The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in Asia

When choosing a place to live, the cost of living is often one of the primary concerns. Of course, this is not the only factor to consider, especially if you are moving abroad. You will also need to think about lifestyle, culture, surroundings, employment opportunities, and the things there are to do in your leisure time.

Here are the 20 most affordable places to live in Asia based on the cost of living estimates of Nomad List along with additional information about each location.

20. George Town, Penang, Malaysia

For many years, Malaysia has made it onto lists of the cheapest countries to live in Asia. Within this country, one of the most affordable cities is George Town, Penang. Living in this city will cost the average single person between $1000 and $1100. George Town is the capital of the island Penang, says Wikipedia, and it is a multicultural city.

This city has all the modern amenities you need to enjoy a good living standard, and it is an excellent destination for shopping. Overlooking this city is Verdant Penang Hill, which is the perfect landscape for people who enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.

19. Hoi An, Vietnam

A fantastic location to consider if you want to live in Vietnam is Hoi An, and this is not just because it is affordable with the average cost of living under $1100. In this city, there are lots of job opportunities, a growing food scene, and a fast Internet connection. It is also considered a safe place to live, although traffic safety is not great.

18. Davao City, Philippines

There are many amazing locations in the Philippines, but one of the most affordable cities in this country is Davao City. It is possible to live a decent standard of life and enjoy a good lifestyle for under $1100. Davao City is on Mindanao, which is a southern Philippine island. It sits in a coastal location at the foot of Mount Apo. This city is a commercial center, and there are plenty of things to do in your leisure time.

17. Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island that is a popular tourist destination due to its fantastic climate, stunning beaches, and unique culture. If you decide you want more than a vacation on this beautiful island and choose to live there, one of the most affordable places to live is Uluwatu.

In this city, you can enjoy the Balinese lifestyle for around $1050 a month, including rent and all other living costs. Uluwatu is known for its spectacular clifftop views and as the home of some of Bali’s best beaches.

16. Chiang Mai, Thailand

If you enjoy the culture and vibe of Bangkok but find it too busy, then an affordable alternative is Chiang Mai, says My Funky Travel. Chiang Mai has approximately 130 thousand residents. Hence, it feels less claustrophobic than Bangkok, but there is still plenty to keep you entertained.

There are plenty of job opportunities for English-speaking ex-pats, including teaching English. The cost of renting an apartment starts at around $200 per month, and total monthly costs are approximately $1000.

15. Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Those who are considering Thailand as a country to call home should add Nakhon Ratchasima to their list of potential locations, as this city is one of the most affordable in Thailand. You can expect to live comfortably in this city for under $1000 a month. Nakhon Ratchasima, commonly called Korat, is one of the four cities of Isan. It is the largest city in the Isaan region of Thailand.

14. Da Nang, Vietnam

One of the most affordable cities in Vietnam is Da Nang, where you can expect your living costs to sit around $960.It is the fifth-largest city in Vietnam by population. Da Nang is ideally located for beach lovers as it sits on the coast at the mouth of the Han River by the South China Sea. It is also fantastic for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle as it is surrounded by hills. Vietnam is generally considered a safe country, and Da Nang is one of the safest cities in Vietnam.

13. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of Vietnam, and it is home to around eight million people. Although it is a busy city with lots to see and do, it also has a calmer side, and residents generally enjoy a relaxed pace of life, says Nomad Capitalist. The city has a rich and fascinating history, and it is a fantastic place to live for people who enjoy cultural activities. It also has an amazing food scene. The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is around $950 a month, including accommodation.

12. Delhi, India

For around $940 a month, a single person can live comfortably in Delhi, India. It is a massive metropolitan area in the north of India. This city has a rich history and unique culture, and it will suit people who want to try a new pace of life. Most people in Delhi speak English, and there are plenty of job opportunities for native English-speakers in and around the city. There is plenty to enjoy in this city during your free time, including museums, shopping, restaurants, and many fun attractions.

11. Colombo, Sri Lanka

If Sri Lanka is your preferred location, then the cheapest city in this country to live is Colombo. The cost of living in this city is just over $900, including accommodation and all other living costs. Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka by population, and it is also the country’s commercial and financial center. It is a safe place to live, and there are job opportunities in various sectors. There are plenty of things to see and do in this city, including the National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil.

