Living in big cities is getting more expensive every year, making many people rethink where they call home. Inflation and unpredictable geopolitical status is driving a global shift toward more affordable lifestyles.
Thanks to remote work, travel-friendly visas, and flexible careers, it’s now easier than ever to move abroad. Whether you’re a freelancer, retiree, or simply budget-conscious, there are cities where your money goes much further.
In this guide, we’ve covered the cheapest cities to live in for 2025. From beach towns to cultural hubs, these destinations offer value without compromise. Let’s find the one that fits your lifestyle best..
15 Cheapest Cities In The World To Live: Quick Overview (2025)
With rising global costs, knowing where your money goes furthest is key. This list ranks the 15 cheapest cities in the world to live in 2025, based on monthly costs for rent, food, transport, and utilities
| Ranking | City Name | Estimated Monthly Living Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bari, Italy | $500-$700 / Month |
| 2 | Cape Town, S. Africa | $850-$950 / Month |
| 3 | Cebu, Philippines | $900-$1000 / Month |
| 4 | Hamilton, New Zealand | $1000-$1200 / Month |
| 5 | Hanoi, Vietnam | $1,100 – $1400 / Month |
| 6 | Heraklio, Greece | $1,250 – $1,500 / Month |
| 7 | Istanbul, Turkey | $1,250 – $1,500 / Month |
| 8 | Kuala Lumpura, Malysia | $1,400 / Month |
| 9 | Medellín, Colombia | $1,500 / Month |
| 10 | Mexico City, Mexico | $1,500 – $2,000 / Month |
| 11 | Mumbai, India | $1,500 – $2,000 / Month |
| 12 | Oaxaca City, Mexico | $1,750 / Month |
| 13 | Bangkok, Thailand | $1,800-$2000 / Month |
| 14 | Split, Croatia | $1,800-$2000 / Month |
| 15 | Valencia, Spain | $1,950 – $ 2,500 / Month |
This ranking considers reliable cost-of-living data, local affordability, and access to essential services. Use this as a starting point to explore your best-fit city for cost-effective global living.
Top 15 Cheapest Cities In The World to Live in 2025 (Detailed)
Here’s a closer look at the world’s cheapest cities for 2025, with details on why each one stands out for budget-conscious living.
1. Bari, Italy
| Minimum Cost | $500-$700 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Lower regional rents |
| Affordable Area | Carrassi, Bari Palese, Madonnella, Japigia |
| Common Spoken Languages | Italian |
Bari offers lower rent and grocery prices compared to other Italian cities. Monthly costs cover utilities, transport, and food at affordable local markets.
Ideal for retirees and students, Bari has strong healthcare, good internet, and easy residency. Digital nomads benefit from a relaxed coastal lifestyle and a small but friendly expat community.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
| Minimum Cost | $850-$950 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Competitive rent & food |
| Affordable Area | Salt River, Observatory, Woodstock, Goodwood |
| Common Spoken Languages | English, Afrikaans, Xhosa |
Cape Town offers affordable lifestyle options with lower rental rates, fresh produce, and efficient public transportation throughout the city.
Ideal for students, creatives, and retirees, Cape Town provides fast internet, scenic outdoors, and dual citizenship-friendly visa options. It’s excellent for those seeking diversity and culture without high costs.
3. Cebu, Philippines
| Minimum Cost | $900-$1000 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Budget rent + street food |
| Affordable Area | Mabolo, Lahug, Talamban |
| Common Spoken Languages | Cebuano, English |
Cebu combines budget-conscious living with affordable rent, local food markets, and low-cost utilities. Public tricycles and jeepneys keep transport expenses low.
Perfect for digital nomads, retirees, and students, Cebu offers visa extensions, a strong expatriate network, and reliable internet. Relaxed island living makes it popular for lifestyle relocators.
Bonus: Cebu also benefits Indian travelers, as the Philippines allows visa-free stay for Indians, making it even more attractive for digital nomads.
4. Hamilton, New Zealand
| Minimum Cost | $1000-$1200 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Lower rent than Auckland |
| Affordable Area | Nawton, Dinsdale, Rototuna North |
| Common Spoken Languages | English, Māori |
Hamilton offers New Zealand-level infrastructure at reduced costs. Supermarkets, utilities, and bus transport are all budget-friendly.
Ideal for families, remote workers, and retirees, Hamilton delivers clean air, stable healthcare, and digital infrastructure. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking a balanced, low-stress lifestyle.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
| Minimum Cost | $1000-$1200 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Very low rent & food |
| Affordable Area | Long Bien, Gia Lam, Cau Giay, Dong Da |
| Common Spoken Languages | Vietnamese, English |
Hanoi’s living costs are among the world’s lowest: cheap street food, budget rents, and cheapest transport via scooter or metro.
