How to Live Well on Less in Another Country

One of the biggest misconceptions about moving abroad is that it’s only for the wealthy. The truth? Living in another country can often mean a higher quality of life on a lower budget only if you know how to approach it. This was the only angle I was going to approach living abroad. Any other way just didn’t make sense to me. The money need to make sense.

By shifting where you live, you don’t just change your environment you change the math of your life. Rent, food, healthcare, and experiences all cost less in many parts of the world, which means your money stretches further. The result? You’re able to save more and enjoy more. I did this math more time than I could count before we actually move abroad so I could see where and how much the savings would be.

Let’s break down what this really looks like with some real-life scenarios.

Housing: From Cramped to Comfortable

In major U.S. cities, the average rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment often exceeds $1,800–$2,500/month. Add in utilities and internet, and you’re looking at $2,800+ just to keep a roof over your head.

Now, let’s compare:

• In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, a modern two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood can cost $700–$900/month.

• In Medellín, Colombia, you could rent a furnished apartment with a city view for $700/month.

• In Chiang Mai, Thailand, a spacious condo with amenities like a pool and gym can run you $400–$600/month.

That difference means you can live in a larger, nicer space for less, a balcony, a view, even a pool in your building or save the extra $1,000–$2,000/month to build your financial cushion. Some expats even find they can afford a house instead of an apartment, something they couldn’t imagine back home without taking on crushing debt. I saved $1,000 per month and went from 1,100 sqft in Florida to 2,100 sqft in Santo Domingo

Food: Dining Out Without Guilt

Eating out in the U.S. is often considered a luxury, with dinners easily running $45–$60 per person.

But abroad? Dining becomes part of your lifestyle.

• In the Dominican Republic, a typical local meal might cost $6–$8, while a mid-range dinner at a trendy spot could be $15–$20.

• In Mexico, tacos from a street vendor are $1 each, and even an upscale dinner with cocktails rarely tops $30.

• In Southeast Asia, you could eat out three times a day and still spend less than a typical weekly grocery bill back home.

This makes it possible to enjoy more social meals, cultural experiences, and diverse cuisines without blowing your budget. We’ve eating out here in Santo Domingo in one year than the 5 years we lived in South Florida. It’s just more affordable along with more disposable income.

Healthcare: Quality Care Without the Price Tag

In the U.S., healthcare can feel like financial quicksand. Insurance premiums, co-pays, and surprise bills often add up to thousands each year. It was costing me around $700 a month in premiums for a family of 3.

But many countries offer high-quality, affordable healthcare:

• In the DR, a routine doctor’s visit might be $20–$50.

• Prescription medications often cost a fraction of U.S. prices.

• Private health insurance plans abroad can be $100–$250/month compared to $600+ in the U.S.

This means you can take better care of your health and your bank account. There’s no secret this was another saving we could count on going from $700 per month to $185 per month.

Transportation: Rethinking How You Move

Car ownership in the U.S. comes with expenses: car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, and parking. In many countries, you may not even need a car. Public transportation, taxis, or rideshare apps are inexpensive and widely available.

In Santo Domingo, you can get across the city with an Uber for $4–$8. Compare that to $20–$40 in most U.S. cities for a similar ride. For daily commuting, many expats spend less than $100/month on transportation versus $400–$600 in the U.S.

Services & Day-to-Day Life: Help That’s Affordable

Another overlooked benefit? Services that feel like luxuries back home are often everyday affordable conveniences abroad.

• Hiring a housekeeper once or twice a week might cost $15–$30 per visit.

• A personal trainer could be $20–$30 per session.

• Transportation via ride-share apps or taxis is often one-third of U.S. costs.

This gives you back time and energy, resources just as valuable as money. We have a housekeeper to come in 12 times a month for $175 per month. In the U.S. this luxury was unaffordable with all the other mandatory expenses we had.

Lifestyle Upgrades: More Fun, Less Stress

One of the biggest hidden benefits of a lower cost of living is the freedom it buys you. With reduced expenses, you may no longer need to work two jobs or push for 60-hour work weeks. When the essentials cost less, you free up money for the extras that enrich life. You can prioritize leisure, hobbies, family time, and personal growth. That might mean:

• Taking weekend trips to nearby beaches or mountains

• Enrolling in dance, cooking, or language classes

• Spending afternoons in cafes or cigar lounges working on your business or passion project

• Investing in personal growth without sacrificing financial stability

If you feel like you’re being stretched thin in your current situation, by moving abroad you’ll suddenly find you can afford a larger apartment, weekly dinners out, affordable childcare, and even private school all for the same or less than what you’re currently paying.

Monthly Cost of Living Comparison

Here’s a simple side-by-side breakdown of what life might look like in a U.S. city versus in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic:

The Bigger Picture: Saving While Living Better

When you add all these factors together housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and lifestyle you’ll likely find that not only are you living more comfortably, but you’re also saving more. Many expats report being able to save 20–40% of their income abroad compared to barely breaking even in the U.S. I can attest to this. We calculate around 40% savings.

This financial cushion can then be reinvested into your long-term goals: building a business, investing, or simply securing peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

Living abroad isn’t about deprivation it’s about expansion. By choosing a country where the cost of living is lower, you can live in a way that feels abundant, spacious, and free.

You’ll not only reduce financial stress but also create space for experiences, adventures, and savings that would have been out of reach before.

Moving abroad could mean finally having both:

• The lifestyle upgrades you dreamed of…

• And the financial breathing room to truly enjoy them.

Until then,
🌴 Live Your Best Life
Jay