LIVE AND WORK ABROAD IN 10 CHEAP COUNTRIES FOR UNDER $1,300 A MONTH

Looking for affordable countries to live and work? 9jahitsongs has some solutions how  You can make your move abroad to one of these great places and enjoy a cheaper cost of living without sacrificing quality of life — all for under $1,300 a month!

Working overseas is both an alluring and overwhelming prospect for many people. The thought of living in another country is definitely exciting but it raises some important points to consider. The process of finding a job, securing a visa, and affording the necessary expenses of everyday life can be enough to deter even the most adventurous. Luckily, it is not always as complicated as it seems.

Whether you choose to pursue an English as a foreign language job in the country, live as a digital nomad, or au pair, there are ways to make your move abroad happen.

The following destinations were picked based on the following criteria: cheap cost of living, ease of the visa process, and potential for job prospects. The figures for cost of living and salary are in US dollars.

Editor’s note: Before we dive in, we acknowledge that calling these countries and local country costs cheap is a privileged statement. The costs themselves are not cheap to all, as they are just more financially accessible to Western travelers who have more powerful currency.

1. Ecuador
Live for under $1,000 a month

Average monthly local salary: $472
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $392
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $227
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $3
South America is full of countries with a low cost of living but Ecuador is among the best. Geographically diverse, Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, the Andes Mountains, and part of the Amazon rainforest.

While many are drawn to Ecuador for tourism, it is also a great choice for those hoping to move and work abroad.

In Quito, one-bedroom apartments in the city center can be found for as low as $300 a month. This paired with affordable food and transportation costs makes life in the capital attainable.

Guayaquil, Quito, Vilcabamba, and Loja are also favored among expats making the move to Ecuador. A shared three-bedroom apartment in Cuenca could cost you as low as $206.

2. South Korea
Live for under $1,400 a month

Average monthly local salary: $2,390
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $585
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $504
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $6
Americans benefit from working holiday visa agreements with six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Ireland, and South Korea.

Of these choices, South Korea is the most affordable, even when considering the capital city Seoul. On this special visa, U.S. citizens who are recent graduates between the ages of 18-30 can work and travel in the country for up to 18 months.

Don’t meet the criteria for the working holiday program? South Korea is also a popular destination for those wishing to teach English overseas and for good reason. English teachers there enjoy a high salary and great employment packages that usually include paid accommodation and flight reimbursement.

As if this wasn’t attractive enough, most employers also tend to take care of your visa for you. Jobs can be found in Seoul as well as in smaller cities and rural locations. Of course, your money will go farther outside of major metropolitan areas though you can live well in the big city on a teacher’s wages. Outside of Seoul, popular cities for working professionals include Busan, Incheon, and Daegu.

3. China
Live for under $1,000 a month

Average monthly local salary: $1,035
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $496
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $359
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $3
China is huge so it goes without saying that there is something for nearly everyone!

Whether you choose a bustling city or secluded village, the cost of living is more than manageable across the board. In Beijing, it is estimated that food shopping costs around $140 a month for a single person eating a local diet.

Eating out in the capital doesn’t have to be a treat either, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $5. Conversely, a smaller city like Harbin carries a lighter price tag for food with your monthly shop averaging around $119 and a cheap restaurant meal offered for $3.

English teachers especially love China for its bounty of jobs and great salary and benefits. Getting a visa tends to be straightforward since employers or recruiters generally manage the process for you.

Many English teachers in China even go on to save tons of money for travel and their next move!

If life in Beijing or Shanghai isn’t quite your speed, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chengdu are popular cities that don’t spare any amenities.

4. Portugal

What to expect from living in Portugal as an expat

Rich history, delicious fresh food, a laid-back way of life, and a family-oriented, predominantly Catholic culture are just some of the many hallmarks of living in Portugal.

The natural and built environments are also huge draws. In the cities, expect to find white-washed villas decked in colourful tiles. The countryside is littered with Moorish castles that tell of the struggles between Islam and Christianity, not to mention those pesky neighbours the Spanish. And of course, there is the Algarve region, where caramel deserts roll into craggy coastlines, upon which are nestled picturesque beach towns like Albufeira, Lagos and Portimao.

Modern times have not been as kind to Portugal. As Europe’s last-remaining authoritarian dictatorship, Portugal was slow to experience urban and social development at the same pace of other European nations in the 20th Century.

This period culminated in a deep recession lasting from 2010–2014, which led to many young people leaving the country in search of opportunities elsewhere. This caused a labour shortage that has further stunted economic development. As such, Portugal ranks just 19th out of 39 in the list of Europe’s strongest economies, with a GDP of US$231 billion euros (compared, for instance, to #1-ranked Germany’s US$3.8 trillion economy).

