It’s a dream for many, but did you actually know just how realistic it is? It’s probably more possible than you think, take a look at our recent primer to living in Cambodia for example. Here’s another example, there’s a recent article by Laura Begley Bloom over at Forbes that features 8 destinations in the world where you can live for under 2000 US a month, some for under 1000 US.
You can view the full article here Quit Your Job And Live Abroad: 8 Places So Cheap You Might Not Need To Work
Of course, what we are interested in is Asia and here are a couple of highlights from the piece.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
“The biggest advantage to life in Chiang Mai is its cost in general and of health care in particular,” she says. A person can live here comfortably on as little as $1,000 per month and you can see an English-speaking doctor for $20.
The heart of Chiang Mai lies within its old city walls, where ancient and modern Buddhist temples coexist with public and international schools, residential and commercial neighborhoods. Modern Chiang Mai has grown beyond the ancient walls and offers mega-malls, huge multi-national grocery and department stores, and all other trappings of life in the 21st century.
Total monthly budget: $1,000 per person (36,380 Thai baht)
Rent: 25,000 Thai baht
Transportation: 400 Thai baht
Gas: 300 Thai baht
Electricity: 2,000 Thai baht
Water: 200 Thai baht
Telephone: 600 Thai baht
Internet: 1,000 Thai baht
Cable TV: 1,100 Thai baht
Entertainment: 1,280 Thai baht
Groceries: 4,500 Thai baht
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
“This laid-back and quiet city is one of the most pleasant places to live in Asia and is incredibly welcoming,” says Peddicord. “Its biggest practical advantages are the low cost of living and the high standard (and low cost) of health care.”
Total monthly budget: $850 per person (3,833 ringgits)
Rent: 2,500 ringgits
Transportation: 100 ringgits
Gas: 30 ringgits
Electricity: 200 ringgits
Water: 20 ringgits
Telephone: 50 ringgits
Internet: 60 ringgits
Cable TV: 70 ringgits
Entertainment: 253 ringgits
Groceries: 550 ringgits
Have you lived in Asia? How has it been for you?