10 Places I Would Live with $1,000 per Month (or Less)

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Choosing where to live is the foundation of any move abroad! If you're looking to relocate to a new country this year and would like my help, apply for support here: www.travelingwithkristin.com/relocation

[@heather6679]

I applied for relocation support services a few months ago and I never received any communication from the company at all. I was very sad and figured everything out on my own instead.

[@dj-ak2912]

What a gorgeous woman come to Surrey 👍🏻😍

[@jayalexander7763]

Kristin I love your videos and have been following you forever!… is it possible to do a video on “how much money would you or a couple actually need to move abroad?” I’d love to hear that from you and I appreciate it. Keep up all the great work you do ☺️

[@truthmatters2049]

Hi Kristin, I would love to have a second place to live in one of these countries that you are mentioning in your videos and probably eventually retire there. I was wondering if you would consider doing a video on what are the best options if one has a small dog that one is traveling with. What I mean is that some countries have strict rules on bringing in animals and others are more relaxed about it. I wonder if you get this question when working with your clients...

[@RM360CR]

If you need a place to live 1000 or less you are consider poor in a western country and no one wants poor people because just because you are from a rich country it dont mean you have the same qualities of the country. And the massive problem with any european nation specially the eastern states is the expancion of nato a massive no no no.

[@hectorcyre7664]

Our simple secret to travelling to other countries inexpensively, is to observe how the locals live and adopt their practices. It can literally cut your costs in half.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Good tip! Thanks Hector

[@BOULDERGEEK]

And living on pounded dirt floors, killing your own chickens and walking an hour to take a bus to the city to sell $4 worth of goods a day is such great fun! We've been living in various locations in South America for two years. yes, adopting locals' practices whenever possible is advantageous. But, it is a major challenge to any European or North American. It's a work in progress that many will fail to adhere to. I try to make my own bread and pizza dough, but sometimes you need Pedidos Ya to get a proper pizza and bottle of wine for you.

[@hectorcyre7664]

@@BOULDERGEEK In your context, you are absolutely right. I should have clarified, but I was trying to be brief. My reference point is not a third-world situation. We spend January through March in New Zealand. We have been going there nearly every year since 1987. We are able to continue to do so because we live like normal middle-class Kiwis, which is a pretty nice lifestyle. We golf, fly fish, hike, and dine out in nice restaurants once a week or so. If we lived like tourists, our gig would have been over long ago. One doesn't have to live on a dirt floor and kill chickens to save money. For example, our golf club membership in NZ is about $600 for three months. That is a bargain compared to the $4,000+/year we pay to belong to a small local golf club here in the USA (and that isn't a fancy-pancy club). My point is that you can save a lot of money by not being foolish in how you live, and the locals will give you a pretty good template to work from if you simply keep your eyes open and listen. I'm pretty sure the same approach would work in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Bulgaria, Albania, and countless other places where you wouldn't have to kill your own chickens.

[@spark_6710]

I totally agree w you ! Do the locals do !! 👏👏👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💕💞

[@spark_6710]

​@@hectorcyre7664Wonderful !! Yes,no killings of animals to live ,that's out of a question ! 👍💕

[@DragonKingGaav]

Bulgaria Serbia Albania Georgia Romania Thailand Mexico Argentina Bolivia

[@junzhang2087]

You forgot Turkey which is also very affordable. Better weather and blue Mediterranean Sea.

[@montrealcanada-hf2qc]

Albania is exspensive food no good . Careful

[@jglee6721]

Thanks. If Thailand, then Vietnam should be considered too.

[@annewhelan2437]

What about Cambodia? Siem Reap?

[@arnoldbuenavacz8026]

Latvia

[@Brecknutz]

I would recommend Guatemala. I can rent a room for $200 a month in Antigua which is the center of tourism in Central America. I have lived there on and off for the past 5 years on 1k a month.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

I used to live in Georgia 🇬🇪 and my total monthly expenses were between $500-$600 USD INCLUDING rent (which was $300). I also lived in the beautiful city of Puebla, México for basically the exact same expenses (my rent was $275). I'm going to be moving to Bulgaria in September and am so excited! I really do miss Georgia though and am planning on going back soon and spending a lot more time there. There's something just so magical about that beautiful place. ❤

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Where in Georgia please any tips for me? I m just a poor person in Uk with zero so hsve had enough... I was in Turkey after caught cobid and was fine but now it s hsrder to get a long visa and everything has doubled in their financial crisis even a dorm bed.

[@ba8898]

I don't know when you were there, but Puebla would be very difficult today on 500-600 USD. That's only slightly above the monthly Mexican minimum wage, and you'd be living on a bit less than a young employee at McDonald's. If you want a comfortable middle-class Mexican lifestyle in Puebla, I'd say a single person would need $2k plus.

[@DragonKingGaav]

Who wants to live in the south?

[@brianbarbour314]

I hear nothing but great things about Georgia and I hope it stays that way. The US and the CIA are making a big effort to destabilize it right now.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

@@ba8898 I was there in 2021 and left at the end of the year. I don't really care for a super comfortable middle class lifestyle (I've never even known what that feels like in my own country). I'm frugal, don't care for luxury goods/lifestyle, and prefer to live as a regular local whenever I travel. I didn't know anyone there who made more than I did. $2k would be living like a king, at least when I lived there. I haven't been back to Puebla since I left, but if that's the case nowadays then that's messed up.

[@GoHabsGo-db7cb]

I'm getting it done in Tbilisi Georgia for $800 a month and I eat out almost every day.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Love to hear it! I’m coming over for a visit 😊

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

@@GoHabsGo-db7cb That’s great news. I’m considering Tblisi and your post gives me hope.