The upshot is that Portugal is now the cheapest country in Europe to live. The cost of living in Portugal is around 30% cheaper than in the UK, with rent around 33% cheaper. Expats moving to Portugal will find the cost of consumer goods – from food and wine to new cars and property – significantly cheaper than in other parts of Europe.

How many expats are living in Portugal?

The total population of expats living in Portugal in 2022 is around 661,000 as of 2020 – around 6.5% of the total population.

How many British expats are living in Portugal?

As of 2020, there were 46,238 British expats living in Portugal, according to government data. This makes Britain the second-largest expat population living in Portugal, with Brazil the largest.

How is the political situation in Portugal?

Portugal was Western Europe’s last authoritarian regime The Estado Novo only collapsed in 1974, and since then Portugal has been a democratic republic. Portugal was a founding member of NATO in 1949, joined the European Union in 1986 and adopted the euro as its currency in 1999. Portugal now enjoys a high level of political stability (it was ranked 23rd in 2020 by the World Bank) and strong international relations, especially with its neighbours in Western Europe.

That is not to say everything is perfect in Portugal. The country ranks lower than many other European nations on the Corruption Perceptions Index with a score of just 62/100.

In recent years, political protests have become a staple feature for people living in Portugal, as the economy has failed to regain its stride after the 2010–2014 recession, which saw unemployment hit a peak of 16% in 2013. That rate is much lower now, but still lags behind many other developed nations.

What language is spoken in Portugal and do people living in Portugal speak English?

The official, and most widely spoken language in Portugal is Portuguese. Portugal has a second official language, Mirandese, which is spoken in the North Eastern region of Terra de Miranda.

English is the second most common language spoken in Portugal, and is now included on the national curriculum. French and Spanish are also spoken by a significant proportion of the population.

How did Portugal deal with COVID-19?

Although Portugal’s health system is nowhere near as good as other European countries (they have just 3.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people, compared to the EU average of 4.6), theirs was a success story during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the height of the first wave of the pandemic, Portugal had a mortality rate of just 3% – compared to 10% in Spain, 12% in the UK and 15% in France.

Portugal was quick to ban all large gatherings, closed schools on March 16 and declared a state of emergency two days later. This quick response helped Portugal avoid the worst effects of the first wave.

Portugal was hit by the second/third waves of COVID-19 in 2021, however, they were fast in rolling out vaccines. As of April 2022, Portugal has the 3rd highest rate of fully vaccinated citizens in the world.

As of May 2022, Portugal has had 3.9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus and 22,300 confirmed deaths. There were around 11,000 confirmed daily cases.

Portugal has fully opened its borders for immunised travellers but maintains a high degree of caution around COVID-19. Fully vaccinated travellers with a recognised certificate can now enter Portugal without needing to show a PCR test or quarantine.

Non-vaccinated travellers can enter Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test, or a proof of recovery certificate. This also applies to the Azores Islands. There are no entry requirements for Madeira. Be sure to read official advice on travelling to Portugal to understand your rights and responsibilities.

How to move to Portugal as an expat

Portugal is part of the European Union (EU), so EU citizens are free to relocate there. British citizens can still move to Portugal, however they will need to go through the same process as all other non-EU citizens, unless they were already living in Portugal before 1st January 2021. If you’re a British citizen, you may want to start by checking out our ultimate guide to moving abroad after Brexit.

Moving to Portugal is relatively straightforward. In summary, you’ll need to go through the following steps:

You can live in Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days in a year
Before the 90 days are up, you must complete your application for a Portugal Residency Visa (valid for around 3 months) or Residency Permit (valid for 1 year)
The Residency Visa is like a temporary extension intended to give you enough time to apply for a Residency Permit. A Residency Permit can be renewed every 12 months
After 5 years of living in Portugal on a Residency Permit, you’ll be able to apply for a Permanent Residency Permit
Where will you find expats living in Portugal and how can I find accommodation?

Far and away the most popular destination for expatriates are Portugal’s cities. The capital, Lisbon (population 500,000) and Porto (population 215,000) attract people from around the world with their historic buildings, laid-back ways of life and buzzing culture. Lisbon ranked 37th in the world for quality of living in Mercer’s 2019 city rankings and was awarded the title of fourth best city in the world by The Telegraph. Almost half (42%) the population of Lisbon come from abroad, while 7.9% of citizens in Porto are foreign nationals.

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and home to the thriving coastal towns of Portimao, Albufeira and Faro, as well as some interior municipalities such as Silves. With its beautiful beaches and verdant golf courses, the Algarve is widely-known as a tourist region, but it also attracts expats who come to enjoy a peaceful way of life. Around 10% of the Algarve’s 438,000 citizens come from abroad, with over 77,000 living in the regional capital of Faro.

