What are the Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in the World? (2024)

Are you moving to a new country? If so, there are many variables to take into account, but the most crucial ones to consider are safety and an affordable cost of living. However, when looking for the cheapest and safest places to live in the world, the sheer number of options can quickly become overwhelming. Not to mention the number of factors to consider ranging from daily expenses to safety.

Therefore, for each of the the 15 cheapest and safest countries listed in this article, there is a general overview of the cost of living, safety and security and quality of life. These are three of the most important aspects that should help guide your decision.

15 of the Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in the World

Each of these 15 countries present themselves with unique beauty and charm. However, in addition to finding the best place to have enriching experiences for your lifestyle, it is beneficial to assess which countries are the cheapest and safest places to live in.

1. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic lies in the heart of Europe. It is surrounded by Germany in the west, Poland in the northeast, Austria in the south, and Slovakia in the east. Given its strategic location, it is very easy to travel across Europe from the Czech Republic.

It offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western European countries. Its capital city, Prague is more expensive, but it is still more affordable than cities like Paris, London, or Berlin. Outside of Prague, cities such as Brno, Ostrava, and Plzeň offer even lower living costs.

Rent, utilities, groceries, and public transportation are generally affordable. For instance, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Prague costs around €740–€1,100 per month, but in smaller cities, rent can be significantly cheaper. The country also has a great transportation system with the monthly transport pass costing between €23–€28.

The Czech Republic is considered one of the safest places in the world. It ranks high in global safety indexes due to its low crime rates. The healthcare system is of high quality and accessible, with both public and private options. Public healthcare is largely subsidized for residents, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expats.

2. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a beautiful country in Eastern Europe with historic cities and towns, charming natural landscapes and a welcoming expat community. The country is well-connected with other EU member states and Eastern European countries and therefore serves as an essential business location for international trade.

Although Europe is considered an expensive place to live, Bulgaria definitely challenges this perception. It is possible to get by easily without breaking the bank in this country.

To rent a one-bedroom apartment in the capital city, Sofia, can cost around €400–€600 per month. Smaller cities like Plovdiv, Varna, or Burgas offer even cheaper options, with rents often ranging from €200–€400. Similarly a monthly public transport pass in Sofia is about €25, while local transport in smaller cities can be even more affordable.

Bulgaria is undoubtedly one of the best places for expats to live. Its residents live comfortably as the country has relatively low crime rates compared to other countries in Europe and is ranked well for safety in global indexes.

Apart from being known for its affordable living, the country is perfect for someone who enjoys outdoor activities, history, and culture. It has a variety of landscapes, from the Black Sea coast to the mountain ranges of the Balkans, which offer a range of activities to explore. As for the cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna they have a thriving cultural scene with theaters, museums, and festivals.

3. Albania

If you are a US citizen looking to move to a different country, you should definitely consider Costa Rica. Costa Rica is situated in Central America, connecting North and South America, and is the ideal place for someone who loves adventure.

Costa Rica is also among those countries with a low cost of living and high quality of life. The capital city San José, is considered a more expensive than Central American neighbors, but low cost apartments in the city can be found at about €600–€1,000 per month, while outside the city center, rent can range from €400–€700.

The public transport is also affordable, with a monthly pass in San José costing around €30–€40. However, for a deeper exploration of the country, a car might be more practical.

A key advantage of opting to live in Costa Rica is that you can lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The country’s diverse landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and rainforests, offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, it can be easy to navigate as English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among the expat community.

6. Panama

Like Costa Rica, Panama is also located in Central America and is considered to be one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world.

Compared to neighboring countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Panama is more expensive, but it’s generally much safer. A one-bedroom apartment in Panama City, can be found for about €800–€1,200 per month, while renting outside the city center can be as low as €500–€800. The country also has an efficient metro system and a monthly pass in Panama City costs around €20–€30.

If you are planning to move abroad, the healthcare of the country is a significant aspect to consider. Panama certainly offers a quality healthcare system at affordable costs. Moreover, you can acquire health insurance in at any age.

One of the most significant selling points of Panama is its stunning landscape—be it a wide range of rainforests, sandy white beaches, lakes, yards of coastlines, or national parks. If you prefer living in nature, then Panama should be at the top of your list.

