Nestled between Austria, Germany, Slovakia and Poland, the Czech Republic is located between Eastern and Western Europe. It's a country that's well-developed like Western Europe, but cheap like Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic is an incredible country to move to because it has a very low crime rate, a strong international community, and an affordable cost of living. Living and working here makes it comfortable and easy to travel around Europe, and there are plenty of volunteer positions in the Czech Republic and paid jobs available. Bulgaria is one of the safest and cheapest places to live in the world, especially in Europe.
Europe can be quite expensive, but everything in Bulgaria is affordable. The capital is a good starting point, and there are lots of fun things to do in Sofia. After visiting the capital, venture out to continue exploring this incredible country by doing a work exchange program in Bulgaria. Here are also some Worldpackers job boards in Albania, which will allow you to live and work alongside the locals so you can learn about their country and their lifestyle. Definitely one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world, Portugal is very popular with people leaving the United States to move abroad.
Transportation is very sophisticated and easy to use throughout Portugal, and you can travel around the country affordably by train or bus. Worldpackers has the best hosts in Portugal, such as this accommodation in a guest house where you would live in a quiet place surrounded by nature to go a little slower and this cozy hostel in Lisbon. Panama is another Central American country that is one of the cheapest and safest places to live. There are also plenty of places to volunteer around the country.
Volunteering in Panama will help you connect with locals, helping you stay safe. If there are locals you trust, they'll make sure you know the best ways to live in their country. Plan your trip with the article about the 10 best things to do in Panama. In terms of affordability and security, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam) and Europe (Portugal, Hungary) are solid options. Personal preferences should guide your final decision.
Each of these 15 countries is presented with a unique beauty and charm. However, in addition to finding the best place to have enriching experiences for your lifestyle, it's beneficial to evaluate which countries are the cheapest and safest places to live. The Czech Republic is at 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's very easy to travel around Europe from the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is considered one of the safest places in the world.
It ranks highly in global security indices due to its low crime rates. The health system is of high quality and accessible, with both public and private options. Public health care is heavily subsidized for residents, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expatriates. Bulgaria is a beautiful Eastern European country with historic cities and towns, enchanting natural landscapes and a welcoming expat community.
The country is well connected to other EU member states and Eastern European countries and is therefore an essential trading location for international trade. Although Europe is considered an expensive place to live, Bulgaria definitely challenges this perception. It's possible to get by easily without going broke in this country. Bulgaria is, without a doubt, one of the best places to live for expatriates. Its residents live comfortably, as the country has relatively low crime rates compared to other countries in Europe and ranks well in terms of security in global indices.
It is one of the countries with a low cost of living and a high quality of life. Albania is an attractive destination for expatriates and digital nomads on a budget, as it is one of the safest and cheapest places to live in the world compared to many Western European countries and oriental. Portugal is undoubtedly one of the cheapest and safest places in the world to live right now. Many people from the United States are moving to Portugal, as it is a safe and affordable country.
The country has its share of warm weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so if you're a nature lover and want to spend time outdoors, Portugal can certainly meet your expectations. While Portuguese is the official language, it's also one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world where English is spoken, especially among younger generations. Portugal also has an excellent education system, and you'll find plenty of options when choosing schools, colleges and universities in Portugal. Everything you need to know to move to Portugal as a U.S. citizen If you're a U.S.
citizen and want to move to another country, you should definitely consider Costa Rica. Costa Rica is located in Central America, connecting North and South America, and is the ideal place for someone who loves adventure. A key advantage of choosing 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, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
In addition, it can be easy to navigate, as English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among the expatriate community. Like Costa Rica, Panama is also located in Central America and is considered one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world. If you are planning to move abroad, the country's healthcare is an important aspect to consider. Panama certainly offers a quality health system at affordable costs. In addition, you can purchase health insurance at any age.
One of Panama's most important selling points is its breathtaking landscape, whether it's a wide range of rainforests, white sand beaches, lakes, coastal patios or national parks. If you prefer to live in nature, Panama should be at the top of your list. The country has a low crime rate compared to its region. In addition, Panama is one of the cheapest and safest places, which also makes integration easier, since English is mainly spoken in growing expatriate communities.
Mexico is a vibrant country with a diverse landscape and a vibrant local culture. It is considered to be one of the most accessible places to travel from the United States. Department of State because of its proximity. A quick flight, or even a short drive, if you're close to the border, will take you from the U.S. Department of State to Mexico in a short time.
Located between North and South America, Mexico is considered one of the most affordable countries compared to the U.S. US, Europe and Canada. You can save money every month, depending on where you plan to stay in the country. When it comes to safety, Mexico City has mixed safety ratings, as some areas are safer than others. It's generally safer than many other major cities in Mexico, but it's still important to be aware of your environment.
However, there is a strong police and emergency services presence in 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 vibrant culinary scene. Some of the cheapest places to live have existed since I wrote the first edition of A Better Life at Half Price and are likely to continue to top the list five years from now.
This post contains a lot of information about the cheapest places to live in the world in 2025, but I've only taken a look at the surface. For example, foreign employees and students in most European states have to live in that country for at least 183 days a year in order to extend their stay. The government has then made a difficult place to live even tougher and has encouraged its citizens to report the behavior of foreigners that they consider offensive. Where I live in Mexico, for example, a combination meal at McDonald's costs more than a multi-course lunch at a good restaurant.
Therefore, it's easy to live comfortably within its diverse geography, which includes mountains, valleys, and a Black Sea coast. Some of the most affordable countries in the world are also considered to be the most dangerous to live in. Worldpackers creates a highly interconnected community of travelers where you can get all the information you need before traveling abroad to live or volunteer. Compared to salaries, Bosnia-Herzegovina is the best deal overall if you're looking for the cheapest places to live abroad in Europe. This 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.
One of the most convenient ways to have the opportunity to live anywhere and choose a country with a lower cost of living is to obtain a secure passport.