Portugal’s interior is vast and made up of pockets of urbanisation, including medieval cities such as Braga (pop: 121,000) and Coimbra (pop: 106,000). In between stretches of desert and national parks, Portugal’s countryside is littered with luxurious villas and humble farmsteads. Recent data has shown that expats living in Portugal are increasingly looking to move to the interior. Expats looking to move to the countryside should look long and hard for a suitable place to live, as some areas are less modernised than others.

Finally, Portugal has two island regions, both in the North Atlantic ocean. These are the Madeira archipelago (pop: 253,000) and the Azores archipelago (pop: 236,000). These islands are very well-connected, thanks to their popularity with holidaymakers, and are increasingly attracting expats. Again, expats should put in plenty of research if they are thinking of island life in Portugal – each island has its own local culture and challenges.

Before moving to Portugal, it is a good idea to look online for properties and speak to a relocation expert. Real estate in Portugal is notably cheaper than in other parts of Europe, which has given rise to a thriving real estate sector. There are therefore many agents with local knowledge who can help you and your family in relocating to Portugal. You could check out:

Idealista
Casa Sapo
JLL

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Can expats buy property in Portugal?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Portugal. The only thing you’ll need to do is get a Tax Identification Number (NIF), which you’ll be assigned automatically when you open a bank account in Portugal.

Buying a property in Portugal is a popular route for expats to earn one of Portugal’s ‘golden visas’. You can get one of these if you buy a property worth at least €500,000/£430,000 in a city, or €400,000/£343,000 in a low-density area. A golden visa is like a fast-track programme towards becoming a citizen, and allows you to apply for Portuguese citizenship after just five years of living in Portugal.

Jobs, visas and working in Portugal

As a member of the European Union, EU citizens are free to live and work in Portugal without having to acquire any visas. All other expats hoping to live and work in Portugal will need:

A passport valid for at least three months more than you intend to live in Portugal before completing your residency application
A visa
There are three main types of visa for expats moving to Portugal:

A short stay visa (valid for up to 90 days), which costs around €80/£70
A temporary stay visa (valid for up to one year), which costs around €75/£68
A long stay or residency visa, which costs around €90/£80
To apply for a temporary or long stay visa, you’ll need to be able to show that you can financially support yourself during your time in Portugal. This could either be proof of income, proof of retirement funds or proof of savings. You will also need to be able to prove you have suitable accommodation, for instance by showing a tenancy agreement or proof of a property purchase. Finally, you need not to have criminal record.

Retirees should look to apply for Portugal’s D7 (passive income) visa. To apply, you need to show that you can draw down at least €8,460/£7,250 per year from your pension, plus an additional 50% for each additional applicant.

The D7 visa for Portugal also acts as a type of visa for digital nomads. If you are moving to Portugal as a digital nomad, you will need to have a formal letter from your employer showing your salary and guaranteeing that you have the right to work remotely.

What sort of salary will I earn living in Portugal?

If you are planning on working for a local company, you may struggle to earn good money.

The Portuguese economy is nowhere near as strong as many other industrialised countries in Europe, and is still reeling from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession. As such, Portugal’s main economies are still based in the areas of manufacturing, agriculture and raw materials. There is also a thriving tourism sector in some parts of the country. However, white-collar jobs are hard to come by.

At US£28,400 a year, the average salary in Portugal is significantly lower than many other countries in the OECD, and far below the average of US$49,200. However, Portugal has a broad range of salary options, and expatriates moving to Portugal with experience under their belts may find a number of jobs paying in the triple-figures range. Some top executives can expect to earn up to €150,000 (US$158,000) per year.

Cost of living and moving to Portugal

Like most countries in the world, the cost of living in Portugal has shot up in 2022. In April 2022, the rate of inflation in Portugal hit 7.2%, the highest rate Portugal has seen since March 1993. As a result, the cost of consumer goods, energy and rent are increasing rapidly.

However, the good news is that Portugal is still exceptionally cheap compared to other European countries.

Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Portugal is around 29% cheaper than in the United Kingdom, with rent around 32% lower on average.

Expats living in Portugal will therefore find their money goes much further, even if they are earning less overall. Wine lovers in particular will delight in Portugal, where a bottle of good quality, locally produced wine can cost as little as €2 at a local supermarket.

If you intend to relocate your own household items to Portugal, you will need to hire a professional overseas relocation company to help with shipping. The cost of moving an average family home’s worth of furniture to Portugal from the UK can be anywhere between €1,400/£1,200 and €4,676/£4,000 according to reloadvisor.

Banking and finance in Portugal

While expats are not legally required to have a bank account in Portugal, those intending to relocate to Portugal will find it much easier to pay taxes and apply for a visa if they have a bank account registered there.

To open a bank account in Portugal, you will need to have:

A valid photo ID (usually a passport)
Proof of address (e.g. a tenancy agreement)
Proof of employment
An NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), issued by the Portuguese tax authority
To open a student account, you will also need to bring proof of your ongoing enrolment at a university.