Ideal for digital nomads and students, Hanoi offers co-working spaces, growing expat networks, and relatively easy visa options. Essentials like utilities and groceries remain very inexpensive.
6. Heraklion, Greece
| Minimum Cost | $1,250 – $1,500 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Off-season rentals |
| Affordable Area | Kaminia, Voutes, Agia Marina |
| Common Spoken Languages | Greek, English |
Heraklion’s cost savings stem from seasonal rental deals, low food prices from local markets, and affordable transport. The city also benefits from a slower pace of life and lower utility costs compared to other Greek destinations.
Best for retirees, remote workers, and food lovers, the city offers reliable internet, cultural access, and retirement-friendly visas. Enjoy Mediterranean life without premium price tags.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
| Minimum Cost | $1,250 – $1,500 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Weak lira & plentiful goods |
| Affordable Area | Esenyurt, Küçükçekmece, Bağcılar, Sultanbeyli |
| Common Spoken Languages | Turkish, English |
Istanbul benefits from a devalued currency and abundant local produce, making rent and groceries affordable. The city’s vast housing options and budget-friendly dining make it especially appealing for long-term stays.
Ideal for students and remote workers, it provides vibrant neighborhoods, coworking spaces, fast internet, and relatively easy visa options, especially for longer stays.
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| Minimum Cost | $1,400 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Strong infrastructure |
| Affordable Area | Cheras, Sentul, Setapak, Wangsa Maju |
| Common Spoken Languages | Malay, English, Mandarin |
Kuala Lumpur combines modern convenience with affordability. You’ll find budget apartments, cheap street food, and some of Southeast Asia’s most efficient public transport.
Ideal for digital nomads and families, KL offers excellent healthcare, English-friendly communication, and diverse communities.
Visa options like MM2H and digital nomad programs are attractive to long-stay expats. The city’s tech-forward infrastructure and affordable daily life make it a practical base for remote work.
9. Medellín, Colombia
| Minimum Cost | $1,500 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Low rent, local foods |
| Affordable Area | Belén, Robledo, Castilla |
| Common Spoken Languages | Spanish, English |
Medellín is budget-friendly with affordable apartments and a rich food culture. Public transport is efficient and low-cost. The city also enjoys a mild climate year-round, adding comfort to its affordability.
Ideal for remote workers and retirees, this city offers strong coworking, digital nomad visa options, Spanish immersion, friendly communities, and reliable internet.
10. Mexico City, Mexico
| Minimum Cost | $1,500 – $2,000 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Peso’s value + street food |
| Affordable Area | Roma Sur, Santa Maria la Ribera, Condesa |
| Common Spoken Languages | Spanish, English |
Mexico City offers a big-city vibe at a fraction of New York or London’s cost. Rent is reasonable, especially in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and daily expenses like street food, groceries, and public transport remain low.
The city is great for creatives, students, and remote workers. It boasts a growing coworking culture, stable internet, and welcoming visa policies for North Americans. Rich culture, dynamic art scenes, and year-round festivals add value far beyond cost.
11. Mumbai, India
| Minimum Cost | $1,500 – $2,000 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Low-service costs |
| Affordable Area | Borivali, Chembur, Kandivali |
| Common Spoken Languages | Marathi, Hindi, English |
Mumbai is India’s financial heart but still offers affordable living, especially in suburban areas. Utilities and transport are budget-friendly, and street food is both cheap and delicious.
Ideal for students and remote workers, Mumbai offers strong English usage, growing co-working spaces, and easy access to travel hubs, although crowds can be dense.
12. Oaxaca City, Mexico
| Minimum Cost | $1,750 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Cultural food markets |
| Affordable Area | Xochimilco, Jalatlaco, Reforma |
| Common Spoken Languages | Spanish, English |
Oaxaca stands out for its artsy vibe, local cuisine, and slower pace. Rent and daily expenses are low thanks to compact living, traditional markets, and an economy rooted in community.
Perfect for retirees, artists, and eco-conscious expats, the city offers affordable healthcare, stable internet, and a friendly visa system. Its colonial charm, cultural richness, and tight-knit expat circles make it a cozy, cost-effective retreat from urban sprawl.
13. Bangkok, Thailand
| Minimum Cost | $1,800-$2000 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Inexpensive services |
| Affordable Area | Bang Kapi, Lat Phrao, Bang Na |
| Common Spoken Languages | Thai, English |
Bangkok blends affordability with global appeal. High-rise apartments, $1 meals, and fast, cheap metro systems make city life accessible. Utilities and mobile plans are among the cheapest in Asia.
