If you’re looking for a change in your location but don’t speak any other languages, you should look for the cheapest English-speaking countries to live in. You’ll enjoy a change in scenery and feel amazed at how far your dollar can stretch.
When you don’t have to worry about communicating in a foreign language, you’ll love the experience of living in a new culture. The countries on this list vary in terms of location, traditions, and religions, so there’s something for everyone.
The 15 cheapest English-speaking countries to live in, go from most expensive rent—but still incredibly affordable—to the cheapest. Each location lists the average rent for easy comparisons. It also includes home prices in USD in case you want to make your move more permanent.
You’ll also get a general idea about other expenses to live in each country. But finances aren’t the most important part—you’ll also learn about some of the benefits that make it a place worth living.
Key Takeaways
- The 15 cheapest English-speaking countries to live in all make it easy for you to adapt to a new culture by taking away the language barrier.
- Regardless of which country you move to, living outside the city will keep your rent lower.
- Make your money last longer by living frugally. Buy food at the grocery store and cook at home instead of eating out.
- It’s also easy to save money on transportation. Walk or ride a bike instead of paying for taxis.
- Consider renting an apartment for a few months when you arrive in a new country. You’ll be able to explore the area without the stress of buying a house.
15. Barbados
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 1,400 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 400,000 USD
The cost of living in Barbados is slightly cheaper than in the United States, but when you add the fantastic weather, location, and views, then it’s more than worth the move. Foreigners can buy or rent residences with no restrictions, so the process isn’t difficult.
Once you’re settled, you’ll enjoy going on a date for less than 100 USD total, including a movie and dinner out. Alcoholic drinks and coffee are close to the American prices, at about 7 USD each. However, healthcare is very affordable with a doctor’s visit costing 35 USD and antibiotics about 16 USD.
Utilities in this country are some of the highest on the list, which correlates to the more expensive rent. You’ll find yourself paying close to 200 USD per month for utilities. Internet access is an additional 40 USD per month.
Buying a car in Barbados is slightly more expensive than it is in America, but gas is cheaper. You might prefer to buy bus passes, which cost less than 2 USD per ride. Whether you choose to own a vehicle or use public transportation, rent an apartment or buy a house, living in Barbados is cheaper than living in the United States.
14. Malta
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 1,400 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 300,000 USD
English is the second official language of Malta, so you won’t have too much adjusting when you move to this country. Rents vary depending on how close you are to the city, but buying a home is a great investment. Foreigners need a permit to buy a house, but it’s not a difficult process.
Despite rent and house prices being similar to the United States, other costs are lower in Malta. You can get a car for several thousand less than in America, though gas costs more than twice as much. Doctor’s visits and antibiotics both run about 20 USD, which is a decent price for healthcare.
If you’re going on a date in Malta, you’ll spend about 100 USD for dinner and a movie. Alcoholic drinks and beer are close to the same price as in the United States, though coffee from cafes is several dollars cheaper.
Overall, you’ll save money when living in Malta. There are ways to stretch your dollar like you’ll struggle to do in America.
13. United Kingdom
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 1,300 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 350,000 USD
Housing prices in the United Kingdom are on par with those in the United States, but there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property so it’s a good investment. Whether you buy a house or rent an apartment, utilities rarely exceed 200 USD a month, and the internet is about 40 USD extra.
Cars and gas are more expensive than in the United States, and you have to take driving lessons and take a test to get your license in the United Kingdom. There are many reliable options for public transportation, so you might prefer to budget an extra 100 USD a month to cover those costs.
12. Canada
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 1,100 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 500,000 USD
Many people are moving to Canada, so the housing prices are rising and you might have trouble finding a home. Rent isn’t too expensive, though, so you can try out different areas while you shop for a house. When you add utilities and internet to your monthly budget, you’ll spend an extra 200 USD a month.
Depending on the city where you settle, you might want to budget about 75 USD a month for public transportation expenses. A meal for two at a nice Canadian restaurant is about 80 USD, and movie tickets are 25 USD.
Related: Advantages of Living in Canada
11. St. Kitts and Nevis
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 1,000 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 500,000 USD
It’s more affordable to rent on St. Kitts and Nevis, but the country is so beautiful that you might feel tempted to buy. The cost of living evens out depending on where you live and how frugal you want to be. In terms of your residence, utilities run about 130 USD.
The vast majority of the population uses the internet here, so you can shop around among providers to find the best price. Dinner at a nice restaurant is about as expensive as in the United States.
Because the country imports so many grocery items, those prices can range from average to expensive. Buying local produce will save you money in the long run.
10. Grenada
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 900 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 130,000 USD
You can buy a house and land in Grenada with no restrictions, so you’ll enjoy settling in this English-speaking country. The rent prices may seem similar to those in the United States but will vary according to your exact location. Settling away from the city will decrease your overall cost of living.
It’s extremely affordable to buy a car in Grenada; you’ll pay about one-fourth of the vehicle’s American cost. Gas is about 4 USD per gallon, but since you saved so much on the car, it’s worth it!
Groceries are about the same price as in the United States, but your utility and internet bills will be much lower. You’ll also save money in terms of healthcare and entertainment out on the town.
9. Belize
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 700 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 200,000 USD
As long as you have financial proof that you’re capable, you can buy a house in Belize. There are no special requirements for foreigners. Whether you buy or rent in this beautiful country, you’ll enjoy a cheaper cost of living than in the United States.
Your monthly utility bill is about 60 USD, while the internet is another 40 USD. Buying a car is cheaper than in America, but gas is much more expensive, at over 12 USD per gallon. You’ll prefer to take public transportation around Belize as needed to save money.
