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Top 5 Cheapest Cities That You’ll Actually Want To Live In

With a recent global report revealing which cities are the most and least expensive to live in for international employees – here are 5 of the cheapest cities that you’ll actually want to live in.

The report – which was recently released by Global Consultancy firm, Mercer – has ranked 227 cities in order of their cost of living, which has taken into consideration the cost of items within the following categories:

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Transportation
Tbilisi At Sunset, Georgia
  • Utilities
  • Domestic supplies
  • Home services
  • Personal care
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Recreation and entertainment
  • Alcohol and tobacco
Hong Kong Skyline

Based on the above it has been revealed that Hong Kong, the Swiss cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, Tel Aviv, New York, Singapore, Tokyo and Beijing are indeed the world’s most expensive cities for those that move to them to live and work.

However, in this article we are going to take a look at the lower end of the table – and those which have been listed as the cheapest cities to live in.

The financial center of Bogota at sunset

And, although there are plenty of cities within the bottom half of the report that you are likely to not consider moving to and calling ‘home’, there are in fact a number of cool and interesting places that many would consider living in.

So, without further ado – let’s take a look at 5 of the cheapest cities that offer a lot for ‘less’.


Krakow (ranked 190 out of 227)
Aerial View Of The City Of Krakow, Poland

There is no denying that Krakow – located in the south of Poland, and only a short distance from the border of the Czech Republic – is a city boasting some of the most beautiful parks, stunning architecture, and without doubt one of the most fascinating Old Towns in the whole of Europe.

It is also a great choice for anyone looking for a cheap European city to live and work in – with it possible to rent an entire one-bedroom apartment in Krakow for a month from around $600.

St. Mary's Basilica on the Krakow Main Square during the Day, Krakow, Poland

You’ll also be able to enjoy a night out on the beers in this great city without breaking the bank too – as it is possible to grab a pint at a wide variety of bars and pubs for around $2.


Cape Town (ranked 194 out of 227)

As one of South Africa’s most popular tourist hotspots, Cape Town is certainly a city that offers some great places to visit.

Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa

And, for those looking for somewhere that is affordable – yet also offers a good quality of life – the city is certainly a great choice when looking for that place to call ‘home’.

When it comes to finding accommodation, it is possible to find a studio apartment to rent in Cape Town from as little as $450 a month – and a one-bedroom apartment from around $500.

The city also offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs – which are sure to keep you entertained both during the daytime and at night.

With Cape Town being surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature on the planet, there are plenty of road trip options come the weekend – including South Africa’s famous Garden Route, which will take you along the country’s Western and Eastern Cape.


Bogota (ranked 205 out of 227)
Bogota, Colombia - High Angle Panoramic View Of The City

Colombia’s capital, Bogota is yet another city that allows you to live a good quality of life for low expense – with it possible to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city from as little as $400 per month.

And, being the country’s largest city – you are sure to never be bored when living here, with literally so much to see and do.

A funicular arrives at the teleferico system of monserrate in Bogota, which was opened in 1955, many buildings and trees can be seen behind, this dramatic shot shows the relationship between the mountain and the city.

So, whether you’re looking to find out more about Bogata’s history and heritage at its many museums, take a walk around its fascinating colonial center, La Candelaria, or venture a little out the city to have a weekend hike at the beautiful La Chorrera and El Chiflón waterfalls – you are sure to find an activity at all times to keep you entertained.


Tbilisi (ranked 217 out of 227)

Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi is certainly a city that is becoming more established in the traveling world as a ‘place to visit’.

View of the Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia

In fact, the city is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads, with Georgia even offering those who are able to work remotely the opportunity to stay long-term with their very-own digital nomad visa.

And, there are certainly a number of reasons why Tbilisi is a great option for those looking to live a comfortable and entertaining lifestyle, whilst also sticking to a budget.

The city of Tbilisi

Tbilisi offers a number of neighborhoods to choose from – including the likes of Vake, Saburtalo, Ortachala and Nutsubidze Plato – which offer monthly accommodation options from as low as $400.

Eating and drinking out on a regular basis is also an affordable activity in Tbilisi, with food and drink costs relatively low – especially when you compare prices to those in other European capital cities.


Istanbul (ranked 222 out of 227)
Couple of Tourists Enjoying The Istanbul European Side's Cityscape, Turkey

If you’re looking for a city to live in that will offer you a high-quality lifestyle without hitting your pocket too hard, then Istanbul is a place for you to consider.

And the city – which has continued to be one the world’s most visited throughout recent years – certainly offers so much to those that decide to live there, including many cool and interesting things to do.

The river in Istanbul, Turkey

Whether you enjoy spending your free time at local markets and bazaars, or like to walk around taking photographs of some of the most outstanding and interesting architecture on the planet, Istanbul is sure to not disappoint.

And, for families looking to live in the city there is also plenty of choice when it comes to international schools, colleges and universities.

A narrow turkish street by the Galata Tower, Istanbul

The city also offers a number of great neighborhoods to reside in, all offering something a little different – with their own sense of uniqueness and charm.

When it comes to the cost of accommodation, it is possible to find a one-bedroom apartment right in the heart of the city center for around $450 a month.


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