12 Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations To Live in Southeast Asia You’ll Want To Call Home

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Alongside offering some of the best beaches, cultures, and food scenes in the world, Southeast Asia also happens to be one of the most budget-friendly regions in the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a place to retire, seeking an affordable destination to live as a digital nomad, or simply want to escape to the sea, this corner of the globe offers no end of options.

To help you find out which destination is best for you, we’ve put together a list of the top budget-friendly beach destinations in Southeast Asia. These places not only offer affordable living but also provide a high quality of life, with plenty of opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Whether you’re after pristine beaches, delicious local cuisine, or a community of like-minded expats, this list covers a range of destinations to suit different preferences. So, without further ado, let’s find your new home.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, is increasingly popular among expats and retirees for its mix of urban convenience and beachside living. My Khe Beach, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, offers white sands and clear waters just a short drive from the city center. The cost of living in Da Nang is quite affordable, with monthly expenses for a single person averaging around $800-$1,200, including rent, utilities, and dining out.

The city is well-equipped with modern amenities, including shopping malls, international schools, and quality healthcare facilities. For those interested in culture and history, Da Nang is close to the ancient town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue. The food scene in Da Nang is also a highlight, with a mix of street food, local seafood, and international cuisine available at very reasonable prices.

Dumaguete, Philippines

Often referred to as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete is a small city located on the island of Negros in the Philippines. Known for its relaxed vibe and welcoming community, Dumaguete offers an excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost you might expect in Western countries. The nearby beaches, such as those in Dauin, are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with plenty of marine life to spot. Living costs in Dumaguete are among the lowest in the Philippines, with Numbeo estimating monthly expenses for a single person to range between $700-$1,000.

The city has a well-established expat community, making it easy for newcomers to find their footing, too. The local food scene is diverse, with everything from traditional Filipino eateries to Western-style cafes. We recommended trying one of the Sans Rival restaurants and bakeries, famous for its silvanas, a local delicacy.

Kampot, Cambodia

Kampot is a charming riverside town near Cambodia’s southern coast, known for its French colonial architecture, relaxed pace of life, and proximity to beautiful beaches like Kep. While Kampot itself isn’t directly on the beach, its affordable living costs and tranquil environment make it an excellent base for those who don’t mind a short drive to the coast. Monthly living costs for a single person in Kampot can be as low as $600.

Kampot is famous for its pepper farms, scenic river cruises, and the nearby Bokor National Park. The town has a growing expat community, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars catering to both locals and foreigners. Dining out is inexpensive (around $20 for two), with local Cambodian dishes and Western favorites available at most eateries.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Most Beautiful Beaches in Southeast Asia Sihanoukville Beaches, Cambodia — © BlueOrange Studio / Adobe Stock

Sihanoukville, once a sleepy coastal town, has transformed into a bustling city with a growing expat community. While parts of the city have seen rapid development, there are still quiet beaches and nearby islands where you can enjoy the peace and quiet associated with coastal living. The cost of living in Sihanoukville is still relatively low, with monthly expenses for a single person averaging between $700 and $1,200 on Numbeo.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

The city’s beaches, such as Otres Beach, are popular for their laid-back atmosphere and clear waters. Sihanoukville is also a gateway to nearby islands like Koh Rong, which offer pristine beaches and a slower pace of life.

Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a favorite among retirees and expats for its mix of modern amenities and beachside charm. It’s one of Thailand’s oldest beach resorts, offering a quieter alternative to places like party-focused Phuket or Pattaya. Numbeo estimates you can expect to spend between $800 to $1,200 per month as a single person out here.

Although it may be smaller than some of the more well-known Thai beach districts, there’s still plenty to do in Hua Hin, from lazing on its sandy beaches, to wandering busy night markets, to dining out. The area also has several golf courses, a water park, and a vibrant expat community, too.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is another coastal city in Vietnam that’s popular among expats and tourists alike. Known for its beautiful beaches, excellent diving spots, and vibrant nightlife, Nha Trang offers a balanced lifestyle at an affordable cost. If you stick to a strict budget, you can live in this city for as little as $600 a month, according to Living Cost.

The city has a well-developed infrastructure, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shopping options. Nha Trang is also famous for its seafood, and like Hua Hin, you’ll find numerous seafood restaurants lining the beachfront. These include the Sailing Club, with its three (yes, three!) kitchens covering Indian, Vietnamese, and barbecue dishes.

Penang, Malaysia

Penang, an island state off the northwest coast of Malaysia, is renowned for its cultural diversity, historic architecture, and delicious food scene. While George Town, the capital, is the main hub, there are several quieter beach areas like Batu Ferringhi where you can better enjoy the island’s natural beauty. With costs coming in at between $800 and $1,200 on Numbeo, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank each month.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Penang’s beaches may not be as pristine as some other Southeast Asian destinations, but the island makes up for it with its rich cultural heritage, street art, and world-famous hawker food.

Vung Tau, Vietnam

Found a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, up on the coast, Vung Tau was primarily known as a weekend getaway for locals but has a growing expat community now. Home to long beaches and scenic coastal roads, Vung Tau offers a laid-back lifestyle at a reasonable cost. As a single person, you’re looking at monthly outgoings of as little as $550.

Vung Tau is famous for its seafood, and you’ll find numerous seafood restaurants along the beachfront. The city also has several cultural landmarks, including the Christ of Vung Tau statue and the Vung Tau Lighthouse, both offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. For a relaxing day by the beach, head to Back Beach, an awesome spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s largest islands, is famous for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and luxury resorts. However, it’s also possible to live on Koh Samui on a budget, especially if you avoid the more touristy areas. With estimates of monthly expenses ranging from $900 to $1,300 from Numbeo, here is one of the more affordable islands on which to create a new life.

The island offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and hiking. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Koh Samui has a well-established expat community, and you’ll find everything from street food to fine dining available.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc, an island off the coast of Cambodia but part of Vietnam, is rapidly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top beach destinations. Despite its growing popularity, Phu Quoc remains affordable, with monthly living expenses for a single person ranging from $800 to $1,200.

The island is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Phu Quoc also has a variety of dining options, from local seafood shacks to upscale restaurants. To stock up on local foods and fresh seafood, the Night Market in Duang Dong is a great spot to do a weekly shop.

Hoi An, Vietnam

We briefly mentioned Hoi An when discussing Da Nang, but it deserves its own section. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the small town has a great mix of locals, tourists, and expats. While not directly on the coast, Hoi An is just a short bike ride away from An Bang Beach, making it an ideal location for those who want a mix of cultural immersion and beachside living.

Hoi An is famous for its lantern-lit streets, traditional wooden houses, and busy markets. The town also has a growing food scene, with numerous restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. For a memorable meal, visit one of the Morning Glory restaurants, which specializes in traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist.

And the price for all this? Well, according to Numbeo, you can comfortably live in Hoi An for anything between $600 to $1,000 per month.

Lombok, Indonesia

You probably assumed Indonesia’s most famous island, Bali, would feature on this list somewhere but with its increasing prices and growing crowds, there are better options out there. Found just east of Bali, Lombok is our top pick if you’re after budget-friendly options and fewer ‘influencers’.

Lombok is known for its pristine beaches, such as Senggigi Beach and Kuta Beach, which are perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Sasak villages and temples to explore.

So, what does it cost to live on Indonesia’s less touristy but still naturally stunning islands? Numbeo suggests that the number is somewhere between $600 to $1000. This comes in significantly cheaper than the $900 to $1,500 costs of living in Bali.