Entertainment is affordable, with a night out costing less than 100 USD for dinner and a movie. Alcoholic beverages and coffee are cheaper than in America, but groceries are almost equal. If you shop smart, you’ll have no problem living cheaply in Belize.
Related: Pros and Cons of Living in Belize
8. South Africa
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 700 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 60,000 USD
South Africa is an English-speaking country brimming with culture. Rent is affordable on its own, but if you find a house in the right area, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. Utilities and internet add 100 USD to your monthly expenses.
Cars and gas are close to the same price as they are in the United States, but it’s worth investing in them. Public transportation costs in South Africa aren’t cheap, and you’ll feel crowded when you travel this way.
You’ll love taking advantage of the cheap groceries and cooking at home, though eating out only costs about 30 USD. Entertainment out on the town, like movies, drinks, or the theater, are much cheaper than they are in America.
7. Antigua and Barbuda
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 600 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 175,000 USD
The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is almost 20% lower than most countries, so a move to this beautiful nation will pay off—literally. Rent and housing costs are higher in city limits, so living outside of the city saves a lot of money.
Utilities and internet are relatively high, averaging 240 USD and 50 USD respectively. Healthcare and medication costs are more affordable than in the United States. You’ll also save a lot on toiletries and self-care, like haircuts.
Treating yourself to dinner is expensive, with a meal for two at a nice restaurant costing almost 150 USD. But you can eat in a local pub for about 45 USD, or enjoy street food for less than 10 USD.
6. Jamaica
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 575 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 160,000 USD
The price to buy a home in Jamaica is more affordable than in the United States, but the market does ebb and flow. Since it’s so easy for foreigners to own property in Jamaica, many ex-pats buy land and build their own houses. This drives up prices, so if you see a good deal on real estate, grab it!
Utilities are close to 80 USD per month, which won’t add much to your cost of living. Internet service is more expensive than other places on this list, at 40 to 50 USD monthly. Healthcare is incredibly cheap, with a doctor’s visit costing less than 20 USD and antibiotics costing 8 USD.
Buying a car to get around the island is much more affordable than in the United States. Gas is close to the same price as in America, at about 4 USD per gallon. Public transportation is also available, with a monthly ticket costing around 40 USD.
Related: Cost of Living in Jamaica
5. St. Lucia
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 450 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 250,000 USD
Rent is much cheaper in St. Lucia than in the United States, but the housing market is popular, so you might end up paying a lot for a permanent residence. It can be worth the investment if you’re determined to make the move, though.
Other costs in St. Lucia are much cheaper than the United States, so you can recoup what you spend on a house. A meal at a nice restaurant costs about 50 USD for two people, while street food is less than 5 USD. Buying local food at the market is another way to cut your expenses drastically.
4. Dominica
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 440 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 200,000 USD
Rent in Dominica is among the lowest on this list of the 15 cheapest English-speaking countries to live in, but the monthly utilities are almost 200 USD, and the internet is about 40 USD. Therefore your monthly cost of living is already similar to some of the more expensive countries on this list.
Still, you’ll make up the difference in cheap groceries, restaurant meals, and entertainment. Dinner at a restaurant and movie tickets are about 20 USD each, and beers are less than 2 USD.
3. The Philippines
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 350 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 20,000 USD
Utilities for your property in the Philippines, whether rented or owned, will rarely ever top 100 USD. Internet costs about 30 USD a month, so you can enjoy streaming shows and movies on your devices at home. If you choose to go out for entertainment, you can take a date to the movies for less than 10 USD.
After the movie, dinner for both of you in a nice restaurant only costs about 50 USD. Alcoholic drinks are about 5 USD each, though you might catch a deal in a neighborhood pub compared to a nicer bar.
Related: Cost of Living in the Phillipines
2. Guyana
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 300 USD
- Average Home Sale Price:
You can live cheaply in Guyana if you stay out of the city limits. If you venture into the most expensive city centers, you might find your rent skyrocketing to over 1,000 USD a month. Staying in the suburbs, however, gives you a huge discount on housing.
Other living expenses decrease based on location as well. Your utilities average out to 80 USD a month, with less than 30 for internet access.
Just because you live outside of the city doesn’t mean you’ll feel stranded. You can buy a car for much cheaper than you’d find it in America. As if to make up for the discount when buying a vehicle, gas is close to 4 USD per gallon. If you want to avoid these expenses, you can get public transportation passes for less than 30 USD per month.
1. India
- Average Apartment Rent Price: 175 USD
- Average Home Sale Price: 25,000 USD
Utilities in India are about 65 USD on average, with an additional 10 USD for internet. Along with the most affordable cost of living on this list, you can eat street food or fast food without spending more than five dollars.
Restaurants are more expensive than street food, but you can eat at a nice place for less than 25 USD. Entertainment like movie tickets, the theater, or drinks at a pub are all less than 20 USD each. Even if you go out every night, you’ll live comfortably in India.
Conclusion
Out of the 15 cheapest English-speaking countries to live in, you’re sure to find one that suits your interests. Each country has unique attractions and cultures while allowing your money to stretch so you can live comfortably on what you have.
Though prices in this article are USD, some countries only take their money. As soon as you move to your new home, make sure you exchange your USD for the local currency. In many countries, you won’t find many ATMs available on the street and in stores like in the United States. Some major cities might have them, but play it safe by having cash on hand.
If you see any countries we missed, let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for country-specific posts, don’t miss our articles, including the 10 Pros and Cons of Living in the Maldives.
Related: Cost of Moving from USA to India