[@scoobysnax8127]

Can confirm Bulgaria is underrated. Nice people, great food, lovely landscapes. A bit rough around the edges. Also. very economical.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Totally agree! 💗

[@williamfrost9910]

To put this in perspective for those who are sceptical about living in these places for under $1K / month, I made a list of the average monthly salaries in most of the cities mentioned in the video with data from Numbeo (online): Bali: $285 Tirana: $680 Sarande: $600 Belgrade: $880 Novi Sad: $295 Nis: $205 Sofia: $1300 Plovdiv: $900 Bansko: $555 Koh Samui: $355 Bangkok: $650 Phuket: $500 Tblisi: $550 Bucharest: $1150 Mexico City: $840 Aguascalientes: $1005 Puebla: $960 Oaxaca: $490 Merida: $675 Buenos Aires : $410 Bariloche : $415 Cordoba: $520 Mar del Plata: $435 La Paz: $435 So we can assume that the average local can survive in each of these cities, and there's only 3 cities on the list (including Bucharest, which wasn't mentioned although Romania was) where the average montly salary is greater than $1K. In most of these places, there's substantial headroom between the average salary amount and the $1K figure. I can say that I've lived abroad in the past and I've done some traveling recently, and I personally would want more than $1K but I could live a life comparable to the one I have now in the US in any of these places for about $1500 less, if only because of the savings on rent. This is about value for money. The only advantage to being an American from a working class perspective is that your dollars go a lot farther in other countries. If you have a dollar-denominated income stream and you don't try living abroad, you're wasting your money. I've had the highest standard of living of my life abroad, by far.

[@sharonannelarkin9534]

The belief that a foreigner needs no more money than a local salary to live in a particular place is a common fallacy. It does not take into account the resources of an extensive network of family and acquaintances needed to live on a single salary.

[@williamfrost9910]

Family networks are just one resource required for survival and while it's true that it will generally cost more for foreigners to live in a place, you shouldn't expect it to cost 3 times as much or more unless you're just not trying. Learning the language and the terrain can help bridge the gap between the cost of living for a local and that for a foreigner. For me, it's the cost of rent and restaurants that generally determines how much a place will cost overall, and you can get a decent idea of what those costs will be through online research, with websites such as Numbeo. It is generally recommended to go to a place to find out firsthand what is really possible though, and a video like this is only designed to help you find out which places would be worth considering.

[@agapenotaryservice9989]

Thank you for this 💎!

[@betts12220]

@@sharonannelarkin9534 Exactly. I would double the average salary unless you're hardcore and don't mind living in a very local area and don't need many amenities.

[@wanderingdoc5075]

You're not gonna be able to "live like a local" without taking a yuge hit to QOL, and even then you won't be able to do it.

[@raw-earth-exploits]

If anyone is planning to go to La Paz, Bolivia the altitude is 4000 meters. High altitude sickness may complicate your stay if you are sensitive.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Good point! I should have put that as a challenge for living there. I got altitude sickness in Peru near the border of Bolivia

[@BOULDERGEEK]

And it is an overwhelmingly intense, crowded, tangled urban hellscape on the outer fringes. I have a high tolerance to city criving and high risk, and La Paz taxis and buses exceeded my tolerance. It's like Mad Max. You won't see that staying at four star hotels and being Ubered everywhere.

[@marybrown8905]

You may want to look at Santa Cruz, Bolivia

[@le_th_]

Haven't been to Bali since 2000, so perhaps it's changed drastically. While I was there, I never touched foot in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Balian Beach, or Medewi because those were the most touristy areas. I spent equal time between Ubud (central), Candidasa (South, on the coast), and Lovina (North, on the coast), spending only a brief time in Lake Batur in the central island, where the Balianese go to vacation. I had a vastly different experience than you describe. There was little to no traffic congestion in those places, outside of Denpasar, and I didn't experience any trash on the beaches or around the town because there weren't that many disrespectful tourists there at that time. I'm more of a scuba diver than surfer, so we see trash on the ocean floor, and I didn't experience that then. It's heartbreaking to know that has changed so drastically. I will say that I was largely looked at like an ATM machine whenever I went, and I aside from Mexico, I've never been treated that way in any other country but Bali and Mexico. One of the more negative things that the internet has done is create, what appears to be, a generation of incredibly disrespectful people who behave in such incredibly entitled and disrespectful ways, and while you could find those individuals traveling abroad long before the internet became widely used globally, I've really never seen it as bad as it seems to be now.

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Great video my friend. 💯 Thanks for sharing your time with us. Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico.🇲🇽✌🏼🥰

[@DenLD]

I live in Merida, Mexico, and I love it. $1000 USD per month would be really difficult even if you own your home and have solar panels like I do. Costs rose quickly during the pandemic and haven’t come back down. You also need 3-4x that in monthly income to get a visa.

[@InMyBrz]

Yeah MX is discouraging ''poor'' immigrants and encouraging wealth, that will come back and bite them in the azz. If you can get the RNE that is a good deal Portugal ONLY requires about $800 income for their D7 visa, why would anyone go to MX ?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for sharing your experience @DenLD!

[@_JimmyBeGood]

$4000 a month to live in Mexico? Nah

[@jamesballard6564]

The monthly income requirements totally put me off of Mexico. They became extremely greedy and petty.

[@suen5006]

@@_JimmyBeGood No, but this is what they are requiring to get extended visas now. I don't quite get it, except the growing number of expats have driven up housing prices quite a bit; which is not good for the average Mexican family who needs a place to live.

[@spacetimepotato]

Great info, thanks for all the detailed recommendations. One quick note for all those considering the expat life: If you aren’t fond of heat and humidity (or pollution), Thailand is not for you.

