cost.
In places like Chitré, a couple can comfortably spend around $2,000 each month for a lovely home, good food, and transportation Live Like Royalty in Latin America. Even in Panama City, you can find apartments between $700 to $900 a month, a steal compared to big city prices in the U.S.
8. Dominican Republic
Living in the Dominican Republic means enjoying the sun and sea without breaking the bank. You can cover your living expenses comfortably with a monthly budget of around $1,355.
The island offers homes within a short distance from the beach that won’t cost a fortune, and with the cost of living being so reasonable, you can even splurge on a few extras. Plus, the weather is perfect year-round, so you can enjoy the outdoors anytime you want!
9. Vietnam
Living in Vietnam can stretch your dollars to their fullest potential. Especially in cities like Da Nang, where your lifestyle can feel luxurious without breaking the bank. Here, a mouthwatering bowl of pho costs less than a coffee back home!
With less than what you’d spend on a weekend outing, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant street food scene or bask in the natural beauty that’s just a walk away. Vietnam’s cost of living means more fun and less worry about your wallet.
10. Ecuador
In Ecuador, your dollars stretch further and living well doesn’t have to break the bank. Imagine soaking up the diverse culture and enjoying the mild climate without the worry of a hefty price tag. A couple can live comfortably on less than $23,000 a year, covering rent, dining, and more.
Your budget could even include a cleaning service and healthcare. And while owning a car is an option, you’ll find most everyday needs are met without one.Cities blend with nature giving you the best of both worlds. You could have a city apartment and still afford a retreat by the beach.
11. Colombia
In Colombia, you can savor flavorful meals or find a cozy hostel without breaking the bank. Cities like Pasto offer living costs that let you enjoy more for less. Stretch your dollars further with fixed-price lunches and travel easily across the country using budget-friendly buses.
And in places like Barranquilla, renting is a breeze with costs significantly lower than the capital. Your money goes a long way, enabling a comfortable lifestyle that feels indulgent yet smart.
12. Malaysia
In Malaysia, your budget stretches far, allowing for a luxurious lifestyle without the high price tag. Forbes mentions that living in Penang, you can enjoy royal living for about $2,500 a month. Known for its gorgeous beaches and diverse cities, Malaysia has a mix of modern amenities and stunning nature.
Homes in Kuala Lumpur are within reach, with affordability against a backdrop of famous landmarks like the Petronas Towers. Take your pick from bustling city life to tranquil highlands and islands without breaking the bank.
13. Philippines
In the Philippines, your dollar stretches far! With a monthly budget of $760, you can cover basic expenses and enjoy local culture fully. For a cozy studio apartment, just $450 a month might do the trick, and if you increase your budget slightly, a more spacious two-bedroom home awaits around $900.
It’s not just the living spaces that are affordable. Your grocery bills can average to a modest $228 monthly. Fancy a tropical backdrop for your daily life without the hefty price tag? The Philippines could be your next vibrant and budget-friendly home.
14. Cambodia
In Cambodia, your dollars stretch further, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Renting a house can be as low cost as $300 to $500 a month, with food and transport also being easy on the wallet.
You could be spending just a handful of dollars for meals out. The affordability extends to property, with prices for urban houses ranging but staying within accessible sums, and even lower in rural areas. Plus, monthly expenses like utilities remain modest, keeping your budget happy.
