It's no secret that the United States has an ever-increasing cost of living. Though you might often joke about leaving the country, it could actually be something to consider after you read about these incredibly affordable nations...
Peru
Peru is home to the historic Inca population. It's a diverse country with a sprawling coastline and the Andes mountain range. It's also known for the ancient city Machu Pichu, one of the seven wonders of the world.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Over 30 million people live in Peru, and the majority speak Spanish, though the indigenous languages are Quechua and Aymara. The overall purchasing power is 58% lower than in the United States. Rent is 63% cheaper, and local goods and services are 60% cheaper.
Croatia
While Croatia is a small country, it has so much beauty to offer visitors. The capital city Zagreb is filled with classic 18th century Austro-Hungarian architecture to add to the country's charm. If you're looking for an idyllic summer vacation spot, this is the place for you.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Croatia has a population of 4 million people and is a part of the EU. The local purchasing power is 39% lower than in the United States. Rent is 89% cheaper, groceries are 60% cheaper, and local goods and services are 52% cheaper.
Estonia
A former Soviet nation, Estonia shares borders with Russia and Latvia. It is the most northern Baltic state and has coasts along the Baltic Sea. Estonia joined NATO and the EU in 2004 and has since seen positive economic growth.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Kenya
The Republic of Kenya is one of East Africa's most picturesque countries. With a coastline on the Indian Ocean and vast savannahs with diverse wildlife, the exotic landscapes and various ethnic groups make this an ideal place to live. The weather is always warm because it is located right on the equator.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Because there are both dense grasslands and urban cities, Kenya offers the best of both worlds. There are 70 ethnic groups among its 50 million people. The local purchasing power is 69% lower than in the United States. Rent is 90% cheaper, groceries are 62% cheaper, and local goods and services are 61% cheaper.
Slovenia
Slovenia is also a member of NATO and the EU, having gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The economy currently thrives after it fell into a recession in 2012. The central European country is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and lakes.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Slovenia shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. The Adriatic Sea borders its southwestern coastline, making this one of Europe's most picturesque getaways. The local purchasing power is 21% lower than in the United States. Rent is 85% cheaper, groceries are 56% cheaper, and local goods and services are 46% cheaper.
Oman
The oil industry is one of Oman's most lucrative sources of income along with fishing and tourism. The Arabian Sea offers much natural beauty as well as the various mountain ranges and deserts. Oman has much to offer as far as diversity for tourists.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Oman is an Islamic nation with a population of 4 million people. Most speak Arabic, as it is located on the Arabian peninsula. The local purchasing power is 11% higher than in the United States. Rent is 72% cheaper, groceries are 50% cheaper, and local goods and services are 47% cheaper.
Cyprus
Cyprus is best known for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and vacation accommodations. it's also a popular place for European people to retire. You won't find clearer water or more exotic food and drink anywhere else than on this little island.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
The most common languages spoken here are Turkish and Greek, but most residents do also speak English. The local purchasing power is 4% lower. Rent is 87% cheaper, groceries are 55% cheaper, and local goods and services are 45% cheaper.
Hungary
Hungary's capital, Budapest, is one of Europe's most iconic architectural landmarks. It's sprawling with mineral spas, nightlife, folk art, and music. It joined the EU in 2004.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
There are several languages spoken in Hungary, including Russian, Romanian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovak, and Ukrainian. The local purchasing power is 52% lower than in the United States. Rent is 87% cheaper, groceries are 66% cheaper, and local goods and services are 57% cheaper.
South Africa
South Africa's main topic of interest is surely apartheid, the legal separation of races. However, it has since dissolved and is now ruled democratically. South Africa has one of Africa's most developed economies, and the people there speak any handful of eleven languages.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Slovakia
Slovakia's capital city, Bratislava, is the only capital in the world that lies on the borders of two other independent countries. It sits between Austria and Hungary and is just 60 kilometers away from Vienna. Both are located along the Danube River, making for easy access to tourists.
Overall Affordability Compared to the United States
Slovakia has a vast cultural identity and has had much economic success since it ceded from Czechoslovakia in 1993. There are ski towns, traditional villages, castles, and mountains for tourists to explore. Rent is 83% cheaper here than in the United States.
Uganda
Uganda is an English-speaking nation in East Africa, landlocked by Kenya. It has political independence and is a socially and economically stable place to live. There are varieties of wildlife, snowcapped mountains, and the famous Lake Victoria to visit. Rent here is 70% cheaper than in the United States.