[@davesites]

Your self made you have to be so proud of your accomplishments, you live the life most people would love to live. Great video, keep up the fantastic work. Have fun.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you, Dave! ❤

[@IramisandGerry]

Hi. I started my YT journey last month. Your words helped me make a decision to retire early. I want document my 5 year journey to my own financial independence so other can learn and have hope they can do it too! Thank you for your videos and sharing your life! I can’t wait to document my International Journey!

[@shaduwy]

What do you do to afford to live that lifestyle? If you don’t mind sharing?

[@IramisandGerry]

@@shaduwy I am an Interior Designer. Been doing it for 24 years. Love my job, but I know the time will quickly arrive when it’s time to move on. 🙏🏽 Be well and Happy!

[@angeronalove5799]

This was a comprehensive and well-thought-out video; however, not necessarily accurate. As someone who has lived in Mexico for 14 years, I'm going to say that living in Mexico on $1000 a month is not realistic. It i possible if you live in a small pueblo and speak spanish. Otherwise, I cannot imagine being comfortable on that budget. My expenses are not grand, but I have many years here, I speak the language (not fluently, but decently), and I have learned how to avoid high costs (something which takes a few years to learn). I'd say a minimum of $1500 USD for Mexico.

[@edmundmcgrath213]

your forgot the costs of the bodyguards when they try to kidnap you. Murder rate highest in the world more than Iraq. Why chance it. Move to Denmark or New Zealand.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Angeron. With $1,500 per month you can have a more comfortable lifestyle but it’s definitely possible to live in Mexico on $1,000 per month. Foreigners and locals alike can do it

[@CroisMoi]

Thanks. I think it is not good to give people advice when the standard of living would be so low that the person would be miserable. You could always rent something as a roommate, where you just need a room, but most people don't want to do that.

[@JooseTheNomad]

What about Vietnam? Da Nang is definitely the best place to live under $1000!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I haven’t been there but you’re right it seems very nice and definitely affordable!

[@jamesballard6564]

I believe you have to make border runs every 30 days. That would get real old, real fast gor me.

[@JooseTheNomad]

@@jamesballard6564 90 days. There's an eVisa up to 90 days nowadays😊

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@jamesballard6564you can get an e-visa good for 90 days in VN. After that, you need to do visa runs every 90 days. I've heard that there are agencies who can collect your passport & do it for you for $20. Granted, some ppl don't like it & it's not for everyone. Some ppl want to have the stability of a residence or retirement visa. Also, every govt can change its policies (VN kicked out many foreigners on tourist visas during c*vid.)

[@edl6398]

Thank you covering the roads less traveled. I live in Cuenca, Ecuador now but I am interested in Europe. Unfortunately the income requirements for Mexico have been become too high for most new expats. I’m going to go to the first Eastern European countries you mentioned. I like winter. I appreciate that you are covering this.

[@melisalercari4334]

I'm Argentinian and currently in Buenos Aires, although I live in Florida, USA. Argentina has gotten MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE. I was here in January for a month and since then the prices have doubled or tripled, especially housing, internet, electricity. It's definitely not as affordable and every week the prices go up!

[@انت-صلي-عالنبي-بس]

I used to visit Prague 🇵🇭 but recently I switched to Tbilisi 🇬🇪 since it is cheaper and feasible 🥹 However, both capitals are friendly and beautiful 💖

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Prague is lovely as well!

[@danielrichards9783]

I haven't been to Georgia yet, but I spent about a week in a Prague hotel in 2022. Not that cheap staying in hotels, but I like to be mobile.

[@jirislavicek9954]

You are displaying Filipino flag 🇵🇭 not a Czech one 🇨🇿. Prague is not that cheap anymore.

[@johnmcgrath6192]

When I lived in Tacoma, WA, USA. i regularly plucked cherries and plums from the trees in the parks.

[@marrlena947]

If you go to inland Andalucía Spain you can easily live on $1,000 a month. I've been here for years and it gets better n better. Winters are ideal, summers are hot. Rent for a large nice apartment is $350 a month. Food is good and cheap. I even have a car and travel everywhere on the excellent roads. Restaurants can be cheap or expensive as you like.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing @marrlena947!

[@SofiaViviEnDo]

What about the visa?

[@kennnesbitt]

Perhaps a video on countries where you would live on $2000 a month? $1000 a month can be a little tight even in Bansko or Tbilisi.

[@bjm9071]

I would add Ecuador to your list. I met dozens of Americans living there from smaller towns such as Cotacachi and Vilcabamba to medium cities such as Cuenca to larger cities like Quito. All raved about the affordability and friendliness of the people.

[@BlissfulDee]

Unfortunately the surge of violent crimes has forced many expats to leave Ecuador.

[@daveuygur]

You Are Living The Dream 😎🏝️Thank You For Creating This Content

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you, Dave!

[@lazerlabmusic]

No she is not living the dream with a 1000$ budget

[@webwhisper2701]

experiences are possibly more satisfying …

[@lorenk.775]

​@@lazerlabmusic and you assume that why?! obviously she is!!

[@coscorrodrift]

Interesting video. I wonder if you think it'd be useful to make a video about specificly waterfront properties, where in the world they are cheaper and more usable in your experience. (maybe in europe theyre cheap in the winter but expensive in the summer, ive seen that in the south of spain where i'm from) Not sure if it's something ppl who think a lot about budget optimise for, i assume the super cheap prices in beach towns are in regular neighborhoods and that ppl prioritize cheap rent then walk to the beach but im home a ton so im curious about where a consistent sea view would be most attainable.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for the idea! I’ll add it to my list 😊

[@hgbgakdflndbz6921]

Vietnam is the best, most affordable and convenient country I ever visited hands down. It's modernized and everything too

[@edris991]

I someone likes tropical climate...

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I need to go there!

[@A_Bunch_of_Savages]

Air quality?

