20 Cheapest Places to Live in the World

Want to live in a place where you won’t spend much on housing, food and other necessities? Then you should definitely check out the cheapest places where you can live. Go over the list, which is based on the latest Worldwide cost of living survey by The Economist and simply pick the right spot for you.

1. Lusaka, Zambia

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The capital of this African country is the cheapest place to live in the world. The city is actually quite modern while the humid subtropical climate doesn’t have temperature extremes.

2. Bangalore, India

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

If you would love to live in a place with a tropical climate and numerous unique ancient monuments and save a great deal of money at the same time, then this city could be the best choice for you.

3. Mumbai, India

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

This splendid coastal city offers a unique combination between ancient charm and modern living. And it is the third cheapest place in the world!

4. Karachi, Pakistan

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

Big, colorful and more modern than you might imagine, the capital of Pakistan is a great place to live in addition to being one of the most affordable cities in the world. You will most certainly love exploring the local culture and traditions.

5. Chennai, India

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

Residents enjoy long sandy beaches, ocean views and amazing historic and cultural attractions plus delicious and very cheap food. Just keep in mind that it can get very hot during the period of March to September.

6. Algiers, Algeria

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The capital city of the African country is on the Mediterranean coast and boasts with great beaches and white houses and apartment buildings overlooking the sea. The weather can get extremely hot during the summer, however, but you can always take a short ferry boat ride to go on a trip to Europe.


7. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The largest city in the country, which used to be part of the Soviet Union, is in a mountainous region and is known for its temperature extremes. It can be very hot in the summer and quite cold during the winter. Still, the city has very good infrastructure and great amenities, but has had problems with air pollution at times.

8. New Delhi, India

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

If you want to enjoy superb foot and cultural life and still live on the cheap, then the Indian capital may be just right for you. It is home to age-old temples and palaces. It has also been greatly modernized in recent years.

9. Caracas, Venezuela

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

Although the capital of the country is settled in a lush green valley surrounded by gorgeous hills, it is not as peaceful as its residents would like. If you decide to live there, you should definitely avoid the dangerous neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.

10. Damascus, Syria

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

With the ongoing war in the country which is practically torn apart, its capital might be one of the cheapest, but least desirable places to live. This is really sad, especially given the fact that the city has been around since the 15th century BC and boasts with amazing historical monuments.

11. Bucharest, Romania

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The Romanian capital is a peaceful city with moderate climate and excellent infrastructure. At the same time, it is the cheapest in Europe. It could be a great starting point for tours to popular places like Athens, Prague and Vienna in addition to being a great home for you and your family.

12. Pretoria, South Africa

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

Offering an excellent combination of ancient and modern, Pretoria is a good place to live. It is one of the three official capitals of the country so you can expect a bustling city life. It may get a bit hot during the summer months, but never too cold during the winter.

13. Teheran, Iran

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The country in general has received bad reputation for the lack of political freedom in recent years, but this seems to be improving. Its capital, Teheran, is very modern and has very good infrastructure. However, there is an ongoing problem with high levels of air pollution.

14. Kathmandu, Nepal

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

It’s true that you won’t find some of the amenities which you may be used to such as the ones based on advanced technology, but you can live like a king in this peaceful city high up in the Himalayan Mountains even with very limited means in terms of Western standards.

15. Kiev, Ukraine

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

Lots of parks, large streets and great places to shop are just some of the best offerings of this European city. You can really live on the cheap if you choose an apartment in one of the many residential neighborhoods.

16. St. Petersburg, Russia

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The city on the Baltic Sea used to be the capital of the Russian Empire until the Bolsheviks took over in 1917. It boasts with unique palaces, churches and monuments. It is very beautiful and has modern infrastructure plus all amenities that you can think of. Keep in mind that the weather can get quite cold in the winter.

17. Lagos, Nigeria

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

This is the largest city in the country and in Africa in general. It is modern and boasts with great shopping and entertainment options. The weather never gets way too hot or too cold. If you like coastal living on the cheap, it may be just right for you.

18. Johannesburg, South Africa

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The largest city in the country is among the major economic and financial centers in Africa. It has subtropical highland climate which is quite moderate and offers good opportunities for recreation.

19. Asuncion, Paraguay

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

The capital of the small South American country is beautiful, fairly peaceful and very modern. The city is bordered by a river so there are plenty of recreation options which are quite affordable, of course.

20. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

Many people dream of living in this spectacular city, the home to beautiful beaches, and it turns out that this is far from impossible when it comes to financial matters at least. You certainly know the main attractions of Rio very well – the famous beaches of Copa Cabana and Ipanema, the picturesque hills, the famous Maracana Stadium and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

You might also want to check out the list of the most expensive cities to live in. Enoy!

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