Some banks in Portugal allow you to open an account online, however most will ask you to intend in person. In either case, you will be expected to complete paperwork, and then make the minimum deposit (which will differ according to which bank you’ve chosen).

Portugal has a number of banks including some of the biggest banking groups in the world. Expats moving to Portugal may wish to consider banking with:

novobanco
Banco CTT
ABANCA
Banco Best
Millennium BCP
Banco Santander
Healthcare and insurance in Portugal

Healthcare in Portugal is not top-of-the-range by any means, but expats living in Portugal will find all their basic healthcare needs catered for. In fact, despite the fact government spending on healthcare is much lower than in other OECD countries, Portugal still manages to rank 23rd in the world for life expectancy, with an average of 82.6 – ahead of both the UK and USA.

Portugal has a state-funded healthcare system known as the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). EU nationals with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to use Portuguese health services free of charge, and British citizens can use the UK Global Health Insurance Card.

For those who do not qualify for Portuguese state healthcare, or for families who wish to ensure a higher level of healthcare, international health insurance is a must-have. Expats living in Portugal who take out private medical insurance will find they have access to private healthcare when they need it most. They are much more likely to be connected to doctors who speak their own language, and can also include specialist services such as maternity, dentistry and mental health in their cover.

Culture and customs in Portugal

Portugal maintains a strong connection with its past. Traditional industries such as cork farming and tile-decorating are still alive and well. With a strong history of Catholicism, it’s not unusual to find the city streets deserted on Sundays, as Portuguese people flock to church. Holy events, such as Santa Semana (Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday) are a big deal in Portugal, but so too is the Brazilian-inspired Carnival, which takes place every February.

The country is also renowned for its excellent food (try Portuguese pizza, topped with bananas – just trust us!), wine and beer, and its relaxed café culture. Pasteis de nata and peri-peri chicken have become world-famous exports from Portugal, and understandably so.

The country goes further than most to protect women, earning it the ranking of 21st best country in the world to be a woman. Portugal has wide-ranging anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ people, and in 2011 passed a gender identity law hailed as one of the most robust in the world to protect the status of transgender people. The SPARTACUS Gay Travel Index places Portugal second in the world in its gay-friendly rankings.

Religious freedom is guaranteed by Portugal’s constitution. While the vast majority (81%) of people living in Portugal identity as Catholic, there are also a great number of other Christian denominations, Hindus, Jews and Muslims living in Portugal. A growing percentage of the population (7%) now identifies as non-religious.

Your handy “moving to Portugal” checklist

To help get you started, here are the essential things you need to tick off:

Accommodation

–Have you researched places you’d like to live?
-If you’ve found an apartment or house you’d like to rent, have you contacted the landlord and made an offer?
– If you’ve agreed a place to live, have you received your tenancy agreement work?

– Have you received a job offer from a Portuguese employer?
– Alternatively, do you have proof of income and your eligibility to work overseas from your existing employer, if you intend to relocate to Portugal as a digital nomad?
– Have you started your application for your visa?
– Do you have the proof of income or proof of savings required to apply for a visa?
Healthcare

– Do you meet the eligibility criteria to access state healthcare while living in Portugal? If you are an EU citizen, do you have a valid EHIC?
– If you are not eligible, have you taken out international health insurance before moving to Portugal?
– Have you looked into other forms of health insurance to support your life in Portugal, such as life insurance and income protection?
Banking

– Do you have all the paperwork necessary to complete your application for a bank account?
– Do you have the minimum deposit available in cash?
Relocation

-Have you looked into the cost of relocation? If you’re bringing your own furniture from home, have you received a reliable quote from a shipping company?
-Have you looked into schooling for your children? If you are relying on state education, you may need to contact schools to see if they have places available
Before you go…

Moving to another country can be challenging, but you can ensure peace of mind by making sure you have the right international health insurance.

Live for under $1,000 a month

Average monthly local salary: $1,011
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $705
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $400
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $9
Tucked away on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is often overshadowed by its neighbor Spain. But just because its culture isn’t as pervasive doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot to offer. Portugal boasts a relaxed pace of life, gorgeous weather, and a cost of living that’s among Western Europe’s cheapest.

With the whole of the western part of the country on the coast, you’ll have no shortage of fresh fish and seafood. Produce is cheap and often locally grown.

As far as capital cities go, Lisbon is very affordable but Porto and Faro are among the alternatives where you can live comfortably for less than $1,000 a month.

Portugal’s D7 visa has become hugely popular among digital nomads and freelancers. Wait times for this visa may be long at the moment but it’s definitely worth it!

