Rent, Food, Healthcare: What $1,000 Gets You Around the World in 2025

Tired of rising rent, overpriced groceries, and endless bills? In 2025, more people than ever are packing their bags and relocating to places where $1,000 a month actually gets you a life.

Whether you're a digital nomad chasing Wi-Fi and warm weather,a retiree dreaming of beachside bliss, or simply craving a fresh financial start, this global cost of living guide reveals the most affordable (and expensive) countries to live in this year. From low cost heavens to remote work hotspots with high-speed internet and cheap healthcare, this is your ultimate roadmap to living smarter, spending less, and thriving abroad.

I've been keeping a close eye on cost-of-living trends through trusted sources like Numbeo, Expatistan, and the Economist Intelligence Unit. Based on 2025 data, I've compiled a breakdown of where your money stretches the furthest—and where you'll need a thicker wallet.

So, where does your wallet really feel the pinch? Let's start with the places where high living standards come with a hefty price tag.

Most Expensive Countries to Live In (2025 Rankings)

There are over 8 billion people living on Earth, distributed across 233 countries and regions around the world. Despite being on the same planet, the living standards of people in different countries vary greatly. You may be wondering where the highest cost of living is in the world. Here are the top five countries with the highest living index at present:

Switzerland

Iceland

Bahamas

Singapore

In places like Zurich, a modest one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs over $2,700/month, while groceries and services are much higher than the global average. But in return, you get exceptional public services, clean air, and safety.

Understanding the cost of living index enables us to assess comprehensively whether we can afford the daily bills if we move to a certain country.

(Cost of Living Index excluding rent measures the relative prices of groceries, dining, transportation, and utilities—but excludes housing costs like rent or mortgage payments, using New York City (NYC) as the baseline with an index value of 100%. For example, a city with a Cost of Living Index of 70 suggests that everyday expenses are 30% lower than in NYC, excluding rent.)

Datasource:NUMBEO

Cheapest Countries for Digital Nomads

If you are not a person living in the above-mentioned countries, you might be shocked by their cost of living index. Luckily, there are amazing destinations where your dollar goes a lot further, especially if you're a digital nomad,solo travelers or remote worker.If you are looking for high quality of life at a lower price point, these countries offer tremendous value:

Vietnam

Colombia

Indonesia

Panama

Philippines 

Take Vietnam for example, monthly expenses including rent, food, and transport often stay under $850. Fast internet, co-working spaces, and affordable healthcare make it an ideal hub for remote work.

Datasource:Top 10 Affordable Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2025 Revealed

Rent, Food, and Healthcare: Where Does Your Money Go? 

For digital nomads and those who want to live in a different country, in addition to knowing the cost of living index and the cost of living, it is also necessary to figure out where the money is actually going even in affordable countries,so that you can choose your next destination more specifically . 

Let's break down the three biggest expenses most people face while living abroad: 

Housing: In most countries, rent is 30–50% of your budget. Urban centers are pricier, but choosing suburbs or smaller towns can cut that nearly in half. 

Groceries: Food is significantly cheaper in countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Western countries, especially Japan and Norway, rank highest in grocery costs. 

Healthcare: The U.S. remains the most expensive for medical care. In contrast, countries like Thailand, Portugal, and Malaysia offer affordable and high-quality healthcare for locals and expats alike. 

These three aspects are things you'll face as soon as you move to a new place, so it's important to think them through in advance.

The Best Low-Cost Countries to Retire or Relocate To