As the holiday season wraps up and the new year approaches, many of us start dreaming of fresh beginnings. If you’re considering a change of scenery without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.
I’ve explored 17 of the cheapest countries to relocate to after Christmas, offering a blend of affordability and adventure.
From vibrant cultures to stunning landscapes, these destinations provide an exciting opportunity to start anew. Whether you’re seeking a warmer climate or a slower pace of life, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s dive into these affordable havens that promise not just savings but also enriching experiences.
1: Thailand
2: Vietnam
Vietnam’s an excellent choice for relocation, offering stunning landscapes and a low cost of living. I find that cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have affordable housing, with rent averaging around $300 to $600 per month.
Street food is a staple here, and I can enjoy delicious meals for just $1 to $3. Add in vibrant local markets and rich cultural experiences, and it’s easy to see why so many choose Vietnam. Plus, the friendly locals and beautiful scenery make settling in a joy.
3: Philippines
I find the Philippines an amazing choice for relocation, especially after Christmas. With over 7,000 islands, its stunning beaches and vibrant culture are hard to resist.
The cost of living here is low; I can easily live with a monthly budget of around $500 to $800, which includes affordable housing options.
I enjoy the friendly local communities and the delicious Filipino cuisine, often costing less than $5 per meal. The seamless blend of natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere makes the Philippines a fantastic destination to start my new adventure.
4: Indonesia
Indonesia offers an exotic setting for those looking to relocate after Christmas. I can enjoy a low cost of living, with monthly expenses around $500 to $700.
Cities like Bali attract expatriates with picturesque beaches and a vibrant community. Affordable housing options often start at only $300 a month.
I also love the diverse cuisine, where meals can cost as little as $2. Friendly locals and rich cultural experiences definitely enhance the overall appeal of making Indonesia my new home.
5: India
I find India to be an incredible destination for those looking to relocate after Christmas. The cost of living is strikingly low, with monthly expenses ranging from just $300 to $600 depending on the city.
Cities like Bangalore and Jaipur offer affordable housing options, often as low as $200 per month. I love the diverse and flavorful cuisine, where meals can cost around $2 to $5.
The rich cultural experiences and warm, welcoming locals always make me feel at home. With so much to explore, from breathtaking landscapes to bustling markets, India is a fantastic choice for starting anew.
6: Malaysia
I find Malaysia to be an amazing choice for relocating after Christmas, offering a low cost of living between $400 and $700 monthly.
Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang boast affordable housing starting at just $350 per month. I love the delicious street food scene, where meals cost around $2 to $4, immersing me in local flavors.
The cultural diversity and friendly locals enrich my experience, making Malaysia a fantastic destination for new adventures. Plus, stunning landscapes and vibrant cities enhance the appeal of calling Malaysia home.
7: Turkey
I’ve found Turkey to be an incredible option for relocation after Christmas, with a low cost of living averaging $400 to $800 per month.
Cities like Istanbul and Antalya offer affordable housing starting around $300 monthly. I love the variety of delicious cuisine, where meals can be enjoyed for just $3 to $6.
The rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities make Turkey an enticing place to start fresh in the new year.
8: China
China’s an exciting option for relocating after Christmas, largely due to its low cost of living and rich culture. Monthly expenses range from $500 to $800, depending on the city.
Cities like Chengdu and Xi’an offer affordable housing options starting around $300. I find the food culture captivating, with meals available for just $2 to $5.
The vibrant markets, historical sites, and diverse landscapes provide endless exploration opportunities, making China an enticing destination for anyone seeking a fresh start.
9: Mexico
Mexico stands out as a vibrant option for relocation after Christmas. Monthly living costs average around $500 to $800, depending on the city.
Cities like Mérida and Playa del Carmen offer housing starting at just $300. Its mouthwatering street food, with meals costing as little as $2, perfectly complements the rich culture and warm communities.
I love the stunning beaches and historical sites, providing endless opportunities for exploration while I settle into a new way of life.
10: Cambodia
Cambodia’s a fantastic choice for relocating after Christmas, offering a low cost of living ranging from $300 to $500 monthly. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap provide affordable housing starting around $200.
Delicious street food is prevalent, with meals costing as little as $1 to $3. I love the rich history, featuring stunning temples and vibrant local markets that ensure there’s always something to explore.
The warm and welcoming locals add an extra layer of charm, making Cambodia an enticing option for anyone looking to start fresh.
11: Bangladesh
Bangladesh offers an affordable relocation option with a monthly cost of living around $300 to $500. I find cities like Dhaka and Chittagong to be vibrant choices, where housing often starts at just $200. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, with meals available for as little as $1 to $2.
I also appreciate the rich culture and friendly communities, making it easy to adapt. Scenic landscapes and historical sites provide endless exploration opportunities, making Bangladesh a unique place to start anew.
12: Argentina
Argentina is an alluring destination for relocation, boasting a low cost of living, averaging between $400 and $700 monthly.
Cities like Buenos Aires offer vibrant culture and affordable housing, with options starting around $300. The local cuisine is rich and diverse, where meals can cost as little as $3 to $5.
Argentina’s stunning landscapes, from the Andes to mesmerizing wineries, provide endless opportunities for exploration while immersing in warm, welcoming communities, making it a fantastic choice for a fresh start.
13: Morocco
Morocco’s a fantastic option for those looking to relocate after Christmas, offering a low cost of living around $400 to $700 monthly.
Cities like Marrakech and Fez present affordable housing starting at just $250. The diverse cuisine is tempting, with meals often costing between $3 and $7.
The rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals make Morocco a vibrant place to begin a new chapter, allowing me to immerse myself in a unique blend of traditions and experiences.
14: Brazil
Brazil’s an exciting destination for relocation, with a low cost of living averaging $500 to $800 monthly. Cities like São Paulo and Curitiba offer affordable housing that starts at around $300.
The local cuisine is diverse and delicious, with meals costing as little as $5. The vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to embrace a new way of life in this beautiful country.
Adventure awaits with endless festivals, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, lively communities.
15: Chile
I find Chile to be a fantastic relocation option for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The cost of living ranges from $500 to $800 per month, depending on the city.
Santiago offers affordable housing starting at around $300 monthly, while places like Valparaíso provide a captivating coastal vibe.
The local cuisine is delicious, with meals costing about $4 to $6. With welcoming communities and breathtaking natural beauty, Chile’s charm makes it an appealing choice for a fresh start after Christmas.
16: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s affordability makes it an ideal destination for relocation. Monthly living costs generally range from $400 to $700, depending on location.
Cities like Colombo offer housing starting around $250. The delicious local cuisine, where meals cost about $2 to $5, introduces newcomers to vibrant flavors.
The country’s stunning beaches and lush landscapes are perfect for exploration, while friendly locals enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
With a rich cultural heritage and numerous UNESCO sites, Sri Lanka presents an enticing opportunity for starting anew after Christmas.
17: Peru
Choosing to relocate after Christmas can open up a world of possibilities. Each of these 17 countries offers unique experiences and affordable living options that can transform your life.
Whether you’re drawn to the stunning landscapes of Thailand or the vibrant culture of Mexico, there’s something for everyone.
I hope this list inspires you to take that leap and explore new horizons. Embracing a fresh start in a budget-friendly destination can lead to enriching adventures and unforgettable memories.
So why wait? The new year is the perfect time to embark on your next journey.
Alicia Richards