8 Countries Where You Can Travel Long-Term On A Budget

Dreaming of exploring the world without emptying your bank account? The cost of living varies dramatically across different countries, making some perfect for extended stays on a shoestring budget.

I’ve compiled a list of eight countries where your dollars stretch surprisingly far, plus three destinations that might leave your wallet feeling painfully light. Whether you’re planning a gap year or digital nomad adventure, knowing where to go (and where to avoid) can make all the difference.

1. Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Budget Paradise

For just $1,000 monthly, you can live comfortably in Thailand while enjoying pristine beaches, vibrant markets, and delicious street food for mere dollars. Bangkok offers modern amenities at a fraction of Western prices, while northern Chiang Mai attracts digital nomads with its $300-500 monthly apartments.

The Thai people’s welcoming nature makes settling in easy. You’ll find strong Wi-Fi throughout tourist areas and an established expat community ready to help newcomers navigate local customs.

2. Vietnam: Incredible Food and Stunning Landscapes on a Dime

Did you know $700-900 monthly can fund a comfortable Vietnamese lifestyle? Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer affordable apartments starting around $250, while smaller towns like Hoi An cost even less. The country’s incredible street food scene means delicious meals for $1-3.

Motorbike rentals cost about $50 monthly, making transportation a breeze. Vietnam’s diverse geography lets you experience everything from misty mountains to gorgeous beaches without breaking your budget.

3. Mexico: Cultural Richness With Surprising Affordability

Mexico’s charm goes beyond vacation resorts! Living in cultural hotspots like Oaxaca, Merida, or Mexico City costs roughly $1,200 monthly, including a centrally-located apartment. The country’s extensive bus network makes exploring ancient ruins, colonial towns, and pristine beaches remarkably affordable.

Many Mexicans speak some English, especially in tourist areas, easing the transition. With fast internet widely available and a growing digital nomad scene, you’ll find plenty of cafes and coworking spaces to keep connected while enjoying authentic tacos for less than a dollar each.

4. Indonesia: Island-Hopping Heaven That Won’t Empty Your Wallet

Beyond Bali’s tourist crowds lies an archipelago of 17,000+ islands where $800-1,000 monthly buys paradise living. Yogyakarta offers cultural immersion with rooms from $150/month, while lesser-known islands provide even better deals. Fresh tropical fruit smoothies cost under $1, and delicious local meals rarely exceed $3.

The Indonesian rupiah’s favorable exchange rate makes Western currencies stretch impressively far. I’ve found the locals incredibly friendly, often inviting travelers to family ceremonies or village gatherings, creating priceless cultural experiences that cost nothing at all.

5. Portugal: Europe’s Most Affordable Gem

If European living seems financially out of reach, Portugal will pleasantly surprise you! With $1,500-1,800 monthly, you can enjoy historic cities, stunning coastlines, and world-class wine regions. Lisbon apartments outside tourist zones start around $600, while smaller cities like Porto offer even better deals.

Transportation costs stay low with a monthly transit pass around $40. Portugal’s excellent healthcare system ranks among Europe’s best while remaining affordable for visitors. The sunny climate, safe streets, and English-speaking locals make this an ideal European base that won’t destroy your savings.

6. Georgia: The Caucasus Hidden Treasure

Georgia might not top most travel lists, but savvy budget explorers have discovered this gem where $700-900 monthly funds a comfortable lifestyle. The capital Tbilisi offers modern apartments from $300, while ancient mountain villages provide even cheaper alternatives. Wine flows abundantly in this birthplace of viticulture, often costing just $3-5 per bottle.

Most impressive is Georgia’s visa policy – many nationalities can stay 365 days without paperwork! The country bridges Europe and Asia, blending influences from both continents in its architecture, cuisine, and culture, giving budget travelers an extraordinarily rich experience for minimal cost.

7. Cambodia: Ancient Wonders on a Shoestring

While Angkor Wat draws tourists, Cambodia’s affordability makes long-term stays incredibly accessible at just $800-1,000 monthly. Phnom Penh apartments start around $250, with restaurants serving full meals for $2-4. The country uses US dollars alongside local currency, eliminating confusing exchanges.

Transportation remains cheap with tuk-tuks costing $1-3 per ride. Cambodia’s developing infrastructure means some inconveniences, but the tradeoff is authenticity and value unmatched elsewhere in Asia. Many expats find themselves staying years longer than planned because their money stretches so remarkably far.

8. Colombia: South American Diversity Without the Price Tag

From Caribbean beaches to Andean mountains, Colombia offers incredible geographic diversity with monthly living costs around $1,000-1,200. Medellín’s perfect spring-like climate year-round has attracted a growing expat community, with modern apartments starting at $400. The exchange rate heavily favors dollar-holders, making local experiences remarkably affordable.

Fresh tropical fruits cost pennies at local markets, while transportation via the extensive bus networks rarely exceeds $1-2 per ride. Colombia’s transformation from troubled past to tourism hotspot means infrastructure is improving rapidly while prices remain low – a perfect combination for budget-conscious long-term travelers.

9. Switzerland: Breathtaking Views with Jaw-Dropping Prices

Switzerland’s postcard-perfect landscapes come with sobering price tags that quickly deplete savings. Basic apartments in cities like Zurich or Geneva start around $1,800 monthly, while a simple restaurant meal typically costs $25-30. Even McDonald’s value meals approach $15, making budget dining nearly impossible.

Public transportation, though excellent, costs a premium with monthly passes exceeding $200 in most cities. The Swiss franc’s strength against most currencies compounds the expense. While the country offers unparalleled cleanliness, efficiency, and natural beauty, these luxuries come at a cost few long-term travelers can sustain.

10. Japan: Cultural Riches at Premium Prices

Japan’s fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology comes with financial challenges for long-term travelers. Tokyo apartments rarely drop below $1,000 monthly, even for tiny studios far from city centers. Though convenience stores offer relatively affordable meals, regular restaurant dining quickly becomes unsustainable at $15-30 per person.

Transportation costs add up rapidly with subway rides averaging $2-3 each way and bullet trains costing over $100 between major cities. While smaller towns offer slightly better value, Japan’s overall high cost of living makes extended stays difficult without substantial savings or steady income sources.

11. Norway: Stunning Fjords with Stunning Price Tags

Norway’s breathtaking natural landscapes come with equally breathtaking expenses that challenge even well-funded travelers. Oslo consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, with modest apartments starting around $1,500 monthly and often requiring long-term leases. Grocery shopping shocks newcomers – a basic sandwich and coffee easily exceeds $20.

Transportation costs soar with bus tickets around $4 for short rides. Even budget activities strain wallets, as Norway’s famous hiking trails often require expensive transportation to trailheads. The country’s high taxation funds excellent public services but creates an environment where long-term budget travel becomes nearly impossible.