[@jkryptos]

@@A_Bunch_of_Savages Variable, but most cities OK when compared with Thailand, Myanmar, etc.

[@matrices3987]

I've lived in Bulgaria and Vietnam. Agreed that Vietnam is miles ahead of BG which is expensive, low quality and unfriendly.

[@YogaBlissDance]

Thanks for what you shared at 7:20 re: if it's that online, in person you can get cheaper. As someone who always gets a lower cost apartment than market rate, it's really "boots on the ground" and ask, and you can find places wehre folks are just like "yeah this is what we charge, it's lower but we want good people"

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Yes nothing replaces going in person

[@NDemanuele1]

This is a great channel! 😉 I lived in Asia for about 4 years as a Teacher. I lived in Japan, Taiwan, and 2 years in Thailand. I'm considering going back to Asia. Most likely back to Thailand or Vietnam. I may go back to teach but am also interested in becoming a digital nomad. However, it does seem tough to secure nomad gigs. I been considering something in EdTech or Education? Perhaps you have some suggestions? Thanks

[@YaTanya]

Bulgaria is amazing, Plovdiv is my favorite and Bansko has a Nomad fest in summer.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Plovdiv has a really cool vibe! Hot in summer though 😅

[@rodrigojds]

Just a heads up - the image of Cordoba you used is from Cordoba, Spain not Cordoba argentina :D

[@CP59FIT]

Excellent video. Well balanced approach to both the pros and cons. Very informative even picked up at least one country I hadn't seriously considered but will now! Thanks!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Chip! Great to hear 😊

[@StreetSmartMillionaire]

Love your videos!! Colombia is so much better than Argentina and Mexico to live but of course Mex food wins by a mile. Surprised you did not mention the 2nd best thing about Thailand being the $10 Thai massage. Enjoy your travels.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your kind words and insights @StreetSmartMillionaire! 😊

[@antoscsaba3606]

Anyway I think Turkey is also a great pleace for living. I have an apartment in Alanya, the property market there has a break down now, you can rent 100 sq apt with pool, 500 meter from the beach for 500 €....The market is full with properties... now it really worth to get there

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Turkey is nice! I’d like to explore more of the country beyond Istanbul

[@lorenk.775]

Hi, a few clarifications. 1. The name of the country is Turkiye, Turkey or turkey it's 🦃 2. Turkiye it's a big country with many options. 3. It has recently been inundated by Russians and Ukrainians, and previously by Syrian refugees, so in some parts the rents have increased etc. Take care.

[@antoscsaba3606]

@@lorenk.775 if you want to make me correct, then pls check what is the really correct word... : Türkiye 😘

[@lorenk.775]

@@antoscsaba3606 yes, except there is no ü in english, so in english it's Turkiye. anyway, whether there are those 2 dots on top of u or not doesn't really make a difference. 🙂🙂

[@antoscsaba3606]

@@lorenk.775 ok dont worry I am not a grammar-naci 😅

[@ronrichardson3103]

I agree getting out of America is a must . I bought a place in Cyprus near Tala in the south west Kamares Village its called .very nice up the mountains slightly so not too hot . And it can be a little cooler in the winter .but that's short .

[@BillGreenAZ]

I'm glad you mentioned Eastern Europe. I've visited there and I like it. I was thinking in order to live there for $1000 per month you would have to live in some small town in the middle of nowhere. Nope. I see that Sarandë is right on the coast. The problem with Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia is like you mention, the time zone difference. I was delighted to see you mention Argentina. I like what I see about that country and didn't realize it was so affordable. It would make for a great place to visit in the winter time.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad it was helpful, Bill! Living part-time in both Eastern Europe and Argentina would make for a nice life!

[@TheBlueskyson]

B.A. is an amazing buzzing town.

[@fastneataverage]

Excellent content! There are a few places here I had not considered. Your years of travel and global experiences are a valuable resource for us.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrJohnskippy]

I visited Romania several months ago, and I fell in love with it. I’m going again later this year for 40 days. I’m planning to move there eventually.

[@TheBlueskyson]

how was the weather Johnny?

[@svetcovladich9996]

Yeah, the Balkan countries are definitely an option for inexpensive, pleasant living. I have CRO citizenship, but Croatia is much more expensive these days than the other neighboring countries that you mention due to recent mass tourism, so I would not select it to live long term. I'm traveling to the region this summer and plan to check out Albania and Montenegro as options due to their proximity to the Adriatic and affordable living. I speak some Croatian, so I think I could get by in terms of communication. Great video btw.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

The cost of living in Croatia has gone up a lot in recent years, that's for sure. Tourism and joining the Schengen probably had an impact. Sounds like you have a great trip planned for this summer! Make sure to visit Lake Skadarar in Montenegro/Albania: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5nXaWVqhdBji7M

[@svetcovladich9996]

@@TravelingwithKristin Will definitely try to make it over there! If I have time, I also might go over to Cyprus to visit a friend. They enjoy it there quite a bit. That could be another living option as it's also affordable and high on the quality of life scale, what with the fantastic weather and all.

[@papajeff5486]

Thank you for this “heads up”, so nicely done. I just pulled the trigger on final retirement. This seems like a great idea.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Congratulations on your retirement decision! Wishing you all the best with your plans. 😊

[@Cindyxinxu]

Great video! Is that possible you could do a summary for your whole year travel and total cost? Thank you!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Great idea, Cindy! I have a video about how to budget for living abroad coming soon and will try to incorporate this :)

[@davidchilton4301]

Another very informative video. Just FYI, Puebla is much larger than Oaxaca if we're talking about the cities themselves. Another benefit of Puebla is ready access (2 hour bus ride) to Mexico City International Airport.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks David! Good point - I must have mixed them up. Puebla feels like a small town to me somehow! Maybe just the downtown area I was in. But I like that it’s close to the city

[@terryashley4674]

My retirement budget is almost twice this, thank God. Most of these places resonate with me (even though I've never been to any of them), but I prefer a warmer climate. Even so, I like the idea of Georgia, Bali, and all of Latin America. Romania and Serbia would be in the running too. Thanks so much for uploading this video. 😃

[@TravelingwithKristin]

With $2k per month you have a lot of options!

