10 Expat-Friendly Cities Where You Can Actually Live Like a Millionaire on Just $1,500 a Month (Seriously, No Joke)

Do you ever look at your monthly budget and wonder where all your money went?

Now, imagine that same budget could give you waterfront dinners, weekly housekeeping, and a chance to soak up rich cultural experiences. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not.

I have found 10 expat-friendly cities where you can live like royalty on just $1,500 a month.

From breaking down the budget to highlighting the perks of living there, plus sharing some visa tips to make the move easier, I’ve got you covered.

1. Porto, Portugal

Porto gives you an authentic taste of traditional Portuguese life. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning bridges and famous Port wine culture. Life here feels laid-back, safe, and full of history.

Living on a budget in Porto is totally doable with a little smart planning. Instead of staying in the touristy Ribeira area, opt for more affordable neighborhoods like Bonfim.

You can also balance eating out with picking up fresh, cheap groceries at local markets. It’s all about making the most of what the city offers!

*Data Sourced From: Wise, GlobalCitizenSolutions

Living the royal life here is all about enjoying the simple things. Imagine a three-course meal for two for just $43 (€40). Or sipping Port wine at a historic lodge with a view of the Douro River. Plus, Porto’s safe, welcoming vibe and top-notch healthcare system make it an easy place to call home.

If you’re planning to stay long-term, the Digital Nomad (D8) Visa is a great option. You’ll need a monthly income of €3,480 (about $3,750), which may sound high, but it shows just how affordable life here is. With Porto’s low living costs, you could easily save over half of that income each month.

Also Check: 10 Places To Retire For Americans in Portugal So Perfect, You’ll Wonder Why You Didn’t Move Sooner

2. Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is the shining star of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, offering over 300 days of sunshine a year. The city mixes beautiful beaches with rich history, making it the perfect place for a relaxed, sun-filled lifestyle.

Expats often choose neighborhoods like Konyaaltı or Lara. These areas are modern, convenient, and offer stunning apartments, waterfront promenades, and easy access to all the essentials.

*Data Sourced From: ConnectPls

Living like royalty in Antalya means enjoying the Mediterranean way of life. The city offers affordable healthcare, modern comforts, and a friendly expat community.

Spend your weekends exploring ancient ruins or chilling on gorgeous beaches, all without breaking the bank. It’s a high quality of life for a fraction of the price you’d pay in European coastal cities.

Turkey introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, requiring a monthly income of $3,000. But just like in Portugal, Antalya’s low living costs make it easy to meet that requirement while still saving a good chunk of your income. It’s one of the best spots to live abroad on a budget.

3. Penang, Malaysia

Penang is a favorite among expats, and it’s easy to see why. The island is known for its incredible food, colonial charm, and laid-back lifestyle. English is widely spoken, which makes settling in simple.

At the heart of it all is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colorful street art, history, and culture.

Living here is surprisingly affordable, letting you enjoy the best of the island without stretching your budget. From food to housing, everything feels like a great deal.

*Data Sourced From: penang-traveltips.com

In Penang, living like royalty means treating your senses. Grab world-famous street food for just $2 or $3, and live in a modern condo, complete with a pool and gym, for a fraction of what you’d pay back home. It’s luxury living without the luxury price tag.

Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass is one of the easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for. You’ll need to show an annual income of $24,000 (or $2,000 per month). With Penang’s low cost of living, that makes building your dream lifestyle in Southeast Asia more than doable.

4. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Forget the vampire stories. Cluj-Napoca is anything but spooky. As the unofficial capital of Transylvania, it’s a lively, youthful city full of tech startups, art, and historic charm. With a large student population and a creative vibe, it’s one of Europe’s most underrated (and affordable) places to live.

Life here is exciting yet low-cost. You get all the perks of a modern European lifestyle, without the steep price tag.

*Data Sourced From: Deel

In Cluj, royalty means blending old-world charm with modern energy. You could work from a stylish café in a centuries-old square, then head to a music festival that draws crowds from all over Europe.

The city is alive with innovation, but it’s surrounded by the magical landscapes of Transylvania. It’s the best of both worlds.

Romania’s digital nomad visa is open to those earning about €3,700 per month (three times the average local salary). That might sound high, but Cluj’s affordable lifestyle makes it totally manageable and leaves room to save.

5. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a city full of contrasts. You’ll find ancient temples right next to sleek skyscrapers, and streets buzzing with motorbikes, food stalls, and nonstop energy. It also happens to be one of the most affordable capital cities in the world.

With a budget of $1,500 a month, you’re not just getting by; you’re living comfortably. That means more freedom to enjoy everything Hanoi has to offer without constantly watching your wallet.

Data Sourced From: Expatis

In Hanoi, royalty means experience over excess. Grab a steaming bowl of pho for just $2 from a street vendor who’s been perfecting their recipe for decades. Spend your weekends exploring world-famous spots like Ha Long Bay. Here, your money buys rich memories, not just things.