Ideal for digital nomads and students, Bangkok provides thriving coworking spaces, strong expat communities, and generous visa options. Add in Thailand’s renowned hospitality and tropical getaways just hours away, and it’s easy to see the value.
14. Split, Croatia
| Minimum Cost | $1,800-$2000 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Off-season rentals |
| Affordable Area | Kman, Spinut, Trstenik |
| Common Spoken Languages | Croatian, English |
Split offers scenic Adriatic views with manageable living costs, especially outside peak tourist seasons. Groceries and transport are affordable, and off-season rentals drop sharply.
Great for retirees and remote professionals, Split boasts EU-level healthcare, safe streets, and a growing infrastructure for remote work.
Walkable neighborhoods, a relaxed pace, and cultural charm make it more than just a vacation spot, it’s a lifestyle choice.
15. Valencia, Spain
| Minimum Cost | $1,950 – $ 2,500 / Month |
| Why It’s Cheap | Affordable Spanish regional city |
| Affordable Area | Ruzafa, El Carmen, Patacona |
| Common Spoken Languages | Spanish, Valenciano, English |
Valencia offers all the perks of a major European city, without the high price tags of Madrid or Barcelona. Rent is lower, food is fresh and local, and public transport is reliable.
Perfect for retirees, remote workers, and students, the city combines beach life, cultural festivals, and non-lucrative visa options for long-term stays. Healthcare access, warm climate, and safe streets make it one of Europe’s best-value cities for quality living.
What Makes A City Truly Affordable?
Affordable living isn’t just about getting a cheap rental unit; it’s about the overall quality of life that the city can offer.
We looked at key factors like rent, groceries, transport, and healthcare to find cities where your budget truly stretches.
We also considered essential remote work requirements, including fast internet, coworking spaces, and visa options.
These cities offer more than savings, they provide safety, community, and a livable environment. It’s about finding comfort and connection without overspending.
Things To Do Before Moving To The Cheapest Cities To Live In
Before relocating to any of the world’s cheapest cities, it’s important to understand visa rules.
Many destinations offer tourist visas lasting 30 to 90 days. Countries like Vietnam (45 days), Colombia (90 days), and Mexico (180 days) are especially lenient. Your eligibility may vary, so it helps if you belong to a country with a strong passport.
For more extended stays, several countries offer expat-friendly visa options. Colombia and Mexico provide retirement visas, while Malaysia’s MM2H and Greece’s residency programs are popular among long-term travelers.
Digital nomads can apply for remote work visas with proof of income and insurance.
Visa extensions are possible in many countries, but must be handled before expiration. Some require registration with local healthcare or immigration services after 90 days.
To find the right path, review the different types of visas available based on your situation. While English is common in places like Malaysia and the Philippines, learning local basics always helps.
How To Choose The Best Cheapest Cities To Live
Finding the best affordable city depends on your lifestyle, goals, and comfort preferences. Different cities offer different strengths, and matching them to your needs can make all the difference.
For digital nomads:
- Prioritize strong Wi-Fi and coworking spaces.
- Look for flexible visa options.
Best picks: Medellín, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok.
For retirees:
- Seek calm, walkable cities with reliable healthcare.
- Consider the community feel and safety.
Best picks: Valencia, Oaxaca City, Bari
For students:
- Focus on affordable education and a youthful social scene.
- Accessibility and transport matter.
Best picks: Istanbul, Mumbai, Hanoi
Also, consider language barriers, weather conditions, and local culture. A beachside city might be ideal for some, while mountain regions may better suit others.
Trying a short-term stay before committing can help you avoid costly mistakes and find a city where you feel truly at home.
Smart Travel Tips:
Conclusion: Bari Is the Cheapest City In The Worlds To Live in
Living well doesn’t always require a high cost. Around the world, there are cities where you can enjoy a comfortable, enriching lifestyle without overspending.
With thoughtful planning and an open mind, affordable global living is more accessible than ever. Starting with a short visit can help you explore neighborhoods, understand local culture, and see if a city fits your needs.
From peaceful retreats to vibrant urban centers, the right city is out there. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about finding a place where you feel at home, inspired, and truly connected.
FAQs
Bari, Italy is one of the safest and most affordable cities, offering low crime, friendly locals, and monthly costs often under $700.
Remote work is allowed in many of these cities through tourist or digital nomad visas, especially in countries like Colombia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Bari, Italy tops the list for 2025 with monthly living costs as low as $500, making it the most affordable overall.
In cities like Hanoi, Cebu, and Istanbul, one-bedroom apartment rents typically start from $250 to $600 per month.
Renting is generally better for newcomers due to lower commitment, easier relocation, and fewer legal barriers compared to buying property.
