Live and Work Abroad in These 10 Countries for Under $1,500 a Month

Excited about working overseas and living in another country, but worried about the job search, visa process, and affordability? We’re here to help! 

We’ve compiled our top destinations based on cost of living, visa process, and job demand. Read on to find out how you can live and work abroad in dream destinations for under $1,500 per month!  

Editor's note: Affordability is relative and reflects a more privileged, Western-currency perspective.

Jobs abroad come in many different forms and what appeals to you will depend on your major, experience, and personal goals. Here are some of the most popular jobs abroad for expats looking to relocate:

• Teach ESL abroad: Whether you’re new to teaching or fully qualified, teaching abroad is a popular gateway to living and working overseas. Many roles offer competitive salaries, benefits, and deep cultural immersion.
• Au pair: Working as an au pair or nanny lets you live abroad affordably while building close connections with a host family. Most placements include a stipend, free accommodation, meals, and strong language and cultural immersion.
• Tourism & hospitality: In tourist hotspots, English speakers are in demand across hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and customer-facing roles that support international visitors.
• Business & tech: Startups and global companies abroad often seek English-speaking professionals, especially in growing hubs like Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Cape Town.
• Digital nomad: While not a traditional job, remote work abroad is increasingly accessible. Countries such as Portugal, Ecuador, South Africa, and Thailand offer digital nomad visas for those working online while living overseas.

Read more: How to Move Abroad: Live Overseas as an Expat

Note: This is an estimate, and figures can fluctuate. Visa costs will vary according to the type of visa, nationality, embassy location, and other factors. 

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $400 
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $300
• Top cities for expats: Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Vilcabamba, Loja
• Cost of visa: ~$400 for Rentista visa

South America is full of countries that boast low living costs, with Ecuador being among the best. Geographically diverse, Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, the Andes Mountains, and even 1-2% of the Amazon rainforest. 

However, while many are drawn to Ecuador for tourism, it’s also a great choice for those hoping to move and work abroad. Ecuador’s digital nomad visa (Rentista) allows remote workers to live and work for up to two years. In cities such as Quito and Cuenca, one-bedroom apartments in the city center can be found for as low as $450 a month. This paired with affordable food and transportation costs makes life in the capital attainable.

Find a job in Ecuador:

• Teach abroad in Ecuador

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $511
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $295
• Top cities for expats: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin
• Cost of visa: ~$80 for Non-Immigrant B Visa or ~$317 for DTV 

Whether you’re a backpacker, entrepreneur, or an English teacher, Thailand is likely among your dream destinations. Not only does Thailand offer affordability, but it combines a buzzing nightlife with the reflectful Buddhist heritage, and sprawling cities with biodiversity and world heritage sites. No matter how fast or slow you want your life abroad, you can find it all in this Southeast Asian haven.

While Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are known to be backpacking hubs, there’s also a growing number of startups! If you’re looking for entry-level positions, you’ll be happy to learn that teaching, tourism, and hospitality jobs are in abundance. If you’re a remote worker, you can opt for the Destination Thailand Visa, allowing you to live and work remotely in Thailand for up to 5 years.

Read more:

• How to Teach English in Thailand: Requirements & Application Guide
• How Much Can You Earn Teaching English in Thailand?

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $450
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $890
• Top cities for expats: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou
• Cost of visa: ~$140 for Z-visa

As a vast and diverse country, China offers something for everyone, from megacities to quieter towns, all with a lower cost of living than many Western countries. While Beijing and Shanghai are pricier than other areas, eating out is still affordable, with meals averaging $4–$5. Cities like Guangzhou, Tianjin, Harbin, and Chengdu offer a balance of affordability, convenience, and cultural immersion.

For those new to living abroad, teaching English in China is a popular first step, offering excellent salaries, paid accommodation, flight reimbursement, and a straightforward visa process typically handled by employers. Beyond teaching, there are many thriving companies based in China, whether it’s native like Huawei or foreign such as Apple, Tesla, or Microsoft.

Read more:

• The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in China
• 15 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Living in China as an American
• Can You Really Teach English Abroad and Get Free Housing & Airfare? Here's What to Know

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $490
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $400
• Top cities for expats: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban
• Cost of visa: ~$150-$300 for digital nomad visa (depending on nationality and other fees) 

With thriving wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes, South Africa is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience in wildlife research, conservation, and tourism while living in an affordable location, South Africa is a must-consider.

Beyond the outdoors, South Africa’s digital nomad visa lets remote workers live and work in the country for up to three years, making it a strong contender for long-term work abroad as long as you meet its requirements. When you’re not working, you can indulge in its multicultural culinary scene, embark on coastal roadtrips, go surfing, and more. 

