Living comfortably on €500 a month: the best cities and regions
Do you dream of leaving your hometown and don’t want to ruin yourself too much? It is possible to live in a wide variety of cities without spending a fortune. If you’re on a budget of $500 per month, then there are plenty of options for living comfortably. Whether you are looking for an urban city or a more rural location, you are bound to find something that suits you.
With $500 a month, you’ll want to find a place where the cost of living stays reasonable. Rents and consumption costs are generally the factors that influence the budget most strongly. You should also consider the wages offered and the quality of life in the area.
We conducted our survey and listed the best cities and regions where you can afford a comfortable life with a budget of 500€ per month. Here is what we found:
Bulgaria
More and more people are choosing Bulgaria to live there cheaply. The Bulgarian capital, Sofia, is a popular destination for travelers and expats looking for a cheap European city with all the conveniences of a big city. If you decide to go to Sofia, your money will go further than in any other part of Europe. Although the average salary in Bulgaria is slightly lower than the European average, the rents are the lowest in Europe! With a budget of 500€ per month, you can easily find an apartment to live comfortably.
Bulgaria’s neighbors are also popular destinations on a budget. Romania is a neighboring country that offers excellent value for money. Whether you choose to stay there for a single year or forever, cities like Bucharest and Ploiesti have been relegated to Europe as ‘beautiful low-cost scenarios’.
Porto Rico
Located in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers the perfect lifestyle for those who want an exotic adventure at low cost. Offering a tropical climate, breathtaking beaches and mountainous landscapes, the cost of living here is relatively affordable. Health services and high-end international schools are also widespread. Thanks to its proud currency, the US dollar, Puerto Rico is a great place to live on a budget.
The majority of residents in Puerto Rico earn an average monthly salary of $2,140, or around €1,560. It is therefore possible to live comfortably with a budget of 500 euros. The monthly rents are also very reasonable. In the area, you will find apartments for rent ranging from $500 to $1000 per month (380€ to 760€).
Nepal
Nepal is another country offering a low cost lifestyle. This tiny South Asian country is a land of natural wonders, where striking landscapes are rewarded with fascinating customs and a variety of cultures. Living in Nepal is affordable, with unbeatable rental prices. A furnished room in Kathmandu city will generally cost around $200 per month (€152), making it an attractive option for students and young travelers moving abroad for the first time.
You can easily live on a budget in Nepal, especially if you commit to eating the best Nepalese dishes. Local food can be obtained at a lower price, starting at around €5 for two meals. The average salary in Nepal is between 600 and 1000€, which is enough to live according to a good level of comfort.
Moldova
Moldova has become a popular destination for travelers looking for low-cost living. Located in Eastern Europe, this country enjoys a mild climate and offers access to historical and advantageous sites. Moldova offers affordable rents, as well as great value for food, alcohol and tobacco.
A monthly rent for an apartment in Chisinau can easily be found for $200 (152€) per month, and there are also housing cooperatives at even lower rates. Average salaries are higher than in Romania and Bulgaria, but they are still very affordable for the majority of budget travelers. With 500€ per month, you will be able to find a suitable comfort.
caribbean islands
Looking to move to an island? The Caribbean is for you. The Caribbean islands are known for their tropical climate and turquoise waters. Most of the islands are independent and the majority of their inhabitants speak English, making it an ideal destination for those who want to live on a budget of €500 per month.
The islands are very varied: you will find volcanic islands (like Saint Lucia and Grenada), rocky islands (Barbados and Anguilla), and paradise islands (like Guadeloupe and Jamaica). Rents are generally affordable, but the average salary varies greatly by island. Salaries in Grand Cayman are considered the highest in the region, as it is one of the most popular destinations for expats looking for work and convenient accommodation.
Mexico City
Mexico is another country that offers a low cost lifestyle. Whether you like to live in the city, in the countryside or on the coast, Mexico will offer you a wonderful setting. Most rents are affordable, and Mexican food is known to be incredibly cheap. With a budget of €500 per month, you can afford acceptable comfort.
Each region offers different average salaries. For example, the average salary in Cancun is almost 1350€, which is enough to live on a limited budget. Other areas, such as the city of Monterrey and Mexico D.F., offer even higher average salaries.
Mexico also benefits from an excellent public health system and a variety of international school options. The country recently adopted a new short-term visa which is available to visitors who wish to settle long-term and benefit from a local salary, allowing you to live in the country for several years.
Laos
Located in eastern Southeast Asia, Laos is a compact and culturally rich country. The global destination is still relatively neglected and inexpensive. Rents are more reasonable than in most other Asian countries, with most apartments in Louangphrabang costing between €150 and €300 per month. Salaries are also affordable and consumer costs are low.
Although this country is still not very touristy and relatively isolated, the quality of life is there and most citizens can live comfortably on 500€ per month. Laos also offers a safe environment and a relatively stable climate, making it an attractive destination for those looking to settle abroad.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city full of life or a quieter, quieter place, there are plenty of options for living comfortably on a budget. No matter where you go, you can always find a way to live on a limited budget of $500 per month. You just need to find the city or region that meets your needs and offers the best value for money. Do not hesitate to take your time to find the ideal place for your adventure abroad!