5. Georgia
Live for under $900 a month

Average monthly local salary: $297
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $263
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $181
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $5
Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular home away from home for expats and digital nomads due to its friendly visa process. Often confused with the US state of the same name, this eastern European country is beginning to put itself on the map as an affordable and friendly country for work abroad.

Georgian food and wine are underrated and Georgians take eating and drinking quite seriously. Foodies will find no better destination for rich dishes that can also be classified as cheap eats.

In terms of entertainment and daily life, expats will find the prices as friendly as the people. In the capital, Tbilisi, a monthly travel pass will cost you a mere $10 and a trip to the movies costs less than a fiver. Foreigners looking to relocate to Georgia also find Kutaisi and Batumi quite easy on the wallet.

6. Spain
Live for under $1,200 a month

Average monthly local salary: $1,582
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $776
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $412
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $13
The fact that I’ve lived in Spain for the past three years may make me a bit biased. But truthfully, it’s an extremely affordable place to live while maintaining a high standard of living. Being part of the EU makes it somewhat more difficult to get a work permit, but many Americans live and work in Spain on a student visa through teaching or au pair programs.

A little bit of income goes a long way in Spain, even in Madrid. As an American, I’m still shocked at the low prices of fresh fruits and vegetables. Here, living on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing healthy eating.

Spain also maintains a culture of eating out and sitting on terraces so a delicious meal and a nice local beer or cup of coffee won’t break the bank. A menú del día, a daily lunch special offered at most restaurants during the week, includes a drink, dessert, starter, and main and can be had in Madrid for around 10-12 euros (~12-14 dollars).

Outside of Madrid, affordable and expat-friendly cities include Valencia, Alicante, Sevilla, Murcia, Logroño, and Toledo. Living alone in a two-bedroom apartment in Alicante cost me 420 euros a month. I now pay 750 euros a month (utilities included) for a large studio apartment in Madrid’s city center.

7. Cambodia
Live for under $800 a month

Average monthly local salary: $214
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $384
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $317
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $3
International Living estimates that around 100,000 expats live permanently in Cambodia. Foreigners visiting and living in the country report feeling like special guests due to the warmth of the locals. Cambodia is an especially friendly country for entrepreneurs wishing to set up a business.

It’s not just the hospitality and ease of business that sets Cambodia apart. Expats can enjoy a comfortable life without the high cost. Someone who wants to live alone in the capital, Phnom Penh, can expect to pay anywhere between $200 to $650 with the average rent price coming in at $430. In Kampot, rent prices in the city center average around $300.

Expats tend to congregate in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap but smaller places like Battambang, Kampot, and Kep are on the up and up.

8. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most popular retirement havens in Central America. Expats have been flocking here for more than 40 years. And when you are living in Costa Rica you will enjoy the country’s long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches, on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts…dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife…towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, mountain villages, bustling market towns, quiet rural areas, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. All these things, and much more, make living in Costa Rica such a draw for retirees and digital nomads.

Costa Rica is a stable and safe country with good infrastructure. Numerous airlines fly into the country from many destinations in the United States, Canada, and Europe to two international airports—in San José (SJO), the capital, and Guanacaste (LIR), in the northern Pacific coast.

When it comes to choosing a location and the type of real estate you want, Costa Rica has a lot of choices.

Where to Live in Costa Rica
The Central Valley, which lies at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, is the area of Costa Rica where the majority of expat retirees settle due to its eternal spring weather and close proximity to healthcare, major shopping, and the main international airport. Days are warm and evenings are delightful. It doesn’t get above the mid-80s F during the day and dips into the 60s F at night.

The higher in elevation you are, the cooler the temperatures. And the views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, coffee plantations, and picturesque villages are to die for. Expats in the Valley enjoy going to art galleries, handicraft shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants, concerts, and friendly outdoor markets. A trip to the feria, or weekly farmers’ market, is a real social event as well as a shopping excursion. There you can buy fresh produce, meat, fish, coffee, and more. And a typical couple can fill their fridge for the week for about $40 to $50.

In Costa Rica’s Arenal region, about three hours northwest of the capital in the Northern Highlands region, you’ll find Lake Arenal and the charming villages of Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán. Here expats have settled on the green hills rising from the lakeshore. It’s quiet and the views are spectacular. Restaurants, art galleries, cafés, and more line the narrow two-land road that hugs the lakeshore. The lake itself, all 33 square miles, is virtually free of boat traffic (although if you have a boat there are several small marinas and boat ramps available to you). And the setting is rural and bucolic. There is a growing and active expat community here.

The North Pacific coast, also known as the Gold Coast, attracts expats who enjoy spectacular ocean views, gorgeous beaches, world-class sport fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and surfing. In fact, it was surfers who discovered this area in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Other travelers and expats soon followed, turning this region into the sophisticated but still laidback destination it is today. Beach towns here offer plenty of amenities, like restaurants (from high-end to casual), medical and dental care, high-speed internet, and more. The weather is warm year-round. And this is the sunniest region in the country and receives the least rainfall.