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $500
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $360
• Top cities for expats: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi
• Cost of visa: ~$70 for D1 visa

Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular home away from home for expats and digital nomads due to its friendly visa process, affordability, and diverse landscapes. While foreigners can find in-country work in the teaching English or tourism and hospitality sector, Georgia also offers a remote work friendly visa, provided you earn $2,000 monthly or have significant savings and don’t work for a Georgian-owned company.

Georgian food and wine are understated delights, and the locals take eating and drinking quite seriously. In the capital, Tbilisi, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10, and a coffee only $3.  Foreigners looking to relocate and work abroad in Georgia also find Kutaisi and Batumi quite easy on the wallet.

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $1,000
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $800
• Top cities for expats: Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, Granada, Alicante, 
• Cost of visa: ~$90

Having lived in Spain for three years, I may be a bit biased. But truthfully, it's extremely affordable 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 English or au pair programs.

Spain maintains a culture of eating out where delicious meals, beers or coffee don’t break the bank. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap, and living on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing healthy eating. 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 $14. While a one-bed apartment in Madrid or Barcelona ranges upwards of $1,000, affordable expat-friendly cities such as Valencia, Alicante, Sevilla, and Granada offer rent from $700-$900 per month. 

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Spain's Language & Culture Assistants Program

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $415
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $275
• Top cities for expats: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville
• Cost of visa: ~$35 for E-class visa

International Living estimates that around 100,000 expats live permanently in Cambodia, drawn by the country’s welcoming culture and business-friendly environment. Teaching English in Cambodia is another popular avenue, particularly for non-degree holders. 

Expats enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at a low cost, with popular hubs including Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap, while smaller cities like Battambang, Kampot, and Kep offer even lower rents averaging $200–$300. In Phnom Penh, solo renters can expect to pay roughly $300–$650 per month, with an average of about $430.

Read more: How to Teach English Abroad Without a Degree

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $390
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $259
• Top cities for expats: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
• Cost of visa: ~$30

From the cultural heart of the north to the business hub in the south, Vietnam offers something for every lifestyle. Choose Hanoi for history and tradition, Ho Chi Minh City for a fast-paced, startup-driven scene, or Da Nang for laid-back beach living popular with expats and backpackers alike. Entrepreneurs, English teachers, and retirees can expect a high quality of life in Vietnam without breaking the bank. 

Famed as one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite food destinations, Vietnam entices with iconic noodle dishes and strong coffee for just $1-$2. You can spend each and every meal eating out with your wallet still feeling full. Beyond cuisine, the country delivers striking natural beauty, from the caves of Phong Nha and the mountains of Ha Giang to endless rice paddies. 

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $400
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $215
• Top cities for expats: Marrakech, Rabat, Fes, Casablanca
• Cost of visa: ~$500 (often covered by employer)

This north African country boasts sunny skies, sweeping landscapes, and immaculate architecture. When not grinding out the 9-5, Morocco has countless beaches and mountains to embrace and refreshing tea to slurp. English speakers can find jobs in hospitality, IT, teaching English, and more, and French speakers will also find excellent opportunities across this dazzling country. 

Rent prices across the country are low and living comfortably on $1,000 a month. Beyond the capital - Rabat - Casablanca, Fes, and Tangier are excellent options for expats. A one-bedroom apartment in locations such as Rabat and Marrakech averages at around $460 compared with $380 in Tangier.

• Average monthly rent inside city center: $760
• Average monthly rent outside city center: $500
• Top cities for expats: Mexico City, Merida, Oaxaca
• Cost of visa: $55 for Temporary Residence Visa (excluding residence card fee) 

Mexico has long been a tourist destination for Americans, but more travelers have been making the move permanent in recent years. Mexico’s food, culture, and low cost of living will likely continue to draw in weary expats looking for a more relaxed pace of life.

Foreigners relocating to Mexico won’t struggle to enjoy the finer points of life: friends, family, great weather, and an unpretentious and outstanding culinary tradition. Cities preferred by expats, outside of Mexico City, include San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Playa Del Carmen, Puebla, and Merida.

Find a job in Mexico:

• Teach abroad in Mexico
• Apply for the digital nomad visa

Here at Go Overseas, we love making travel easier! To support your globetrotting lifestyle, we've partnered with a range of major companies to provide you with discounts on things like travel insurance, accommodation, and more. Check out our nomad essentials to stock up on everything you need!

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! 

Learn more about moving abroad with GO:

• Expat vs. Digital Nomad: Which is Right for you?
• Best Countries for Digital Nomads - Grab Your Visa and Go!
• Easy Visas, High Pay: The Best Countries to Au Pair Abroad
• What are the Requirements to Teach English Abroad?