10 Countries Where You Can Live Like a King for $1,500 a Month
Living large doesn’t always mean draining your savings. In fact, with the right passport stamp and a decent monthly budget, $1,500 can get you more than just the basics—it can buy you space, comfort, and a lifestyle that feels surprisingly luxurious. These 10 countries prove it’s very possible.
Penang, Malaysia
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This island off the Malaysian coast has become a favorite for retirees and remote workers who want a rich mix of low living costs and excellent infrastructure. A spacious condo with ocean views can be rented for under $400. You won’t need a car here—the public buses are reliable, and taxis don’t cost much either.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chiang Mai offers a slower pace without sacrificing convenience. With $1,500, it’s easy to rent a modern apartment, eat out every day, and still have cash left for Thai massages or weekend trips. The city draws artists and retirees who want culture and an easygoing lifestyle.
Medellín, Colombia
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Often called the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round pleasant temperatures, Medellín has reinvented itself in recent decades. A couple can rent a two-bedroom apartment with a view for around $500. The metro system is efficient, and healthcare facilities are of high quality. Local fruit vendors even sell massive avocados for less than a dollar.
Hoi An, Vietnam
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Hoi An is a riverside town where UNESCO-protected buildings share space with cafes and tailor shops. Rent for a modern home could easily be $300 a month, and a full Vietnamese dinner out can cost under $5. Beaches are nearby, and scooters are the preferred mode of transport.
Alicante, Spain
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Apartment prices in Alicante hover under $700, and healthcare is top-tier. Many locals speak at least some English, thanks to the city’s popularity with expats and seasonal visitors. Plus, tapas still come free with your drink in many places.
Querétaro, Mexico
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The colonial center of Querétaro looks like it should be crawling with tourists, but it’s mostly locals. It’s clean and well-connected, with rents starting around $500. The airport’s nearby, and the city’s architecture mixes 18th-century cathedrals with sleek office towers. It’s become a favorite for tech professionals and early retirees.
Kuching, Malaysia
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Kuching is the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. A three-bedroom house in this region might cost $700 or less. The city’s riverfront is popular for evening walks, and its parks and nearby nature reserves give easy access to Borneo’s famous rainforests.
Granada, Spain
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Granada runs on a student-and-tourist economy, so the cost of living stays surprisingly low. You can rent a downtown apartment for under $600, sip $1.50 coffee on a cobblestone plaza, and spend your weekends hiking the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.
Armenia, Colombia
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This small city in Colombia’s coffee zone checks every box: pleasant weather, low rent, walkable neighborhoods, and some of the cheapest fresh fruit around. Pineapples the size of small children cost less than $1, and furnished apartments are easy to find for under $500. You’re also never far from mountain views.
Da Nang, Vietnam
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Da Nang is sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment often falls below $500. Seafood is fresh and cheap, and even international restaurants won’t push your budget. Beaches are free, and it’s easy to travel north to Hue or south to Hoi An.