[@JennandLeon]

Thailand is now 60 day visa on arrival with a 30 day extension and then you can leave and return to make it 6 months with only one border run necessary (technically)

[@chrismacky7548]

Plus, they now have the DTV visa that can last up to 5 years. Cost is 10,000 THB, must apply outside Thailand. One or two conditions attached, like what one will do

[@kevinreist7718]

You completely overlooked the Philippines. I'm currently in Baguio City, whch has year round temperatures of 72 +/- 10 degrees F. English is widely spoken and cost of living extremely reasonable. If it's not on your list maybe you should visit and assess it,

[@timisaac8121]

Kristin's map does not include the PI? For me, I don't PI there especially of their treatment of land ownership by foreigners. I am glad for your success!! Hope you continue and live your best dreams ever.

[@wanderingdoc5075]

Philippines has 50% higher COL than Thailand and Vietnam, but significantly worse food, and significantly worse internet, transportation, and medical infrastructure. I have moved to Cebu 1 year ago. I travel frequently for fun within PH and internationally. $1000 a month spend is POVERTY for a foreigner trying to live on that in PH. Vietnam and Thailand it's completely possible.

[@timisaac8121]

@@wanderingdoc5075 thanks for this info.

[@vividhaiku]

I live in Angeles. We spend $4,000 a month.

[@lorenk.775]

​@@vividhaiku What?! Do you live in some mega mansion with private guards and service people?! one can live well with just $1,000 or even less per month almost anywhere in Philippines!

[@estudiantes68]

According to the US Travel Advisory, Argentina has been at Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) for years!!! So, no need to worry!

[@SofiaViviEnDo]

Yes but I am a local and I can tell you, you can barely live here decently with just a thousand. I will relocate probably. Inflation now, is in USD.y

[@JohnnyFD]

02:05 that food in Bulgaria was fantastic! I miss that country. 🇧🇬

[@andgainingspeed]

Nice cameo. What year was this?🤔

[@TravelingwithKristin]

@@andgainingspeed summer 2018

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That was such a good trip. We need a reunion!

[@Lawman212]

Nice to see you, JohnnyFD!

[@TheBlueskyson]

@@Lawman212 Yes, good to see the great man again. Made my day.

[@mattobadia]

Sardegna. Cheapest place in Italy. Remote but gorgeous gorgeous beaches

[@mikem3789]

Isn’t that island expensive? I’ve heard the Abruzzo region is the most affordable.

[@mattobadia]

@@mikem3789 no it’s extremely cheap. An entire family can live off of 1000 euros a month.

[@ZONEPRESSLLC]

And they don't speak any English

[@mattobadia]

I mean I’m fluent in Italian so that isn’t a problem for me

[@sfllouis2117]

Mexico now has efile for Americans and Canadians, its longer then 90 days, mine was dated 5/1/24 to 10/28/24

[@mctaguer]

If you happen to finally come to Romania this summer, let me know; I'll buy you a coffee and let you know some places to go while you're here. After that I may not be around though--probably leaving by mid-August. I have Romanian-American friends who can give you good recommendations all over the country as well.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you! I'll let you know when I'm going there :)

[@danielrichards9783]

Did you find much English in Romania. I'm mostly interested in Bucharest. Thank you.

[@TheBlueskyson]

@@danielrichards9783 good to learn the lingo if u live there. Many younger folk speak english i hear

[@The-Contractor]

Excellent Channel. Adding a couple of your recommendations to my Wandering List. I like doing 1 week visits for a few countries and then picking out the 2-3 I really enjoyed and doubling back for a month. Liked and Subscribed.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support @The-Contractor! I'm glad you found the recommendations helpful. Happy travels, and thanks for subscribing!

[@AdamGordon1977]

Nice list. I'd love to live in a lot of these places. I was just in Argentina in December. Cheap. Great food. Very friendly people. I've been studying Spanish and it was a little different there. Overall, this seems like a good choice.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Yes the accent is hard to get used to over there but it’s worth it 😊

[@d.c.127]

Careful, my friend was drugged & robbed there.

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

With only $1100 per month from Social Security to live on, this video has been most helpful. I just hope that these gems don't become Californicated and thus unaffordable to locals and expats alike. Besides Facebook, what other forums can you recommend to make contact with local expat communities? Once again, many thanks for your help, Kristin. Most appreciated.

[@sharonportside7466]

Can you get that social security there ?? I would love to move with mine...

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

@ Yes, you can. Just take the funds out of the bank account linked to your social security.

[@jorgemoll5994]

All of them are wonderful places. Thanks, Kristin.

[@lbunnygordon1133]

I thought Serbia had gone up in price? I would hsve around 900 gbp per month maximum.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

They are! I hope you get to visit some

[@superpoodlehead]

❤❤Can you do a video only on Bulgaria? Albania too! Please include info regarding local living like public transportation, food markets, religions, cultural experiences, safety, etc.❤❤

[@patrickmay7249]

Very nice suggestions, inputs and guides. Very worthwhile to follow

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the suggestions helpful.

[@einezcrespo2107]

Thailand is safe if you know the places to avoid like the girly bars in Patpong in Bangkok. One door keeper grabbed me and tried to get me seated but I firmly told him I wasn't interested. One madame in my half sober state coming from a music bar "persuaded," me to come in. Big mistake. I was forced to pay a lot just for one drink. There are now tourist police in the area where you can complain those incidents. Despite those two minor bad experiences I still love Thailand.

