English-speaking Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living and High Quality of Life

According to Ban Ki-Moon, the former secretary-general of the United Nations, “Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety, and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family.” People migrate for different reasons, the main one being in search of “greener pastures”. In this article you will find the English-speaking countries with the lowest cost of living and high quality of life.

Therefore, the information contained here will come in handy if you are looking to migrate to another English-speaking country. Also, If you are simply interested in visiting new places, you will find this article very helpful.

In reality, many people assume that it costs a fortune to migrate, but this is not always the case. As you would discover from this article, there are a couple of English-speaking countries with the lowest cost of living and high quality of life at the same time.

We have also highlighted reasons why you should choose any of the listed countries. The list covers European, North American, African, and Asian countries.

List of English-Speaking Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living and High Quality of Life

Here are a few options to consider, if you are looking to move to an English-speaking country without breaking the bank while still maintaining a high quality of life. Take a look: at he list of the English-Speaking Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living:

1. Vietnam

Vietnam is the first on the list for English-Speaking Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living. Located in the South-Eastern part of Asia, it is officially called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Vietnam shares borders with China to the North, Laos, and Cambodia to the West. While she maintains maritime borders with Thailand through the Gulf of Thailand, and the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia through the South China Sea. It has Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) as its largest city and Hanoi as its capital.

Vietnamese is the official language, but a good majority of them speak English.

Agriculture has been the country’s major economic base. Interestingly, one of the important materials – Bauxite, used in the production of aluminum is mined in central Vietnam.

Vietnam is a safe country. Her police force and other security outfits are educated and properly trained to keep the country’s territories and citizens safe. The country is perfect for anyone who is looking to study and work in an exotic environment at a relatively low cost.

The most expensive city in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, followed by the capital city – Hanoi. A couple living in these two cities can enjoy a restful middle-class lifestyle for less than $1,300 each month. A lot of people who live in these cities spend around $500 each month for a bare-bones lifestyle.

With regards to available job opportunities for foreigners, teaching English is a fine choice. If you are moving from an English-speaking country, then you shouldn’t have any trouble doing this. There are several volunteer opportunities for those who might be interested in teaching English during their stay there.

Asides from teaching the English language, there are other job opportunities. Like other countries, foreigners require a work permit to work legally in Vietnam. To find out more about how to get one, visit Vietnam-visa.

2. India

Largely rated as the cheapest English-speaking country in the world to live and work in, an Asian country is a delightful place. Officially called the Republic of India, it is a country located in the southern part of Asia. India is the second-most populous nation in the world.

She is also the seventh-largest country in terms of land area and the most populous democracy in the world.

India shares borders with Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. A diverse country by many standards – multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-racial, and multi-lingual. Official languages are Hindi and English.

A city apartment in Bangalore or Delhi typically costs anywhere from $150 to $600 per month, or you could just rent a room for as little as $2 per night in a smaller city. The general cost of living is also very affordable in most Indian cities. Mumbai is India’s largest city while New Delhi is the capital city.

According to a Wikipedia report on India’s economy, the Indian economy was nominally worth $2.7 trillion in 2020. It is reportedly the sixth-largest economy by market exchange rates and is the third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).

As of 2017, India’s labor force was the second largest in the world with over 522 million workers. This number has since grown, yet there is room for you. As a result of the population density, there are tons of working opportunities for foreigners across different sectors.

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3. Philippines

Philippines is also one of the English-Speaking Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living. Officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, the country is an archipelagic country in the Southeastern part of Asia.

According to Wikipedia, the Philippines is located in the western Pacific Ocean and is made up of around 7,640 islands that are divided into three groups from north to south. The Philippines consists of three major geographical divisions namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Philippines has a population of roughly 109 million people and covers an area of 300,000 km2 (120,000 sq mi), making it the world’s twelfth most populous country as of 2020.

It is primarily a multiethnic and multicultural country with a wide range of ethnicities and cultures spread over its islands. The country’s capital city is Manila while her largest city is Quezon City, both cities are located within the urban area of Metro Manila.

Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with lovely beaches and inexpensive travel experiences. Perfect for tourism and holiday getaways, imagine making residence in this city. Though English is a second language for the average Filipino, they speak fluent English.

Living cost is affordable in the Philippines. Rent typically ranges between $100 to $400 per month, depending on the type of apartment you desire and the region. If you shop at local stores and don’t mind street food, you could thrive on $10 a day (or less). A restaurant meal costs about $5 while a McDonald’s meal would cost you about $3. The Philipines offers dream living on a budget.

An industrious country by many standards. Her primary exports include electronic products, transport equipment, clothes, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, and fruits. The country has a thriving economy, you would find settling down in the Philippines cheaper compared to European countries.

4. South Africa

Another country with the Lowest Cost of Living is South Africa. This country is comfortably seated in Southern Africa. It is officially known as the Republic of South Africa.

Unlike many other countries in the world, South Africa has three capital cities: executive – Pretoria, judicial – Bloemfontein, and legislative – Cape Town. It has Johannesburg as its largest city.

South Africa is the world’s 23^rd most populous nation on earth, covering an area of 1,221,037 square kilometers (471,445 square miles). Largely a multiethnic nation, she has a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions. SA has 11 official languages including English. The country operates a mixed economy with the South African Rand as her national currency.

This country is possibly the most inexpensive English-speaking country to live in. The cost of living in South Africa is somewhat higher than you may be expecting. This is due to her rising economy and the effect of the same on the South African rand. It is cheaper to live in South Africa than so many North American, European, and Asian countries.

As for employment opportunities in South Africa, there are several really fine jobs in demand, some of which are skill-based. If you are a professional, there are tons of opportunities for you as well. For more information and guide on jobs in South Africa see Expatica.

5. Thailand

Thailand, also recognized as cheapest English-Speaking country in the world with the Lowest Cost of Living. She is a tropical paradise with amazing scenery, welcoming people, and a low cost of living. Thailand was formerly known as Siam but now as the Kingdom of Thailand. It is a Southeast Asian country, located at the center of the Indochinese Peninsula, covering 513,120 square kilometers (198,120 sq mi) and a human population of over 66 million people.

Thailand is a delightful tourist destination and a great option for anyone who is looking to work or live in a cheap English-speaking nation.

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and doubles as the country’s largest city too. The country is repute for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, and the likes.

The country has experienced tremendous growth and development in terms of infrastructure in the past 10 years. This growth and infrastructural facelift have led to better economic growth, opening the door for foreigners to live and work there.

Its economy is seriously export-dependent, through these exports more than two-thirds of gross domestic product is realized. This country exports over US$105 billion worth of goods and services annually.

The cost of living in Thailand is affordable and deeply dependent on your lifestyle. You’ll find reasonably priced rent for as little as $200, and you can eat a whole delicious local meal for $3. For jobs in Thailand, there are many good quality jobs available on demand there.

Summary on English-Speaking Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living

If you are looking to go on a vacation to an English-speaking country on a low budget, or you plan to move permanently, the countries highlighted in this article are great options. While this list is not comprehensive and absolute, it is a great guide.

Whichever English-speaking country you chose to visit or migrate to, don’t forget that your cost of living will be dependent on your lifestyle. Visit linked sites to get more information.