Vietnam doesn’t currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, but many expats get by using tourist visas and doing “visa runs” every few months. It takes a bit of planning, but thanks to the low cost of living, it’s a trade-off many are more than happy to make.

6. Cuenca, Ecuador

Tucked in the Andes mountains, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colonial architecture and spring-like weather year-round. It’s also home to one of the largest and friendliest expat communities in the world.

The city is super walkable, with great public transportation, so there’s no need for a car. And thanks to the low cost of living, especially when it comes to healthcare, life here is both simple and affordable.

Data Sourced From: International Living

In Cuenca, the royal treatment is all about peace of mind and a strong sense of community. You can get high-quality healthcare at a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S. Hire weekly cleaning help for around $25 a day.

And best of all, you’ll be surrounded by a welcoming expat network that makes settling in feel easy and enjoyable!

Ecuador’s digital nomad visa is one of the most accessible out there. You only need to show a monthly income of $1,425, almost exactly in line with a $1,500 budget. It’s an affordable way to enjoy long-term life in one of South America’s most charming cities.

7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv is a place where history comes to life. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, it’s home to Roman ruins that are still in use today, including a stunning ancient theater.

But it’s not stuck in the past. With creative neighborhoods like Kapana, the city also buzzes with art, music, and modern energy.

It’s one of the most budget-friendly cities in the EU, offering ultra-fast internet and a super low cost of living, perfect for digital nomads and expats alike.

Data Sourced From: Lost in Plovdiv

In Plovdiv, royalty means immersing yourself in Europe’s cultural richness without the high price tag. Grab a coffee at a stylish café for just $1.50. Enjoy a hearty, healthy Bulgarian meal for around $6.

And spend your days walking through streets that have witnessed thousands of years of history. It’s a lifestyle that feels luxurious but stays within reach.

Bulgaria’s Type D visa is a pathway to a digital nomad residence permit, with an income requirement of about €2,500 per month. Thanks to Plovdiv’s low living costs, it’s easy to meet that requirement and still save a big chunk of your income, making it a smart and rewarding choice for long-term living in Europe.

8. Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Mexico, but it’s where the country’s culture truly shines.

It’s the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, with a lively arts scene and amazing food. Here, you get the real Mexican experience, with all the perks of a big city.

While it’s not the cheapest city in Mexico, Guadalajara offers incredible value compared to Western cities.

Data Sourced From: findawayabroad.com

Living like royalty here means diving into culture every day. Take weekend trips to the town of Tequila for tastings, enjoy world-class cocktails, and savor fusion tacos, all on a budget that feels small-town. The city’s vibrant energy, warm locals, and deep-rooted traditions make life exciting and full of flavor.

Mexico doesn’t have a special digital nomad visa, but the Temporary Resident Visa is a popular choice. You’ll need a monthly income between $3,700 and $4,400, or a good amount in savings. This visa lets you stay for up to four years, making it a solid option for long-term living.

Related: I’ve Lived in Mexico for 6 Years: Here are 10 Unspoken Rules to Follow When You Visit

9. Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya offers a cool mix of beach relaxation and city energy. It’s more affordable than popular spots like Phuket but still has great healthcare, international schools, and a lively expat community.

With a $1,500 budget, you can live comfortably here; think modern condos and a good balance of eating out and cooking at home.

Data Sourced From: iamkohchang.com

Royalty in Pattaya means finding the perfect work-life balance. Work in the morning, then hit the beach in the afternoon. Getting around is super cheap thanks to the local songthaew buses—rides cost less than a dollar. Enjoy tasty street food and international restaurants without spending a fortune.

Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is ideal for remote workers. There’s no strict monthly income requirement, just proof of at least 500,000 THB (about $13,500) in savings. It’s one of the most flexible long-stay visas in Asia, making Pattaya a great choice for expats.

10. Aveiro, Portugal

If Porto feels a little too busy, Aveiro might be just what you’re looking for. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” this lovely city is renowned for its canals, vibrant moliceiro boats, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Life here moves at a slower, more relaxed pace.

Even better, Aveiro is more affordable than Porto. A single person can live comfortably here for less than $1,500 a month.

Data Sourced From: Immigrant Invest

Living like royalty in Aveiro means enjoying charm and peace. You can live by the canals without the crowds you’d find in Venice. Take trips to nearby Costa Nova, known for its colorful striped beach houses. It’s the perfect spot if you want a calm, culturally rich life in Portugal.

Just like in Porto, you can apply for Portugal’s Digital Nomad (D8) Visa to stay long-term. The income requirement is the same (€3,480 per month), but thanks to Aveiro’s lower costs, saving money here is even easier.

Your New Life

Living well on a modest budget isn’t just wishful thinking. In these expat-friendly cities, you can live like royalty for just $1,500 a month.

Affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means opening the door to freedom, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. These cities prove that a better quality of life is closer than you think.

This list shows some of the best budget-friendly places to live abroad. Your dream of a richer, fuller life for less money is ready and waiting. So, the big question is: which of these amazing cities will you call home?