[@BlissfulDee]

I have been thinking about relocating to Argentina, so I'm glad you mentioned it. BTW, that soft pink looks really great on you. Soft colors really complement a delicate skin tone like yours beautifully!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I'm glad you found the mention of Argentina helpful! And thank you for the lovely compliment on the soft pink. 😊

[@rteska13]

Great video. Had a chance to explore all of the major tourist areas in Bali last year and Sanur was my favorite. Really liked the vibe there.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Me too! So relaxing ⛱️

[@wesgraham2262]

Bolivia is inland and landlocked contrary to your pictire of it at the end of this video, but great content. I loved your choices and helpful commentary on each place. Thank you!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you! Yes it’s also landlocked. Maybe it was a shot of the lake?

[@wesgraham2262]

@@TravelingwithKristin 😊 Could be!

[@antoniodelrey164]

Bansko is actually in what once was Pirin Macedonia. Just a bit of history for this charming mountain resort town. You are so correct about the Balkan countries and what they have to offer but also not living there all year around. Keep enjoying your travels and let us know how things are going from time to time. Personally I would love to visit SE Asia but it’s such a long flight. Europe is almost too far for me now at my 72 years. Thanks for this great video ! PS: I travel to Colombia a couple times a year and it is very inexpensive too but it’s not for everyone. Lots of petty crime and some more violent crime. Nicaragua is very inexpensive too but most of the country is extremely hot and because of politics it lacks much. Take care.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing your insights, @antoniodelrey16. You take care as well. 😊

[@janetmacdonald2823]

Thank you for real life factors, to balance the 🌈 of Instagram views of 22 year old girls perched high in lush tropics with flowing hair & summer dress. Just a laptop, digital nomads so glamorous with no ties, no luggage, no mosquitoes with dengue lol. Nothing like "Hmmm, that hilly town so picturesque, but steep for my feet."

[@janetmacdonald2823]

You gave me an idea - enjoy two or three very different places, it's a marathon staying on planes straight to Asia. I like going to the best jumping off point in our own country, East Coast or West, take a day off and explore that city a couple days. Then, energy restored for a flight of several hours. Land a second place, relax and take in a few days, have a few decent local meals. Only then, last hop to some far- flung spot. The contrast is striking, experience is richer. And I'm 71, remembering in early 20s long hours & hiking. Don't you love just going out to wander, stopping where you see locals go to eat, just soaking in the language and spirit! The grand sights were fine, but what's vivid now is, say in Belgium and Germany, the small family owned places. Young son as proud waiter, well fed family cat sauntering by to greet you. Aunt or wife helping in the kitchen; family lives upstairs and often a few rooms extra so you can stay over. The German countryside, lush pasture with rolling wooded terrain, no question where the meat came from free of chemicals. Village of Ramstein, forests and gently rolling hills of the Schwarzwald, late 70s. Okay, self indulgence of reliving travel.

[@capncmbk]

Recent change to Thailand, about 2 months ago, you now get 60 days Visa on arrival. Makes staying here much easier. And you can always extend 30 days for 1900 baht.

[@BILLY-O-1982]

Come to Tapovan. Tapovan is vibe and Rishikesh is life. Yoga and meditation capital of the world.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I’d love to visit there! Rishikesh comes highly recommended

[@Flagship7]

Bangladesh is a nice place to retire for under $1000 per month. The cost of living is low, and the climate is warm and pleasant year-round. Food is delicious and people are very friendly. There are plenty of cultural attractions and activities, as well as excellent healthcare facilities. English is widely spoken, making it easy to get by in this vibrant country.

[@asrie1234]

*A lot of people come to Malaysia too.......*Welcome to Malaysia truly Asia good food, people beautiful beach, skyscrapers & others, Msian likes to lepak Mamak drink Teh Tarik Jom joining Malaysian 🇲🇾💙🧡♥️💙🇲🇾*

[@RD-8]

Awesome video Kristin 🌟 Thank you for your updates 💫

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You are so welcome!

[@Maryyjuly]

Awesome!! Thank you!🥰

[@philshallat9043]

I live in Puerto Vallarta and I do not think it is possible to live here on $1,000/mo without having close to zero expendable income. It would be a type of subsistence living.

[@tailwind12]

your comment is valid and proper. it is. this is mostly click bait. 75%. i lived exPAT for 14yrs. retired military. been all over the world. 56yoa now. sorry..as you might know IF you want to live in a rural town, 80% of the time local food, fish head soup, turn off you AC half of the day. kristian is like a great US lawyer and clinton: technically, technically you can do it. i currently live reasonable comfortable in peru near miraflores. $1850 per month. no rock star, reasonable. sorry..throw this click bait story of $1000 right out the door here and elsewhere.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

PV is a bit more expensive than other places in Mexico but it’s lovely there!

[@timisaac8121]

@@TravelingwithKristin Hey Kristin: Yes, expensive if you plant yourself with other ExPats, either tourists or year long residents. Why? Bc if you hang with them, it brings your costs way up! Even in PV, it is really easy to find housing (even whole houses) for $275 if you live where the people who work for the expats

[@SILIVA0331]

Do you think PV is a good place to move w/a family of 4? We currently live in the Bay Area CA & it’s getting way too expensive to live here. I have 2 girls 10 & 11 & have thought about PV. Any advice would be appreciated

[@timisaac8121]

@@SILIVA0331 Hey, pardon me if you weren't seeking advice even from me: Here is mine: You have to go there. You have to visit at least once or twice or with the girls? It is really dramatic change, not just the money. I worked (and lived) at an orphanage for a year before I bought my home in Mexico. I got a huge value for waiting. At least 50% better than just buying some place without careful on the ground search and talking to everyone in sight. If you hang out in PV? with English only speakers? Great. your costs will soar and never come down. You won't make the decisions you need to make and you will leave ... sooner not later. Even where I live, I could be with other white people, but why? I live where I am treated the best and wanted. With natives who love me and protect me like family.