Belarus
Belarus is landlocked by Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Latvia. Many of its residents speak Russian because it was once part of the Soviet Union. The capital Mink has rich architecture, adorable villages, and lots of nature. Rent here is 87% cheaper than in the United States.
Montenegro
Montenegro is a Balkan country that borders the Adriatic Sea between Albania and Croatia. It has vast mountain ranges, medieval architecture, and picturesque beaches. It is also home to the deepest canyon in Europe, Tara River Canyon. The rent here is 90% cheaper than in the United States.
Sri Lanka
Located on the southern end of India, Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are huge rainforests, beaches, exotic wildlife, gourmet food, and relaxing resorts for you to visit here. Rent is 91% cheaper than in the United States.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the Middle East's most profitable nations, officially known as The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has a booming oil and petrochemical industry, and the 33 million people who live there primarily speak Arabic. The rent here is 85% cheaper than in the United States.
Armenia
Located in the Southern Caucasus Mountains, Armenia is an independent, former USSR nation. It is also one of the world's earliest Christian civilizations. The official language is Armenian, but people also speak Greek, Assyrian, Russian, and Yazidi Kurdish. Rent is 90% cheaper here.
Taiwan
China still claims Taiwan, even though it gained its independence in 1950. It has gorgeous coastlines, tropical forests, and vibrant cities. It has also been called Ilha Formosa, which means "Beautiful Isle." Rent here is 85% cheaper.
Syria
Syria is by far one of the most affordable countries in the world, but it is also very politically unstable. Plagued by a civil war with no end in sight, it's not a recommended country to visit. However, there are majestic mountains and the Mediterranean coastline to enjoy. Rent here is 94% cheaper.
Bolivia
With the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the Amazon rainforest, this South American country should be the top of your vacation list. With 11 million people, the main languages spoken are Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani. Rent here is 89% cheaper.
Colombia
This Spanish-speaking country has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The people share ancestry with Spain, Africa, and indigenous countries. The rent here is 89% cheaper.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of Asia's most populated countries, with 152 million people. Most of the land is made up of river deltas that spill into the Bay of Bengal. Rent here is 94% cheaper.
Morocco
Morocco is the vacation spot of choice for most Europeans. There are mountains to hike, beaches to lay on, and cities to shop in. There is a vibrant culture, with people of Arab, Berber, European, and African backgrounds. Rent is 89% cheaper here.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea and is a former Soviet Republic country. If you speak English, you're definitely going to have to learn Islamic, Azeri, or Russian, because English is not a common language here. Rent is also 89% cheaper.
Philippines
The Philippines contains 7,000 mountainous islands, but some of those happen to be volcanic. Though it also experiences monsoons and typhoons, the weather is typically beautiful and makes for a great vacation spot. Rent here is 95% cheaper.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is another Balkan nation that borders the Black Sea. It has rugged mountains and a section of the Danube river runs through the country. Romania, Turkey, and Greece also share borders with Bulgaria. Rent here is 91% cheaper.
India
India has the fourth-largest economy in the world and has done wonders in improving its citizens' quality of life since gaining independence from England. The lifespan has more than doubled, and the output of food production yields enough product for export. It is culturally rich, though overpopulation and poverty are an issue. The rent here is 93% cheaper.
Kazakhstan
Sharing borders with the vast countries of Russia and China, Kazakhstan makes up a total of 1 million square miles of land coverage. Russians, Uzbeks, Koreans, and Chechens all live here together harmoniously. The rent here is 88% cheaper.
Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, with geography that contains 80% of the Sahara Desert. Morocco borders its northern side, and Algeria's coastline borders the Mediterranean Sea. Rent here is 93% cheaper.
Albania
This small Balkan country is located north of Greece on the Adriatic coastline. The country is known for its Albanian Alps mountain range. Some common tourist sites include castles, archaeological digs, and the capital city Tirana. Rent here is 93% cheaper.
Romania
Romania is most famous for its region of Transylvania, the center of most vampiric lore. It has a coastline on the Black Sea and is home to Bran Castle, the fictional home of Dracula. Rent here is 90% cheaper.
Serbia
Once part of Yugoslavia, Serbia now remains an independent nation that shares borders with Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Romania. Rent here is 92% cheaper.