The country has a low crime rate compared to its region. Additionally, Panama is one the cheapest and safest places that also makes it easy for integration as English in mostly spoken within the growing expat communities.

7. Mexico

Mexico is a vibrant country with a diverse landscape and a lively local culture. It’s regarded as one of the most accessible places to move to from the USA because of its close proximity. A quick flight – or even a short drive, if you are close to the border – will get you from the USA to Mexico in no time.

Located between North and South America, Mexico is considered one the most affordable countries in comparison to the USA, Europe, and Canada. You could save money every month depending on where you are planning to stay in the country.

As one the major cities for tourism, Mexico has a very well functional metro system, so the transport can found at a low cost of €15–€25 per month.

When its comes to safety, Mexico City has mixed safety ratings, with some areas being safer than others. It is generally safer than many other major cities in Mexico, but it is still important to stay aware of your surroundings. However, there is a strong presence of police presence and emergency services around the city.

Mexico is known as one of the best countries for Americans to retire. It offers a high standard of living with its vibrant cultural scene, historic cities, and modern amenities. The country has numerous museums, theaters, parks, and a lively culinary scene.

8. Thailand

Thailand is one of the safest countries to live in Asia and is also very friendly on the wallet. It is one of the most popular destinations for expats, retirees, and digital nomads.

The capital city, Bangkok offers affordable housing, for instance, an apartment in city center costs around €400–€800 per month, while living outside the city can be even cheaper. The country also has a diverse transportation system. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are common and affordable for short distances, and intercity buses and trains are economical for traveling around the country. So a monthly transport budget can range from €30–€50.

Thailand is on many travelers’ lists because of its unique flora, fauna, and diverse landscapes. Hills surround the country in the North. Apart from that, there are dense forests, islands, and bustling cities as well.

The diverse country is also one of the cheapest and safest places to live where English is spoken, as it is taught as a second language in most schools. This puts Thailand among the best countries for Americans—and other nationalities—to retire.

All expats need to be covered by either public health insurance or private health insurance if they are moving to Thailand. In terms of health care and infrastructure Thailand stands somewhere in the middle. However, you can get advanced and faster treatment with international health insurance.

Malaysia is also one of the safest and most affordable places to live if you want to settle somewhere in Southeast Asia. It is a well-developed country with one of the one of the most advanced infrastructures, affordable cost of living and low crime rates.

To paint a picture, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, typically costs around €400–€700 per month. However, choosing a place on the outskirts can be more affordable, ranging from €250–€500. Beyond renting, Malaysia is one of the few countries in Asia where you can buy property on a freehold basis as soon as you arrive.

Transportation, roads, and connectivity are outstanding in the country, so you can travel from one part of the country to another with ease and without having to spend a hefty amount of money. Malaysia offers economical transport services like, taxis, Grab (ride-hailing), making a monthly budget of about €20–€30.

In regards to safety, Malaysia is generally considered a safe country with relatively low crime rates compared to many Western countries. Healthcare wise, many expats and locals prefer private healthcare facilities for higher quality and faster service, which is still affordable compared to Western standards.

For someone who loves a warm destination Malaysia is the place. It has a tropical, hot, and humid climate. If you visit between January and August, you will find the climate to be hot and dry. However, Kuala Lumpur is vibrant city with modern infrastructure, shopping malls, international cuisine, and a lively social scene.

On the contrary historic cities like Penang and Malacca offer a rich cultural scene, while coastal areas like Langkawi offer a more relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle.

10. Vietnam

Vietnam is an amazing country with a stunning natural landscape. It is definitely one of the safest and most affordable places to live for expats. You can expect a hassle-free and comfortable life in Vietnam at reasonable costs.

However, the cost might increase if you try to settle in Hanoi or the capital city Ho Chi Minh City. For instance, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €300–€600 per month, while outside the city center, can range from €200–€400.

Fortunately the transportation is also cheap and efficient. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a monthly public transportation pass costs around €10–€20. There are motorbikes and taxi options which are just as affordable.

While visiting the diverse country, make sure to visit Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, the Mekong Delta, or try the best pho in Hanoi. Vietnam has a tropical climate throughout the year, with seasonal rainfalls during the monsoons.

The country also offers a dynamic mix of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences, but another advantage is the growing English speaking community particularly, among younger generations.