10. Hubli, India

Hubli, a city in India, is an option if your budget for living costs is around the $900 a month mark. This is the second-largest city in the south Indian state of Karnataka, and it sits by Nrupatunga Betta Hill. It is a pretty city with architecture from various eras, and many attractions to enjoy. This city is famous for producing iron, cotton, and handloom textiles. Since the 12th century, it has also been the center of literature and the arts. It is a fast-growing city with plenty of employment opportunities, and it is considered a safe city in which to live.

9. Thane, India

The cost of living in Thane, India, is around $900 a month. If you prefer to live somewhere where English is widely used, then you will feel at home in this city. You will find Thane just outside Mumbai, and there are employment opportunities in both Thane and Mumbai. Thane is known as the City of the Lakes, as there are more than 30 lakes in the city and surrounding area. It is surrounded by forests that are home to a vast array of wildlife, so it will appeal to those who want to combine an urban lifestyle with an appreciation of the outdoors.

8. Pune, India

Although there are several other cities in India that are cheaper than Pune, this city offers a better standard of living. The overall cost of living in Pune is around $600, and you can get an apartment for as little as $100. Pune has seen economic growth over the last decade, and it is considered one of the most liveable cities in India. There are around five million people living in Pune, and it is only an hour from Mumbai. Also known as Poona, Pune is in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

7. Mysuru, India

If you can afford a little over $800 a month for your accommodation and other living costs, then you might like to consider Mysuru as a place to call home. Also known as Mysore, this city is in the southwestern state of Karnataka. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and for its majestic monuments. Overall, it is considered a safe city, although it is best if women are not out alone at night. One of the best residential areas in this city is Vijaya Nagar, as this has good transport links, decent schools, parks, banks, a hospital, and a market.

6. Nashik, India

Nashik is one of the most affordable cities in which to live in India, with the average living cost below $800.It is an ancient city in Maharashtra that sits by the Godavari River. It’s known as the wine capital of India as it is where half of the country’s wineries and vineyards are located, and it is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites. Other than the affordability of this city, it is considered a good place to live because of its good weather and sound social infrastructure.

5. Pokhara, Nepal

If Nepal is the most appealing country in Asia to you, then one of the most affordable cities in this country is Pokhara. For just over $700, you can enjoy a decent standard of living in this city. The city is located in central Nepal by Phewa Lake, which is where you can enjoy spending time outdoors, says The Common Wanderer. This city is known as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, which is a Himalayan trail. Other than the low living costs, the outstanding beauty surrounded this city is just one of the reasons it is such an appealing place to live.

4. Bengaluru, India

Bengaluru, also called Bangalore, is a great city to consider if you enjoy Indian culture, lifestyle, and food. For just over $700 a month, you can cover the cost of your accommodation along with all your other living costs. It is predominantly an English-speaking city with plenty of employment opportunities and a fast Internet connection. It is also a walkable city with excellent hospitals. On the downside, traffic safety is poor. Bengaluru is the capital of the Karnataka state in southern India, and it is known for its vibrant nightlife and pretty parks.

3. Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

It typically costs under $700 per month to live in Jimbaran, which is a city in Bali, Indonesia. Therefore, it is one of the most affordable destinations if you plan to live in Asia. If your preference is to live in a city that offers the beach lifestyle, then this is one of the places. Those who enjoy the outdoors will find this an appealing place to call home, as the beaches are stunning, the climate is amazing, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

2. Kathmandu, Nepal

With an average living cost of just $689 per month, Kathmandu in Nepal is the second cheapest city to live in Asia. Despite the low cost of living in this city, it offers a decent standard of living, and it is considered a safe city. Many people in the city speak English, and there are job opportunities if you intend to work after moving abroad.As Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, it is a vibrant city with plenty of ways to fill your free time.

1. Nagpur, India

According to Nomad List, the most affordable city to live in Asia is Nagpur in India. The average cost of living in this city is around $667 per month. This city offers a reasonable standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a good level of safety. Most people speak English in this city, which makes the ex-pats feel at home. However, there are some downsides to living in this city, including high humidity, heavy traffic, and poor Internet connection.

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