Turkey
It's still to be determined whether Turkey is a part of Asia or Europe. Presently, it is not a member of the EU. However, the 80 million residents reap the benefits of affordable housing and healthcare. Rent here is 89% cheaper.
Georgia
Georgia has its sights set on joining the EU, but is currently a property of Russia. While the government does protect freedom of speech, it has been criticized for its practices by the media. Most people who live here speak both Georgian and Russian. Rent here is 91% cheaper.
Zambia
This Southern African country is known for its diverse terrain and wildlife. With borders against Zimbabwe, you can find the beautiful Victoria Falls. If you're thinking of moving here, you can be relieved to know that English is the official language. Rent here is 78% cheaper.
Nepal
Located between China and India, Nepal's greatest selling point is that it's home to Mount Everest. With a population of 31 million people, it's one of the world's poorest countries. However, the US dollar would stretch here. Rent is 96% cheaper.
Moldova
Bordered by Romania and Ukraine, this former Soviet nation is unfortunately constantly dealing with poverty and unemployment. While there is a bustling wine industry, it hasn't been doing extremely well lately. Here, rent is 92% cheaper.
Ukraine
Ukraine is most famous for its Orthodox churches, and it is located in Eastern Europe near Russia. However, Russia seized Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014, and what was once autonomous territory is now under dispute. Rent here is 90% cheaper.
Czech Republic
After Czechoslovakia was dissolved, the Czech Republic emerged as an autonomous nation in 1993. It borders Germany, Austria, and Poland. Known best for its capital city, Prague, its historic town squares, and art. Rent here is 85% cheaper.
Malaysia
Malaysia is technically a federation of three territories and is relatively politically stable. Malaysian and Chinese people exist in peace. Along with dense rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture, the capital city Kuala Lumpur is a major tourist attraction. Rent here is 88% cheaper.
Poland
Historically, Poland has been prone to unrest. However, it is a member of NATO and the EU and it does well economically. It shares a border with seven other countries as well as the Baltic Sea. With towering mountains, tranquil forests, and picturesque rivers, it's the perfect place to settle down. Rent here is 86% cheaper.
Libya
Libya is a nation rich with oil, and since gaining their independence have become incredibly financially wealthy. Libya is likely best known for its since-ended 40-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi, which lasted until 2011. Rent here is 81% cheaper.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The war to end ties with Yugoslavia left Bosnia-Herzegovina's economy in a state of chaos, but it was able to join the EU in 2016 and begin to rebuild. It shares borders with Croatia and Serbia, and its countryside has charming medieval villages. Rent is 93% cheaper.
Macedonia
Macedonia is another product of the dissolve of Yugoslavia. It's had its fair share of civil wars like other Balkan countries but is now a great place to visit. Located north of Greece, Macedonian and Albanian are the main languages. The rent here is 93% cheaper.
China
The People's Republic of China is typically thought of as overpopulated with a booming economy. With a population of 1.4 billion, it is the most crowded country in the world. Beijing is one of its biggest tourist attractions. Rent here is 81% cheaper.
Iran
Iran, also sometimes called Persia, is a West Asian county. It has a population of 82 million people and is governed by the longtime leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It has been the center of political conflict with the United States. The rent here is 87% cheaper.
Tunisia
Tunisia is one of North Africa's most thriving countries. With coasts on the Mediterranean Sea, it's a popular vacation spot with incredible beaches. Most people here speak Arabic and French. The rent is 93% cheaper.
Pakistan
The population of Pakistan is the fifth largest in the whole world. It borders Iran, India, and Afghanistan. The landscape includes everything from vast mountain ranges and valleys to river plains. The nation was formed due to the demand of Indian Muslims who wanted their own homeland. Rent is 94% cheaper than in the United States.
Egypt
Egypt is the bridge between the Middle East and Africa. It borders the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, Libya, and Sudan. It also claims the pyramids, one of the seven wonders of the world. Despite political unrest, it is still an affordable and pleasant place to live. The rent here is 94% cheaper.
Mexico
Mexico boasts a population of 129 million and shares a direct border with the United States, Belize, and Guatemala. It's a popular vacation spot thanks to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico's beaches. Rent here is 91% cheaper.
Belize
Belize was formerly named British Honduras and is located next to the Caribbean Sea. It's one of Central America's most popular tourist destinations thanks to its beaches, Mayan ruins, and coral reefs. Rent here is 88% cheaper.