11. Georgia

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a low cost of living, stunning natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. It positions itself as the safest place to live in with its relatively low crime rate.

As one the cheapest places to live in compared to other Western countries, an apartment can be rented at a low cost of €300–€500 per month, in the capital city, Tbilisi. While renting outside the city center can range from €200–€350.

The public transport is just as cheap. There is network of buses, metro, and minibuses as well as taxis and ride-hailing services, so an average monthly budget can be set at about €10–€20 per month.

Safety is also not an issue in Georgia, as it has a low crime rate and reliable emergency services. Therefore, it makes easy to live comfortably within its diverse geography, which includes mountains, valleys, and a Black Sea coastline.

12. Ecuador

Ecuador not only offers budget friendly living but it has a variety of climates and landscapes—from beaches to mountains to the Amazon rainforest. The country provides affordable healthcare, a stable economy, and a good quality of life. It’s popular among retirees and expats for its safety and laid-back lifestyle.

Beauty is not all Ecuador has to offer, it is also easy to find great affordable housing. An apartment in the capital city, Quito generally costs around €300–€500 per month. The country also has a well organized network of buses and taxis at a low cost of €15–€25 per month.

Ecuador is generally considered safe, though safety can vary by region. Therefore, major cities require exercised caution, especially in crowded areas or less secure neighborhoods. But emergency services are easily accessible.

The beautiful country has a diverse natural landscape, but cities like Cuenca are known for their colonial architecture and relaxed pace of life. For a change of scenery, visit Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands for beautiful beaches and marine activities.

13. Uruguay

This South American country is another one those countries with low cost of living and high quality of life with its beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Uruguay was listed as one the cheapest places to live in 2024 by International Living. Its capital city Montevideo offers affordable housing with an apartment costing around €450–€700 per month. In smaller cities like Punta del Este or Salto, rents are lower, often between €250–€450.

The transport system is also fairly priced with buses being the most common mode of transport. However, a monthly budget can get up to €35–€50.

Uruguay is not only one the cheapest places in the world but the safest as well. It has a generally a very low crime rate and prioritizes a strong police presence, and reliable emergency services.

Additionally, the country’s healthcare system is well-developed, with both public and private healthcare options available. Many expats prefer private healthcare for its higher quality and reasonable costs.

For many, Uruguay can tick many boxes, with its well-developed social welfare system, and dynamic coastal and countryside escapes. The weather is beautiful and warm in the summer and mildly cold in winter. Furthermore, there is more English spoken in tourist areas and among the expat community, but Spanish is the primary language.

14. Slovenia

Slovenia is a stunning hidden gem in Central Europe offering the Julian Alps, picturesque lakes and lovely towns. The country has a reasonable cost of living compared to Western Europe, and it ranks highly for safety, quality of healthcare, and overall quality of life.

The country’s capital, Ljubljana’s offers low cost apartment rentals for about €600–€900 per month. Slovenia can be considered one of the cheapest European countries to live in as smaller towns like Maribor or Celje, have even lower rents ranging between €300–€500.

Getting around the country will not come with any problems either because there is reliable transportation system of buses with a monthly pass costing around €35–€45.

Safety is also not an issue as Slovenia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates. There is also a well-developed public health care system for residents but expats usually prefer private healthcare.

As one of the cheapest and safest places in the world it also adds on its beautiful green landscapes. Not to forget that Slovenia is big on sustainability and offers a range of outdoor activities. There is also its magnificent architecture and cultural scene to enjoy.

15. Turkey

While Turkey is often known for its bustling cities like Istanbul, many coastal areas and smaller towns can be considered some of the safest and cheapest places to live in the world. It is also another popular destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads.

The cost of living varies significantly between cities, with Istanbul being the most expensive. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the capital city can range for as low as €350–€600 per month while smaller cities and rural areas are even more affordable at €200–€400.

Turkey is generally safe, but safety can vary depending on the region. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are considered safe, but they do have areas with higher crime rates. When it comes to the quality of life, the less touristy regions are rich in cultural experience and warm hospitality.

However, the country is known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, offering a vibrant lifestyle, modern amenities, and another one of those historic cities with charm.

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Frequently Asked Questions the Safest and Cheapest Countries