12 Affordable Places to Live in the World That Are Surprisingly Beautiful
Dreaming of waking up to ocean views, sipping espresso in an old-world café, or hiking lush mountains — without spending a fortune? The good news: it’s totally possible. Around the world, there are beautiful destinations where your rent is lower, meals are deliciously cheap, and the quality of life is sky-high.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a remote worker, or just craving a fresh start, these 12 affordable yet gorgeous places to live will give you the high-vibe life you’re looking for — on a surprisingly low budget.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Tropical Zen on a Budget
Chiang Mai blends affordability, spiritual calm, and a thriving expat community. Nestled in northern Thailand’s mountains, this laid-back city offers a creative vibe and excellent infrastructure for remote work.
- Cost of living: Around €900–€1,200/month for expats.
- What makes it beautiful: Golden temples, lush jungles, and lantern festivals light up the city with color and calm.
- Why expats love it: Coworking spaces, yoga retreats, street food stalls, and an easy digital nomad visa scene make it perfect for slow living.
Chiang Mai’s mix of mindfulness and modernity makes it one of the most affordable yet enriching cities in Asia.
2. Granada, Nicaragua – Colonial Beauty Meets Low Cost
If you’re dreaming of colonial streets, volcano views, and lakeside sunsets, Granada might be your tropical paradise.
- Cost of living: Around €800/month for a comfortable lifestyle.
- Beauty factor: Cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, and Lake Nicaragua just minutes away.
- Expat appeal: A tight-knit community, affordable housing, and endless outdoor adventures.
With its Spanish architecture and warm hospitality, Granada is one of Central America’s most visually stunning and wallet-friendly cities.
3. Porto, Portugal – Coastal Charm for Less
Porto offers all the European magic without the sky-high prices of Lisbon or Paris.
- Cost of living: Around €1,300/month including rent, food, and transport.
- What makes it special: Terracotta rooftops, riverfront cafés, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge overlooking the Douro River.
- For remote workers: Reliable internet, English-friendly locals, and affordable coworking spaces.
Plus, the wine — oh, the wine! Living in Porto means sunset river walks paired with a glass of port for under €3.
4. Medellín, Colombia – The City of Eternal Spring
Medellín is no longer the city of its dark past — it’s now one of Latin America’s most forward-thinking, affordable hubs.
- Cost of living: €1,000–€1,400/month.
- Why it’s beautiful: Nestled in a lush green valley, Medellín has perfect weather year-round and panoramic views from every corner.
- Why expats move here: Friendly locals, modern metros, cultural revival, and endless weekend getaways to Guatapé and Salento.
You get city energy with tropical charm — a balance that makes Medellín irresistible to digital nomads.
5. Ubud, Bali – Spiritual Luxury for Less
Ubud offers jungle serenity, artisan cafés, and yoga studios that attract creatives and dreamers from all over the world.
- Cost of living: Around €1,200/month for a private villa with a pool.
- Beauty factor: Rice terraces, waterfalls, and morning mist make it feel otherworldly.
- Why it’s affordable: Healthy food and spa-like experiences cost a fraction of Western prices.
You’ll spend your days surrounded by art, nature, and a sense of inner calm — all on a modest budget.
6. Oaxaca City, Mexico – Cultural Magic on a Budget
Color, craft, and cuisine — Oaxaca City has it all.
- Cost of living: Around €900–€1,100/month.
- Why it’s beautiful: Vibrant markets, colonial churches, and mountains on the horizon.
- Why expats move here: Incredible food scene, affordable housing, and rich local traditions like the Guelaguetza festival.
Oaxaca is both authentic and affordable — a creative’s dream with low living costs and high cultural rewards.
7. Da Nang, Vietnam – Beachside Living Without the Price Tag
Da Nang is Vietnam’s best-kept secret — a coastal city with palm-fringed beaches and a surprisingly modern feel.
- Cost of living: Around €800–€1,100/month.
- Why it’s beautiful: Long sandy beaches, marble mountains, and colorful dragon bridges.
- Why it’s practical: Great Wi-Fi, international schools, and easy access to Hoi An and Hue.
If you want tropical living with reliable infrastructure and budget-friendly comfort, Da Nang is hard to beat.
8. Tbilisi, Georgia – Europe’s Hidden Gem
Tbilisi is where old-world architecture meets hipster cafés and digital-nomad buzz.
- Cost of living: Around €900–€1,200/month.
- What makes it beautiful: Cobbled streets, colorful balconies, and mountains rising above the city.
- Expat perks: One-year visa-free stay for many nationalities and great food at shockingly low prices.
Tbilisi combines affordability, friendliness, and charm — with a touch of mystery that makes you fall in love fast.
9. Taghazout, Morocco – Surfer’s Paradise on a Budget
Once a sleepy fishing village, Taghazout is now a global hub for surfers and slow travelers.
- Cost of living: Around €800–€1,000/month.
- Beauty factor: Golden beaches, cliffside cafés, and Atlantic sunsets.
- Why it’s appealing: Peaceful pace, low rents, and great surf schools.
It’s perfect for those who want to wake up to the sound of waves — without breaking the bank.
10. Bansko, Bulgaria – Affordable Alpine Living
Bansko may be known for skiing, but it’s also one of Europe’s most affordable year-round destinations.
- Cost of living: Around €700–€1,000/month.
- Why it’s beautiful: Snow-capped peaks, hiking trails, and cozy mountain lodges.
- Why digital nomads love it: Coworking Bansko has created a whole community of remote workers enjoying alpine life at low cost.
You get the charm of the Alps without the European price tag.
11. Cuenca, Ecuador – Colonial Calm in the Andes
Cuenca blends Andean landscapes, colonial architecture, and a calm, affordable lifestyle.
- Cost of living: Around €900/month.
- Why it’s beautiful: Flower-filled plazas, cobblestone streets, and river walks framed by mountain views.
- Why it’s practical: Safe, clean, and packed with amenities for retirees and remote professionals.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down — and you actually enjoy your coffee breaks.
12. Penang, Malaysia – Tropical Island Meets City Comfort
Penang is where street food, culture, and affordability meet in perfect balance.
- Cost of living: Around €1,000–€1,300/month.
- Why it’s beautiful: Colonial mansions, street art, and palm-dotted coastlines.
- Why it’s convenient: Strong expat community, English-speaking locals, and great healthcare.
Penang gives you island life without isolation — and with some of the best food in Asia.
Final Thoughts: Living Beautifully Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
If there’s one thing these 12 places prove, it’s that you don’t need a six-figure income to live a rich life. From mountain towns to tropical islands, these destinations offer comfort, connection, and creativity at a fraction of the price you’d pay back home.
The world is full of stunning, affordable havens — you just need to pick your vibe. Whether you want the cultural pulse of Porto, the jungle calm of Ubud, or the coastal charm of Da Nang, your dream life might cost far less than you think.
