Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Live Comfortably
The cheapest countries to live are not always the ones with the lowest rent. A comfortable student life means fast Wi-Fi, safe streets after 9 p.m., and a monthly budget under $1,000. Below are ten places that hit all three marks.
Country Profiles
|——|———|———————-|——|
| 1 | Vietnam | $650 | 🇻🇳
| 2 | Bangladesh | $690 | 🇧🇩
| 3 | Thailand | $720 | 🇹🇭
| 4 | Kyrgyzstan | $740 | 🇰🇬
| 5 | Nepal | $760 | 🇳🇵
| 6 | Georgia | $790 | 🇬🇪
| 7 | Kazakhstan | $820 | 🇰🇿
| 8 | Uzbekistan | $850 | 🇺🇿
| 9 | Bolivia | $880 | 🇧🇴
|10 | Argentina | $950 🇦🇷
Vietnam – $650
– Single room in shared flat: $120
– Street-food meals: $1.20
– Part-time pay: $2.50/h (tutoring)
– Indian mess in Ho Chi Minh City: 300+ students
– Visa on arrival for 30 days; student visa needs uni letter
Bangladesh – $690
– Hostel inside Dhaka Uni: $80
– Rickshaw ride: $0.30
– Work limit: none during term (informal rules)
– No visa fee for Indians; easy rail link from Kolkata
Thailand – $720
– Bangkok dorm: $100
– Pad-thai lunch: $1
– 20 h/week work permit
– 90-day visa-free entry, then convert to Ed-visa
Kyrgyzstan – $740
– Twin hostel room: $60
– Cafeteria card: $90/month
– Snowy winters, MBBS intake in September
– 15-day e-visa; convert onsite to student visa
Nepal – $760
– Pokhara studio: $70
– Momo plate: $0.70
– No passport needed—Aadhaar works
– Indian currency accepted in most shops
Georgia – $790
– Kutaisi studio: $120
– Khachapuri: $1.40
– 20 h/week work allowed
– E-visa in 5 days; no embassy visit
Kazakhstan – $820
– Almaty dorm: $90
– Metro pass: $8/month
– -20 °C winters
– Visa-free 14 days; apply for student card after arrival
Uzbekistan – $850
– Tashkent flat-share: $110
– Plov: $1.10
– Hindi spoken in bazaars
– E-visa in 3 days; extend yearly
Bolivia – $880
– La Paz student residence: $100
– Cable-car ride: $0.45
– Altitude 3,600 m—carry sunscreen
– Visa on arrival for Indians
Argentina – $950
– Córdoba single room: $150
– Steak dinner: $4
– 20 h/week work permit
– Free 90-day tourist stamp; swap to student visa inside country
Visa and Immigration Requirements
| Country | Visa Fee (USD) | Processing Time | Work Hours | Post-Study Work |
|———|—————|—————-|————|—————-|
| Vietnam | $55 | 5 working days | 20 h/week | 12-month stay card |
| Bangladesh | $0 | 24 h | Unlimited (informal) | 6-month tourist stamp |
| Thailand | $80 | 15 days | 20 h/week | 1-year extension |
| Kyrgyzstan | $40 | 7 days | 20 h/week | 2-year job search |
| Nepal | $0 | Instant | Unlimited | No cap |
| Georgia | $25 | 5 days | 20 h/week | 1-year graduate visa |
| Kazakhstan | $0 | 3 days | 20 h/week | 1-year residence |
| Uzbekistan | $20 | 3 days | 20 h/week | 6-month extension |
| Bolivia | $30 | Arrival | 10 h/week | Renewable yearly |
| Argentina | $0 | 10 days | 20 h/week | 6-month job search |
Need more course ideas? Check the full list of cheapest countries to study abroad for Indians and compare tuition side-by-side.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Exploring the cheapest countries to live reveals how affordability can blend with quality of life and educational opportunities. For Indian students, considering not just rent but tuition, transport, visa processes, and part-time work rules is key to managing expenses under $1,000 monthly. Countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Georgia offer safe environments, reliable internet, and visa options that support studies and work, making them smart choices for sustainable living abroad.
Planning ahead with the right budgeting tools can make this transition smoother. Downloadable spreadsheets and cost-of-living calculators empower students to estimate expenses realistically and adjust choices based on personal preferences and academic goals. These resources complement the information shared here, helping to build a comprehensive financial picture.
For those leaning toward Europe, there are interesting options allowing Indian students to study with little or no tuition fees. Detailed insights on this subject can be found in AFBF’s dedicated guide on studying in Europe for free, showcasing scholarships and visa details.
Ultimately, the cheapest countries to live offer more than savings—they provide access to diverse cultures, career pathways, and personal growth. With careful research and practical budgeting, affordable international education is within reach, opening doors to new futures.
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