The cheapest places to live are Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burundi. In these states, a person needs less than $430 per month to live comfortably. Which country has the highest cost of living? According to crowd-sourced databases, the most expensive countries in the world are Monaco, Singapore, and Switzerland.

In 2026, the title of "cheapest country" depends on whether you are looking for the lowest cost of living for residents or the best value for travelers. According to the 2026 Numbeo Cost of Living Index, Libya ranks as the absolute cheapest place to live due to subsidized costs. However, for 2026 digital nomads and expats, Pakistan, Egypt, and Vietnam remain the most affordable overall. Vietnam, in particular, offers a high quality of life for a fraction of Western costs, with daily meals available for under $2 and modern studio apartments for $300 a month. In South Asia, Nepal consistently functions as one of the most reliable budget destinations, with predictable costs for food and accommodation. For those seeking European city life at a discount, Bulgaria and Uzbekistan are the top 2026 picks, offering low transportation and housing costs without sacrificing modern infrastructure.