The Central Pacific coast is the closest beach area to the Central Valley. It is an established seaside destination, a favorite spot for both Costa Ricans and expats. You can choose between busy beach resorts, small surf towns, and working fishing villages where the fisherman still head out early for the daily catch…and the beaches are nearly deserted.

Go another hour or so south and you hit the Southern Zone. Those in search of a life on a “wild” coast surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, with plenty of creature comforts like gourmet restaurants and modern amenities like good cell phone service, flock here.

Across the Central Valley from the Pacific is the Caribbean coast, an area often overlooked by property shoppers. The southern Caribbean coast in the Puerto Viejo area is where tropical rainforests extend to the white-sand beaches, offering unique opportunities for surfing, sport fishing, and getting a close-up look at nature. It’s also one of the least developed and most laid-back areas of the country. And for Costa Rica, which is laid-back in general, that’s saying a lot.

In Costa Rica, the good life is called “Pura Vida.” For those who live there, Pura Vida is a daily fact of life in this beautiful, exotic, and surprisingly affordable country.

Living Here Opens Up a Variety of Spectacular Natural Environments
As a long-time ecotourism destination, Costa Rica is well known for its wide variety of spectacular natural environments. There are volcanoes, rainforests, tropical beaches, waterfalls, looming mountains, rushing rivers, and more in this little country the size of West Virginia.

And all these different habitats, as well as its locations between North and South America, also make Costa Rica one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world, with more than 600,000 species calling it home.

Live for under $1,300 a month

Average monthly local salary: $787
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $501
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $280
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $7
The first time I visited Costa Rica in 2012, I was taken aback by the sheer number of Americans living and working there. Through a mix of retirees, business owners, and hospitality workers, one thing was clear: the pura vida (pure life) lifestyle was contagious.

I was not surprised then when several years later, a friend in Baltimore made the move to San Jose!

Costa Rica’s casual and relaxed approach to life pairs perfectly with its beaches and jungles. Whether you’re into hiking, sea kayaking, or surfing, ecotourism thrives.

If city life is what you’re all about, expats are particularly happy in Arenal, Jaco, Tamarindo, Escazu, and Heredia. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of Playa Jaco will run you between $400-530 a month.

9. Morocco

CHECK OUT THE MOROCCO COUNTRY PROFILE

Government Democratic monarchy
Capital Rabat
Population 34,343,220
Ethnic groups Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Religion Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
Language Arabic, Berber dialects, French
GDP per capita US$3,700
Poverty: % of population living on less than US$1 a day 19
Infant mortality rate 38.22 deaths/1,000 live births
In 1956 Morocco gained independence from France. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, however ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. In the 1970s Morocco annexed Western Sahara, but the status of the territory remains unresolved. To the north, in 2002 a dispute with Spain over the tiny island of Perejil rekindled the issue of the sovereignty of Melilla and Ceuta.

Despite Morocco’s status as a middle-income country, living standards are low by international standards and have declined since the early 1990s, especially in terms of educational and medical social services. It has a poverty rate of 19% due mainly to widespread poverty in rural areas (66% of all the country’s poor), but also to poor living conditions in the urban slums. With approximately 75 % of rural poor depending on agriculture for a livelihood, incidence and distribution of poverty vary considerably among geographical regions in relation to the quality and availability of natural resources. Uneven development has further led to large discrepancies in wealth distribution (in 1998, the wealthiest 20% of Moroccans controlled 46.6% of the country’s wealth, while the poorest 20% controlled only 6.5% of wealth).

Educational Challenges:

Literacy rate 52.3% (male 65.7%, female 39.6%)
Primary enrolment 62.5%
Secondary enrolment 35%
Tertiary enrolment 15%

Out of 10 schooled children, 6 finish their primary school, 3 or 4 reach high schools, 2 reach the Baccalaureate level and only 1 gets enrolled in a university.
In rural areas, school participation is particularly low.
Poor school attendance results in a low rate of literacy.
Only 25 percent of Moroccan children can read, write and count after primary school
Historically child labor has been extensive in Morocco. The Moroccan Government stated that in 1999 over 500,000 children under the age of 15 were in the labor force.
An education assessment test conducted on children from 38 developed and developing countries placed Morocco in the 37th rank.

How to live life in Morocco 

Life in Morocco
The Moroccan population is a mix of Arab and Berber ethnicity. Islam has a major influence on everyday life, especially during Ramadan.
The country is known for its hot climate, but the Atlas mountains, located inland, experience snowfalls every year and are a “must-see”.
The kingdom of Morocco is politically stable, but reforms are slow to come.
The People
Morocco has a surface area of 446,550 km2, and about 33.8 million people were living in Morocco as of July 2014. Over half of the population lives in urban areas. Atlantic Morocco, with its rich coastal plains and plateaus, is the most populated region.