[@Mykatroars]

I am saving this for my future self. Can’t go now but one day. So tired of how much it costs in US to live. I have no mortgage nor car payment, make 60k/yr in a smaller town in Florida and struggle!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You can do it! 💪 Save to your watch later list for when you’re ready 😊

[@Badia.Online]

Thank you so much for this. Currently in Chiang Mai but Europe and Central America are calling my name ❤️ Romania and Mexico seem really nice

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That sounds like an exciting plan! Chiang Mai must be wonderful. Enjoy your travels! ❤️

[@glennpaul9173]

I have been to Romania 15 times and plan to move there early next year. Also JohnnyFD was so much slimmer in your Bulgaria clip.

[@TheBlueskyson]

I think he caught long covid some time ago and dropped a LOT of weight.

[@ginay4878]

Merida in Mexico is nice and the people are lovely, but from May to September the weather is crazy hot and humid. It’s intolerably hot. Maybe good for snow birds but the summer heat was too much

[@crates12]

Nice video, getting my hopes up 😊

[@johnybchillin]

Thanks! I’d love to meet you😃, travel with you would be great!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Wow thank you for the support, Johny! Nice to meet you! 💛💛💛

[@TheBlueskyson]

Johnny. maybe we could meet up? Where are u headed man?

[@azizmihoubi1040]

You have a friendly personality and a kind heart🌹

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you! 💗

[@wanderb0y]

Awesome breakdown Kristen. I currently live in Tbilisi and can attest to everything you say about Georgia...except the internet. I find it painfully slow both at home and in cafes.

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Really I was planning but in 2025 eould prices be same. It s only place could stay up to a year from UK I was thinking a dorm bed but is there anything cheaper? My worst fear is like Mexico I get there and expensive and not what people told me.

[@wanderb0y]

@@lbunnygordon1133 Last year there was a mass influx of mostly Russians which naturally pushed the prices up a bit. Aside from another such geo-political event things over here tend to stay pretty static cost-wise.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

I lived in Tbilisi and was shocked at how fast the internet was, as well as how well my mobile data worked even in the most remote places. I never had any issues.

[@wanderb0y]

@@Ellary_Rosewood Guess I'm choosing the wrong locales. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing - I wouldn't have thought that about the internet speeds...

[@MARKCANEER]

Thank You for sharing this information 👍

[@eduardodifarnecio2336]

One of the best video on budget living abroad. What a life you lead. Subscribed.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for subscribing and for your kind words @eduardodifarnecio2336! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the video on budget living abroad. Stay tuned for more tips and insights!

[@PortageurCa]

Again, super helpful. I agree about the timezones out east. So many places I'd love to visit but working with EST bosses can be tough.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

It is! I know many people who work the night shift as remote workers in Asia

[@TravelingDojo]

Really enjoy your videos Kristen. You captivate the beauty and charm of Traveling! Thank you for bringing us these videos and keep up the great work. Chow! your friends @TravelingDojo

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I'm thrilled you enjoy the videos. 😊 Keep exploring with TravelingDojo!

[@oriseon83]

I don’t know how you managed to do this video exactly 23:23 Kristin together it ads up to 10 !!! 😊 How about India and places like Goa have you been there?

[@mkishon]

I live in Tbilisi and have spend significant time in Novi Sad and Plovdiv. Tbilisi is most definitely not cheaper than either of the other two.

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

What about Ecuador, Panama and the. Dominion Republic?

[@carrief4371]

Thank you for the info!

[@jesavius]

What blows my mind is how AFFORDABLE internet connection is in these other countries that is as good or better than the US. Bulgaria is a place I have my eye on for a minute! Definitely going to make concrete plans to visit.

[@mbwahaha]

I pay 20€ for 500mb simetrical fiber in Madrid, 2€ extra for a 3gb simcard.

[@jesavius]

@@mbwahaha WHAT!? 500mb is at least $100 but usually more in the US.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

The internet in the U.S. is such a rip off!

[@andreacriscitello2116]

Hi Kristin thank you for another awesome video. I really learn a lot from you !! PS you are looking super healthy and radiant!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you, Andrea! 💖

[@msmargiek48]

Hi Kristin! Great Video! Crazy but we are in Greece right now and will be going to Saranda Albania in a few days. Super excited to explore. Tell you Mom and Dad we said hello and we hope Chloe is doing great too!!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much! Let me know how you like Sarandë!

[@poweredbysoul6630]

New subscriber here:) I got a taste of the travel lifestyle in 2021/2022 when I visited Ukraine and Poland. One of the best experiences of my life, and I’m hoping to do a lot more traveling. This video was really helpful!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Welcome! Oh Poland would be another place I’d probably live with $1k-1,500. I love it there

[@kevinslaney486]

South Goa in India would be my choice. Easily rent a nice apartment for $300 a month. Food is very very cheap. Transport is great. The beaches and wildlife is lovely. The people are also lovely and almost everyone speaks English ( handy until you learn the language) and the weather is fabulous for 8 months a year..monsoon lasts 3 months. I think it would be easy to live there long term for probably $750

[@AsusMemopad-us5lk]

Was gonna recommend Nepal with monthly cost estimates in the low 200s usd. But I don’t know it well except to say travel and healthcare are risky.

[@mikestout9588]

What's the visa situation like there? Goa does sound like paradise.

[@kevinslaney486]

@@mikestout9588 visa is very easy and year visa only 75 dollars. 5 year visa also available

[@mark-147]

Also Dharamkot, McLeod Ganj (which is much cheaper than Goa) for good mountain environment. Rishikesh is workable also, with very cheap yoga. Between those two, you are covered for 5 months a year with good weather.

