12 Beautiful Places Where You Can Live for Less Than $500 a Month

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Living abroad as a digital nomad, traveler, or retiree isn’t just a great way to experience new cultures, try new things, and explore the world. It’s also a great way to save money. While the cost of living in many countries is high, making it more challenging to buy a home, it’s surprisingly low in other countries.

Did you know you can find places to live worldwide for less than $500 monthly? If not, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you 12 beautiful places where you can live for less than $500 a month. These places are attractive, affordable, and jam-packed with things to do.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

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We’ll kickstart our list with a super affordable destination that offers sun, sea, sand, and epic parties. Sunny Beach has long been Bulgaria’s most famous seaside resort. It’s famed for its lively town center, picturesque beaches, and excellent weather. You’ll also love it for the low costs.

In Sunny Beach, you can find affordable flats in a prime location for as little as $160 monthly, including access to a swimming pool. That leaves you with $340 to spend on things like food, activities, and transportation, which is easily doable. As for things to do in Sunny Beach, you’ll likely spend your time sunning it up on Central and South Beaches, having fun at Sunny Beach Amusement Park, and partying on Flower Street.

Varna, Bulgaria

Another budget-friendly Bulgarian beach destination is Varna, a beautiful port city in the north. Like Sunny Beach, this city is known for its seaside resorts and vibrant nightlife. However, those not as keen to party will be pleased to hear it’s easier to avoid. Therefore, you can enjoy the glorious golden sand beaches and charming city center while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.

Noteworthy attractions include Roppongi Beach, Varna Zoo, the Archaeological Museum Varna, and the Sea Garden. Regarding finances, living in Varna costs $851 monthly. However, that includes $402 for rent and $320 for food. You can quickly reduce those costs to bring your monthly spend to less than $500. For example, this simple flat with a balcony on Airbnb only costs $281 monthly, including utilities.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Outdoor enthusiasts passionate about adventure should move to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, if they want to save money. Kathmandu is one of the world’s cheapest places to live. A single person can live in the city for $455 monthly, including rent, utilities, food, and transport.

Surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu is a premier destination for hiking and climbing. However, the city itself is spectacular, too. Famed for its rich culture, fascinating religious monuments and temples, and vibrant squares, you’ll never tire of exploring the city’s maze-like streets. You don’t want to miss Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the Thamel neighborhood, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Pai, Thailand

Another excellent place to live if you love the great outdoors is Pai, a picture-perfect town in the Mae Hong Soon Province of Northern Thailand. This gorgeous town sits in a lush valley on the banks of the Pai River. As such, it’s renowned for its scenic hiking trails and excellent landscape vistas.

When we visited Pai, we also fell in love with the town’s bustling Downtown area, relaxing hot springs, and stunning waterfalls. Trust us, there’s no better feeling than grabbing a cold beer and sitting in the Pai Hot Spring after hiking in Pai Canyon or tucking into local cuisine at the street market. You can keep your costs below $500 in Pai by booking an Airbnb for less than $350 and cooking your meals.

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Mirissa is a small beach town in Southern Sri Lanka. Best known for its breathtaking tropical beaches, incredible marine life, and lively palm-tree-lined streets, you’ll never run out of things to do in Mirissa. Better yet, the average cost of living in the town is $509 monthly, which can be reduced by finding somewhere more affordable to stay.

When you’re not swimming in the turquoise waters with sea turtles or tucking into a Sri Lankan curry, walk along the coast in search of the best viewpoints and head out on a whale-watching trip. The main points of interest in Mirissa are Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa Beach, and Raja & the Whales. Mirissa is also in a prime location for visiting Udawalawe National Park on a day trip.

Cusco, Peru

In Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, you can find flats for less than $300 monthly and rooms in guest houses for almost $200 monthly, leaving you with between $200 and $300 to spend on everything else. Besides being incredibly affordable, Cusco is easily one of the most beautiful cities worldwide.