The mountainous regions to the south and east of Atlantic Morocco are centers of Amazigh (Berber) culture, representative of an estimated 50% of the population. The eastern provinces beyond the Rif chain, and the pre-Saharan and Saharan region south of the Atlas Mountains, account for a large portion of the country geographically, but they are home to only a tiny part of the population, mostly nomadic Berber tribes.

Nearly all of the population (99%) is of Arab-Berber ethnicity. Islam is the official state religion of Morocco, and Sunni Muslims make up almost 99% of the people living in Morocco. The remaining 1% of the population is Christian, and less than 0.2%, about 6,000 people, follow the Jewish faith.

Languages
Morocco has two official languages, Modern Standard Arabic and, since 2011, Tamazight, one of the three main Berber languages. Although the use of the Berber language is declining, as of 2012, at least one third of Moroccans speak a variety of Berber as their native language.

Although not an official language, French is also widely spoken in Morocco, and is the language used in the business world. While living in Morocco, you will hear the local Moroccan dialect, Darija, spoken on the street, although Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools. Spanish is often spoken in northern Morocco, especially in Tangier. English is gaining in popularity as life in Morocco becomes more international.

Climate
The Kingdom of Morocco is located at the northwestern corner of Africa, separated from the European continent by the Strait of Gibraltar. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Algeria to the east and south, and Western Sahara to the south. The two Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla are located on the Mediterranean coast. Most expats living in Morocco will probably be located on the Atlantic coast, which experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The rainy season usually extends from October to March. On the coast, cool breezes help to keep life in Morocco pleasant in the summer, with temperatures usually ranging from 18 to 28°C.

Farther inland, however, the climate becomes more extreme, with temperatures soaring above 35°C in the summer. In the winter on the coast, average temperatures range from 8 to 17°C, although they sink considerably the farther inland you go.

A Brief History of Morocco
Before the Muslim conquests, Morocco was populated by various nomadic Berber tribes. In the 8th century, Arabs invaded the Moroccan territories and ushered in a series of Muslim dynasties. The current Moroccan royal family belongs to the Alaouite dynasty, which came to power in the 17th century.

Spain occupied northern Morocco in 1860, and a half century of trade rivalry between the European powers resulted in the steady decline of Morocco’s sovereignty. In 1912, with the signing of the Treaty of Fez (or Fès), France established a protectorate over the entire country. The colonial period in Morocco came to an end in 1956 after a long struggle for independence.

Moroccan Culture
Modern-Day Morocco
Upon independence in 1956, a constitutional monarchy was established in Morocco. Reforms in the 1990s led to the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Upon the death of King Hassan in July 1999, his son, Mohammed VI, became the king of Morocco.

Protests also took place in Morocco during the Arab Spring, but they remained mostly peaceful, and resulted in King Mohammed VI responding with a reform program which included a new constitution and early elections. In July 2011, this new constitution passed by popular referendum. Twenty reforms were included in the referendum; however, so far, parliament has only voted two of the reforms into law. More power was given to the prime minister and parliament, but ultimate authority still lies with the monarch.

The Western Sahara is a disputed territory to the south of Morocco. Although the UN does not recognize Western Sahara as a Moroccan possession, Morocco exercises de facto administrative control over much of this area. The Polisario Front, a national liberation movement run by the nomadic Sahrawi people, controls about one-third of the territory. Negotiations led by the UN between Morocco and the Polisario Front have remained at a stalemate since the 1990s. In April 2013, Morocco cancelled its joint military exercises with the US because the US decided to back UN monitoring of human rights in Western Sahara, which Morocco claimed violated its sovereignty.

Morocco is separated into 15 administrative divisions (not including Western Sahara). Each of these is further divided into provinces and urban prefectures, each of which is ruled by a governor appointed by the king. In October 2013, the King appointed 19 new ministers following a four-party coalition deal made by Prime Minister Abdelila Benkirane.

Moroccan Culture
Many different cultures, Berber, Arab, Spanish, and French, have all left their mark on Morocco through the centuries. Islam, however, is the central tenant of Moroccan culture, and permeates all aspects of everyday life in the country, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Most of Morocco’s major cities are composed of an old town (medina) and new town (villes nouvelles). During the French colonial period, the new towns were constructed outside of the old city walls, leaving the culturally rich medinas largely untouched. Here you can wind your way through the twisting streets of the souk, where traditional crafts, food, and other items are sold. In the summer, art and music festivals are held in many cities, such as the well-known World Sacred Music Festival in Fès.

