Live Somewhere Sunny for $1,000 a Month or Less ☀️

In some of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries, it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle—covering rent, food, and even a bit of travel—for $1,000 a month or less. Even better, you’ll find sunny weather and a welcoming atmosphere year-round.

These are some of the best places where your dollar stretches further and the sun makes regular appearances.

1. Mexico 🇲🇽 – Beaches, Tacos, and Affordable Living

f you want to live well on a budget without straying too far from the U.S., Mexico is a top choice. Cities like Mérida, Oaxaca, and Puerto Escondido offer stunning scenery, rich culture, and rent prices that will make your jaw drop.

💰 Cost of Living: $800–$1,200/month

🏡 Rent: $400 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mérida


🍽️ Dining: Tacos for under $1, full meals for $5–$8

🌡️ Average Temp: 75°F

☀️ Sunny Days: ~260/year

📍 Best For: Digital nomads, retirees, & anyone who loves warm weather

2. Thailand 🇹🇭 – Island Life on a Budget

Thailand is a paradise for budget travelers, offering everything from bustling Bangkok to tropical islands like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Even in major cities, rent is a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S. or Europe.

💰 Cost of Living: $700–$1,200/month


🏡 Rent: $300–$500 for a modern condo in Chiang Mai


🍽️ Dining: Street food for $1–$3, restaurant meals for $5


🌡️ Average Temp: 82°F


☀️ Sunny Days: ~275/year


📍 Best For: Backpackers, expats, & remote workers

3. Vietnam 🇻🇳 – Where the Dollar Goes to Live Large

Vietnam is one of Asia’s cheapest countries to live in. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi offer affordable housing, incredible street food, and a low cost of living without sacrificing quality.

💰 Cost of Living: $600–$1,000/month


🏡 Rent: $250–$450 for a modern 1-bedroom apartment


🍽️ Dining: Pho for $2, sit-down meal for $5


🌡️ Average Temp: 79°F


☀️ Sunny Days: ~210/year


📍 Best For: Budget travelers, digital nomads, & food lovers

4. Portugal 🇵🇹 – Europe on a Budget

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, offering a relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and visa options for remote workers. While Lisbon is pricey, smaller cities like Porto and Coimbra are much more budget-friendly

💰 Cost of Living: $900–$1,500/month

🏡 Rent: $500–$700 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Porto

🍽️ Dining: Local meals for $7–$10

🌡️ Average Temp: 64°F

☀️ Sunny Days: ~300/year

📍 Best For: Remote workers, retirees, & expats who want an EU base

5. Colombia 🇨🇴 – Affordable and Surprisingly Livable

Forget everything you think you know—Colombia is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Cities like Medellín and Cali offer amazing weather, fast WiFi, and affordable living. Medellín, in particular, has been named one of the best digital nomad hubs in the world.

💰 Cost of Living: $700–$1,200/month

🏡 Rent: $300–$500 for a furnished apartment in Medellín

🍽️ Dining: $5 for a full meal, coffee for under $1

🌡️ Average Temp: 72°F

☀️ Sunny Days: ~210/year

📍 Best For: Digital nomads, adventure seekers, & Spanish learners

6. Georgia 🇬🇪 – Europe’s Hidden Gem

If you love mountains, medieval towns, and ridiculously low costs, Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) is worth considering. The capital, Tbilisi, is beautiful, has great WiFi, and offers a special visa for remote workers.

💰 Cost of Living: $600–$1,000/month

🏡 Rent: $300 for a modern apartment

🍽️ Dining: Local meals for $3–$5

🌡️ Average Temp: 54°F

☀️ Sunny Days: ~190/year

📍 Best For: Budget travelers, wine lovers, & remote workers

7. Indonesia 🇮🇩 – The Ultimate Digital Nomad Paradise

Bali has been a go-to destination for remote workers and budget travelers for years. The island offers cheap housing, an amazing expat community, and world-class beaches—all for shockingly low prices.

💰 Cost of Living: $800–$1,300/month

🏡 Rent: $400–$600 for a villa with a pool

🍽️ Dining: $2 for local meals

🌡️ Average Temp: 81°F

☀️ Sunny Days: ~270/year

📍 Best For: Digital nomads, yogis, & surfers

Before You Pack Your Bags...

Moving abroad is amazing, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Visa Rules – Some countries require special visas for long-term stays. Others (like Georgia) let you stay a full year without one.

• Healthcare – Some countries have world-class healthcare, while others might require private insurance.

• Language Barriers – While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it’s helpful to learn some basics of the local language.

• Internet Speed – If you’re a digital nomad, check the WiFi situation before making the move.

Should You Move?

If you’re tired of high rent, expensive groceries, and long commutes, moving abroad for a lower cost of living could be the best decision you ever make. Whether you want to work remotely from a Thai beach, explore European cities on the cheap, or live a stress-free life in Mexico, there’s a perfect destination for you—and your wallet.

So, the real question is: where are you moving first? ✈️

Sources & Further Reading:

• Numbeo: Cost of Living Comparisons Worldwide

• International Living: Best Places to Retire & Live Abroad

• Expatistan: Cost of Living Rankings

• Visa Requirements