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Who wouldn’t want to live in a different country while making a decent living? So many Americans are now living abroad while making U.S. dollars. Plenty of countries have places for rent for less than $1,000. But which ones are they? And what is so special about each?
To help you find the right places, we compiled a list of places where your dollar goes much further. To curate this list, we focused on cities that are safe for U.S. travel and budgeted using the average monthly income of a U.S. resident, $4,949.
Here, we have 13 worldwide cities where your dollar goes further.
Guadalajara, Mexico
About 1.6 million U.S. residents live in Mexico. Many are digital nomads that reside in cities like Guadalajara. This beautiful city is affordable, clean, and full of things to do and see.
When I considered moving out of the U.S., I was drawn to Guadalajara. The average rent here is between $300 and $1,500. Food is also affordable and, better yet, delicious.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand, is the place to be if you want to save money and live a large life with a U.S. income. Plenty of digital nomads live in this vibrant city, which is also the capital and most populous city of Thailand.
Although the average American makes nearly $5,000 a month, you don’t need this much to rent in Bangkok. In this city, you can find apartments for $250 to $400 and luxurious spots for less than $1,000.
Quito, Ecuador
Many cities in Latin America offer comfortable living. Quito, Ecuador, is a great city to live and stretch your dollar. Like Bangkok, it’s a capital city.
Finding a furnished apartment in Quito is easy. The best part is the cost. You can easily find one for $550 or less.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you want delicious food, stunning nature, and affordability, Vietnam is the country to go to. For Americans, it is very affordable. You can live a pleasant and luxurious life with less than $3,000 monthly.
The average rent in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is about $450. Cheaper and smaller apartments and rooms exist, too. This leaves you with plenty of funds to travel and save.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is another city in Mexico that offers Americans affordability, vivid culture, and gorgeous nature. This large city is the capital of Mexico and was founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlan.
Mexico City is more expensive than Guadalajara, but many people feel the extra costs are worth it. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Mexico City is about $91, but living outside the city is cheaper.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a beautiful city to call home. It’s in Argentina and has a population of over 13 million. Monthly costs in Buenos Aires are cheap. Not including rent, you could live off of just $500.
Rent varies depending on the size of your home and the area. However, you can find a place for as little as $275.
Rincon, Puerto Rico
Rincon is a popular place for Americans to live in Puerto Rico. Since it’s a U.S. territory, you don’t need a passport or visa to travel here.
Although Puerto Rico isn’t as cheap as our other cities, it’s still affordable compared to many U.S. cities. The median rent is about $1,800. Although steep, if you leave the city, rent lowers immensely.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Also, the capital city, Montevideo, is a great place to visit if you want your money to stretch. This Uruguayan city is home to about 1.3 million people and has so much to explore, including the Port Mart, Plaza Independencia, and many museums.
It’s also very affordable for Americans. The average rent in Montevideo is $590 to $1,300. If you’re making half of the average income in the U.S., you can thrive in Montevideo.
Medellin, Colombia
Living in Medellin sounds like a dream. It’s definitely on my list of affordable travel destinations. Medellin has delicious food, long years of history, and beautiful nature.
It’s also super inexpensive if you’re making U.S. dollars. Rent in Medellin is anywhere from $250 to $800.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is another dream city that can make your wallet smile. This tropical paradise is home to 4.37 million people.
So, how much do you need to live in Bali? Rent in this lovely city is $300 to $800. A studio or room can be as cheap as $200. Bali also has delicious and affordable food. You can expect to pay as little as $3 for a meal.
Manila, Philippines
The Philippines is a stunning country, and Manila is one of its best cities. There is so much to explore, and all for an affordable price. Manila is also a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate.
In Manila, rent is about $260 to $550 t. Some places are cheaper, but you must be aware of the area.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re more interested in living in Europe, plenty of options exist. One is Lisbon, Portuga, which has a growing American immigrant population.
Rent depends on size and location but ranges from $800 to $2,200. It can be lower if you stay in a room or studio.
Barcelona, Spain
Lastly, there is Barcelona, Spain. It’s expensive to be a tourist in this city, and hotels are expensive, but living here is affordable for those making an American median wage.
Barcelona’s rent ranges from $550 to $2,000. The spaces are smaller but cozy and perfect for stretching your dollar. Fresh food in Barcelona is also inexpensive and easy to find.
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One of my favorite things about this country is the differences in each state. A cross-country road trip can take you from the mountains to the desert, coast, and swampland, with each region representing its unique charm and culture. I’m an avid road tripper and have spent some time in these small towns. They left their mark on me in the best way possible.
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Finding new and exciting destinations can be difficult for seasoned travelers. Many have their favorite places and go back to them time and time again. Some of the better destinations—hidden gems, if you will—are outside the mainstream. We have some top-notch places to try if you want to get outside mainstream locations.
These destinations are not tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Martha’s Vineyard. These spots are unique and quiet, making them some of our favorite hidden gems in America.
These destinations offer rich, memorable experiences for every traveler, from families to couples to solo explorers.
12 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations You Thought You Couldn’t Afford
Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip abroad. All it takes is a little sifting through countries with the lowest exchange rates. Located in the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these hot spots offer dynamic cities to explore and stunning landscapes to escape it all.
These exotic locations allow you to splurge without blowing a stack of cash. These destinations were chosen by sorting through the lowest exchange rates for each country against the U.S. dollar. Then, the final selection was made by examining features, including safety, the quality of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy accessibility to natural beauty, such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
So, if you’ve avoided international travel due to cost, we think the places on this list represent a great opportunity you probably didn’t know about.