Morocco celebrates 13 official holidays. Islamic holidays in Morocco include Eid al-Fiṭr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Aḍḥā (the Festival of Sacrifice) and the Prophet’s birthday. Independence Day, Throne Day, and the king’s birthday are among the national holidays.

Social Life
Social life in Morocco is centered on the home and family. One thing that may take a bit of getting used to for expats (especially for expats from Europe and North America,) is that the group is generally valued over the individual in Morocco.

Although Moroccan society is very conservative and religious, it is one of the more moderate and peaceful countries in the region. Its ongoing program of social, economic and political reforms makes it an attractive choice for many expats. Despite the progress Morocco has made, administrative matters generally take longer to get done in Morocco than you may be used to from your home country, so a good deal of patience is necessary.

Morocco may be more liberal than some other Muslim countries, but there are still several things expats should be aware of. Homosexuality is criminalized in Morocco, as are sexual relations outside of marriage. Women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers most of the body, although headscarves are generally unnecessary.

Moroccan Cuisine and Everyday Life
Cuisine
If you don’t like cumin, you most likely won’t fall in love with Moroccan cuisine, as this spice is used in almost every dish. The national dish of Morocco is couscous, a semolina-based pasta served with a meat stew. Preparing a traditional couscous dish is very time-consuming, so it is usually prepared on Friday morning and consumed after the weekly prayer service. Harira, a hearty lamb soup, is another national specialty, traditionally eaten at the end of Ramadan to break the fast.

Meat, including lamb, fish, and fowl, is served in many dishes. One favorite is b’stillah, pigeon baked in pastry, and another is mechoui, slow-roasted lamb. Vegetables that are often used in Moroccan cooking include tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggplants. Tagine, a rich stew of meat and vegetables, is a traditional Berber dish, named after the earthenware pot in which it is prepared.

Dinner Parties
If you are invited to a Moroccan home for dinner, be sure to remove your shoes when you enter the house. Make sure that your spouse has also been invited, as conservative Muslims will not host mixed-sex dinner parties. Appropriate gifts to bring your host include flowers, sweet pastries, nuts, dates or figs, but no alcohol, unless you are sure that your host drinks alcoholic beverages.

In a traditional Moroccan home, food is served from a communal bowl or plate. Try to eat only from the portion of the dish in front of you. Eat and drink only with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Everyday Life
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, it follows the Western-style working week from Monday to Friday. The business day generally starts at 09:00 and ends at 19:00, with time for prayers and a long lunch break built in. On Friday, shops and business close from 11:00 to 15:00 for the main weekly prayers, during which time all Muslims gather together at the local mosque.

Government agencies and post offices are usually open from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:30 on Monday to Thursday, and from 08:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 18:30 on Fridays. Banks are generally open on Monday to Friday from 08:15 to 15:45. Shops are usually open from 09:00 to 19:00 with a lunch break, and many are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets in the big cities stay open until 22:00.

Opening hours during Ramadan vary from those stated above. Generally speaking, there is no lunch break, and instead shops and offices close earlier.

Money Matters
The currency in Morocco is the dirham (MAD), and 10 MAD equaled 1 USD in March 2016. Morocco is still mainly a cash-based society, although major credit cards are accepted in big cities.ATMs often run out of money on weekends, so it is best to withdraw in advance during the week.
Please note that you are not allowed to take more than 1000 MAD into or out of the country. Be sure to keep receipts for all payments as, according to legislation in Morocco, they must be presented when converting any remaining dirhams.

When you open a bank account in Morocco, you need to choose between a convertible dirham account and a normal dirham account. Only foreign currency can be deposited or wired into a convertible account. The only items required in order to open a bank account in Morocco are a passport and some money to make your first deposit. Once you have obtained your residence permit, you can also open a normal dirham account if you wish. You can get a debit card for this account, but you will only be able to use it within Morocco.

Live for under $800 a month
Average monthly local salary: $458
Average monthly rent for one-bedroom in city center: $341
Average monthly rent for shared apartment in city center: $195
Cost of meal in inexpensive restaurant: $3
This north African country is known for its hospitality. Moroccans are notoriously friendly and welcoming so many foreigners find it easy to call Morocco home.

Rent prices across the country are low and living comfortably on $5 or less a day is a happy reality. A one-bedroom apartment in Rabat averages around $462 versus $379 in Tangier.

When not grinding out the 9-5, Morocco has countless beaches, mountains, and the Sahara Desert to explore.

Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, and Marrakesh are a few of the other great options for life outside of the capital, Rabat.

10. Mexico

Live for under $1,000 a month

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Moving abroad is within your reach!
Living and working abroad can be well within your reach in these affordable countries. Aside from building your resume, relocating to a destination overseas can broaden your understanding of the world and the people in it.

Picking up the local language as well as making international friends will enrich more than just your work experience — it will probably change your life!

Writer: 9jahitsongs

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