Really Inexpensive Places to Live

The cost of living matters as much as how much money you bring home every month.

Expense can be a relative term. Living in one of the major cities of the world like New York, London or Tokyo, will be very expensive; however, these cities will also have the best paid jobs and career opportunities. If a person is fortunate enough to have a job that doesn't require a fixed location or if they have a fixed nonworking income such as a pension, it makes sense to consider where a good life can be lived inexpensively.

In The United States

Some formerly strong manufacturing areas have suffered due to housing crises, the effects of globalization and the internationalization of trade. Cities such as Detroit and other "rust belt" areas now have comparatively cheap housing and living costs. Another consideration is some of the Midwestern and Southern States. These states consistently come lowest in indexes of costs of living, particularly Kentucky, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

Costa Rica

South American economies are more stable than in the past. This means that prices have become steady and can reflect excellent value for money. One good example of an inexpensive place to live and one that also has a hospitable climate is Costa Rica. In the city of San Jose, houses can be rented for a fraction of what they would cost in the United States and a good meal in a restaurant can be bought for around one-fifth of the average American price. Places away from the city will cost even less.

Thailand

Despite its increased popularity, Thailand still represents an excellent and yet inexpensive place to live. It is renowned for having tropical beaches and even a beach-side apartment will be far less than might be expected. Further inland, the prices are even lower; good food from local markets is so cheap that it costs almost nothing. If cooking is a chore, good food can be bought at street stalls for a fraction more than the precooked price.

Bulgaria

Although located within the Mediterranean climate region, Bulgaria is one of a number of former communist Balkan countries that continues to offer excellent value for money. This value is not just in the price of properties but also in food and living expenses generally. Taken together, the cost of living in Bulgaria is among the lowest in the world.

References

• Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC); Cost of Living Data Series; 4th Quarter 2010
• My Bulgaria: Living Costs -- the Cost of Living in Bulgaria
• Transitioning.org: The Cheapest Places to live in the World