The Cheapest Cities to Live in Around the World Have Finally Been Revealed
Feeling the crunch? Sick of spending so much on food? Hate your grossly underpaid job? Want to move to the cheapest city in the world? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to all that jargon, you’ll be pleased to know the cheapest city in the world has finally been revealed, and it’s not what you think is is. No, honestly.
Investment consultancy group Mercer recently published their Cost of Living survey, which unmasked the 17 cheapest cities to live in around the globe.
Destinations Unlocked:
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
They were able to determine the results by examining currency fluctuations and the general inflation of basic goods, and most importantly, the price of city digs for new residents.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of the cheapest cities feature entries from Africa and Eastern Europe. Despite the usual suspects, they won’t stay cheap. Why the negativity? Population growth and emerging economies. The list goes on and on, but no fear, we’ve condensed it all.
Check out the full ranked list below:
17. Belgrade, Serbia…
Why so cheap? Maybe it’s the cheap, delicious food or perhaps it’s the extreme temperature drops. When you move there, you decide.
16. Kolkata, India…
Why so cheap? Emerging economy it may be, but vast swathes of poverty up and down the country keep the prices down.
15. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina…
Why so cheap? Post-communism took its toll in the form of a struggling economy, making the overall cost of living cheap and cheerful.
14. Almaty, Kazakhstan…
Why so cheap? Thanks to a structurally strong finance sector (which means lots of well-paid jobs), Almaty alone generates 20% of the entire country’s income.
13. Monterrey, Mexico…
Why so cheap? Cheapness is more important than getting mega rich in these parts. Why? A 2006 Quality of Life Mercer report suggests so.
12. Tbilisi, Georgia…
Why so cheap? Tourists don’t love it. Yes, really. Oh, and it’s also one of the safest countries in the world, too.
11. Skopje, Macedonia…
Why so cheap? The place has a very high unemployment rate, keeping the cost of living way down. This doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of opportunities in this part of the world, though. You just need to look that little bit harder.
10. Lusaka, Zambia…
Why so cheap? A population that hasn’t exceeded two million helps keep all the major costs down. Huzzah.
9. Gaborone, Botswana…
Why so cheap? It’s booming thanks to finance, but the growth is generally slow, which means for now, prices are still pretty darn smokin’.
8. Karachi, Pakistan…
Why so cheap? Over 25 million people live here. Does that make a difference? No. What does is the high levels of violence and dirty drinking water, which keep newbies at bay, but investors still curious.
7. Tunis, Tunisia…
Why so cheap? Whilst the city is rapidly expanding into the suburbs, prices have not yet caught up with the rest of the boom. Thank goodness.
6. Minsk, Belarus…
Why so cheap? Like Tunis, the economy is booming, but the prices aren’t.
5. Johannesburg, South Africa…
Why so cheap? The city is notorious for its high murder and crime rates.
4. Blantyre, Malawi…
Why so cheap? Despite its growing finance world and epic views, Malawi stays cheap because it’s still massively underdeveloped.
3. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan…
Why so cheap? The country’s turbulent political neighbours unfortunately keep visitors away.
2. Cape Town, South Africa…
Why so cheap? Breathtakingly beautiful this part of the world may be, but high crime rates dissuade people from taking the plunge to move here.
1. Windhoek, Namibia…
Why so cheap? Only 322,500 people live in this part of the world.The small population might explain the low cost of living. Whatever it is, it’s a fabulous place to live.
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