[@stephenwilliams4406]

Great video Kristin. 'If only I weren't in my 70's'!!!!!!

[@edmundmcgrath213]

This is geared to those that are digital nomads not to those with digital pacemakers

[@wapa171]

And so what? I'm in my 60s... that's when life just begins! We'll show those bloodless digital nomads where the devil gets his beer.

[@janetmacdonald2823]

​@@wapa171If you keep looking, find your "tribe" partly among 30+ too. I came across young people here, software engineers and such, who do DIY like backyard gardening, preserve the veg, make sourdough, all help and learn from each other. Yes, their lives have much more physical activity, lots of travel, hiking, some raising a small child. Then they text with photo of, we're in the mountains, we're at this craft brewery ! and I'm included. I grow Giant Japanese Timber Bamboo for these crazy 100° summers, it takes over so a younger friend with corded chainsaw, reciprocating saw, etc. cut paths in the Grove. Seeing the harvested culms as a resource, he cut them to length recalling another friend needed a beast of an arbor for heavy vining crops to climb. My late husband had lumber r you know how a garage & big workshop ckollect stuff, lol. Cleared space for plans in that building,, he designed and built a catio for a friend with three cats, no fenced yard. Photo on my phone, makes me smile 😊

[@ajfeinman]

Tbilisi Georgia is probably my favorite place in the entire world.

[@GaryAJMartin]

I prefer Batumi, but too hilly for my taste. Still good though.

[@jasontanner9720]

I was a little surprised to see Johnny FD eating with you in Bulgaria. Cool guy with good content of his own.

[@JohnnyFD]

Haha i was just as surprised to be honest. 😆

[@boblimits753]

Hey.. I used to see his Ukraine videos.. where is he now?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Haha yes little cameo from Johnny! We traveled together quite a bit in 2018-2019 before the pandemic

[@TravelingwithKristin]

@@JohnnyFD I will never forget that meal - so good!

[@ronaldoago-go5907]

Was that when she went to Bansko and didn't know he was also there living in the same apt block? Couple years back...

[@30AndAWakeUp]

I liked the Johnny cameo! :)

[@JohnnyFD]

Me too, it was a surprise 😊

[@TravelingwithKristin]

@@JohnnyFDyou’re famous! 😃

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Kev! I had to go in the archives for Bulgaria clips 😊 How are you?

[@30AndAWakeUp]

@@TravelingwithKristin Im doing well. Just got to Bangkok. Spending a 2 months here, 2 months in Malaysia and then 3 months in the Philippines! Hope you are doing well!

[@michaelmarkunas]

Been watching your videos for a long time. Not sure what you did, but you are looking cuter than ever. Seriously, whatever you are doing is working. Keep up the great videos!

[@edmundmcgrath213]

Thanks

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Wow thanks! I quit drinking alcohol a few years ago so maybe that helps 😊

[@annewhelan2437]

What about Cambodia, Siem Reap? Also I am in Spain right beside the Alboran Sea and I live for well under $900.00 US. In a beautiful accommodation overlooking the sea, eating fresh food with an amazing plan for phone and transportation within easy reach of most of Spain. My quality of life exceeds most and definitely exceeds anywhere I would live in US or Canada.

[@dougscott188]

You are very knowledgeable in your travels.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

So nice of you; thank you

[@Housestationlive]

i could be charmed by colombia byt i prefer moving to spain. in some are, life is not that expensive in spain, especially if you're not looking after the biggest cities. i double thinked about this, and i think mall city in a rich country always provides more confort and security than capital in poor countries, for not a lot more spendings. nowadays lot of small towsn has fiber internet. when i talk about small town i mean about 100 000 citizens, +/- 25 000. it's not that small neither so you can have big gym clubs, big hospital, all the necessary confort, without the cost of the capitals. the main problem is the cities with the best climate are always the most expensive ones. you shouldn't pay for the sun but it's a privilege to be in a sunny place.

[@tomallen9826]

Good choices, with the exception of Bolivia, I’ve lived in or visited all of them. As a Romance language speaker, you will like Romania. Next time in Bulgaria, check out Blagoevgrad in the south. Your Asian selections were good but I myself prefer Vietnam and the Philippines.

[@benjaminobrien429]

I've lived full time in Buenos Aires for the last 2 years and it's wonderful! Although I would say that nowadays, with inflation, $1,000 is doable but is going to be a very modest life. Expect to cook most meals at home and have a studio apartment. If you're open to living somewhere else in the country though like Rosario, Cordoba or maybe Neuquen, I think $1,000 would be very achievable.

[@SofiaViviEnDo]

Let me correct you with something (I am local). I wouldn't dare to go to rosario. The crime is too high even for someone from the Buenos Aires suburbs!. Neuquén is too much expensive! I just had a visit from some friends that came this weekend, and live in Bariloche and the food and expenses there almost double Buenos Aires amount! I couldn't believe how expensive it is! Also the salaries are higher in Bariloche (average 1200 usd) than Buenos Aires (average around 500-600 usd). So it might be quite expensive . More rural areas in Córdoba, are much more affordable. I went there some weeks ago (my mom lives in Córdoba). A rent in a more rural is about 100-200 usd. Expenses around 100. Food similar to Buenos Aires. Internet connection, you better get starlink or you die old waiting for something to upload.

[@kyle3497-l3j]

Greetings from Saudi Arabia 👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏿🙏🏿🌷🌷🇸🇦🇸🇦

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Greetings!

[@marnelson9528]

Love Nicaraght. Most affordable than the rest and safer!!! Two coasts! Lived here since 2005!

[@duncanmac2195]

Nicaraught? Is that in Germany?