Framed by the Andes Mountain Range, this stunning city offers a unique mix of rich history, outdoor adventure, and delightful cuisine. Located at 11,151 feet (3,399 meters), you’ll explore archaeological remains, visit historical landmarks, and hike one of the many mountain trails. Famous attractions in Cusco include Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, Tambomachay, and Saqsaywaman.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali isn’t the biggest island in Indonesia, but it’s undoubtedly the most popular. I’ve visited the island multiple times, and it remains one of my favorite places. This mind-blowingly beautiful island is home to a lush rice terrace, impressive volcanic landscapes, charming art towns, and lively beach resorts. My favorite places on the island are the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Finn’s Beach Club, Ubud Art Market, Kuta Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and Padang Padang Beach.

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From my own experience, I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably in Bali and experience everything the island offers for less than $500. Admittedly, you won’t be able to stay in luxury villas and eat at 5-star restaurants, but the affordable guesthouses and cheap eats offer a more unique experience anyway.

Marrakesh, Morocco

The following beautiful, budget-friendly destination on our list is Marrakesh, a medieval walled city in Morocco, North Africa. This city is best known for its hot climate, rich history, and bustling souks (marketplaces). Marrakesh is a big hit with history buffs and summer holidaymakers who travel to the city to reach the beaches on Morocco’s west coast.

In Marrakesh, get lost in the maze of market stalls, explore iconic landmarks, relax in the lush gardens, and head to the nearest beach. You’ll get a good taste of what the city offers if you visit Bahia Palace, Le Jardin Secret, and Plage d’Essaouira. Regarding finances, rooms and flats are available in the city for $300 or less, so budget backpackers should have no trouble keeping their total costs below $500.

Vlorë

Places Where You Can Live for Less Than $500 a Month Vlorë — © Андрей Макаров / Adobe Stock

Generally speaking, coastal cities in Europe are expensive. However, Albania offers a cheaper alternative to places like the Amalfi Coast and the Algarve. Take Vlorë, for example. If you’re clever with your money, there’s no reason you can’t live on approximately $500 monthly. You can do this by finding affordable accommodation on Airbnb, making the most of free attractions, and avoiding eating out.

Vlorë is a charming Albanian coastal city that offers travelers pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and verdant hillsides perfect for hiking. The city center is also brimming with Albanian architectural delights. Significant points of interest in the city include the seafront promenade, Plazhi i Ri Beach, Vlora Old Town, and the Independence Monument.

The Ceraunian Mountains are also nearby.

Sarandë, Albania

Places Where You Can Live for Less Than $500 a Month Sarandë, Albania — © Aleksandar Todorovic / Adobe Stock

Another affordable beach destination in Albania is Sarandë, a relatively less-traveled city in Southern Albania. Like Vlorë, you’ll have to be smart to keep your monthly costs below $500, but it is possible. Flats are available in the city for approximately $300 monthly, including utilities, leaving you with $200 for the rest of the month.

This beautiful seaside resort on the Albanian Riviera offers visitors long sunny days, postcard-perfect beaches, and stunning scenery. The main beach, Saranda Beach, is a great place to swim in the turquoise sea, sunbathe, and relax. Meanwhile, Saranda Embankment is a lovely place to walk and grab something to eat. The 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle and the Monastery of the 40 Saints are also worth visiting.

Goa, India

According to Living Cost, a single person can live in Goa, a coastal state in Western India, for only $455 monthly, including rent, utilities, and food. That leaves you an extra $45 to put towards something else or save. A big hit with beachgoers, Goa is renowned for its beautiful beaches, hot climate, and rich culture.

Once a Portuguese colony, Goa has a fascinating blend of Indian and Portuguese charm, evident in the cuisine and architecture. There are many things to see and do in Goa. Some of the most popular attractions include Baga Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is the largest of 99 islands in the Langkawi Archipelago, off the Malaysian mainland. This stunning tropical island is the go-to destination for backpackers and expats seeking a low living cost and a picturesque island life. You can live comfortably on the island for only $496 monthly.

Lush forested hills, towering waterfalls, long white-sand beaches, and lively seaside resorts dominate Langkawi. You’ll find yourself tucking into local Malaysian cuisine at a beachfront restaurant when you’re not soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches or hiking to a scenic waterfall. Must-visit places on the island include Pantai Cenang, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Seven Wells Waterfall, and Dataran Lang.