Moving abroad: what really changes about your cost of living
CityLivably Editorial Team · Built on World Bank, WorldClim, USGS and FEMA/INFORM open data · Updated 2026
The same lifestyle costs wildly different amounts by country. Here's what drives the gap — and why some places are 2–3× cheaper.
Moving abroad changes your cost mostly through local price levels and currency. Food, rent and services track a country's overall price level; a move from a high-cost to a low-cost country can cut your cost of living by half or more.
Most affordable right now
- Kotor, Montenegro — cost 57/100, Montenegro
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico — cost 57/100, Mexico
- Tivat, Montenegro — cost 56/100, Montenegro
- Valletta, Malta — cost 56/100, Malta
- Boquete, Panama — cost 56/100, Panama
- Atenas, Costa Rica — cost 56/100, Costa Rica
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — cost 56/100, Mexico
- Quepos, Costa Rica — cost 56/100, Costa Rica
What actually changes
Rent and groceries track local price levels; healthcare and tax systems differ; and whether services like pet/home insurance even exist varies. We localize each city's cost to its country's World Bank price level.
FAQ
How much cheaper is living abroad?
In lower-cost countries, 30–60% cheaper than top-tier cities is common.
Does climate change too?
Yes — use the climate score to avoid trading cost savings for an unbearable climate.
Built on open data: World Bank (cost), WorldClim (climate), USGS/FEMA/INFORM (disaster risk). Transparent, verifiable estimates.