Happy Flag Day, everyone! What’s that? You didn’t know? Why it is only the third biggest holiday in June, after Father’s Day and National Chocolate Ice cream Day (June 7th—you’ll remember next year.)
Well in honor of this glorious and sometimes forgotten holiday, we’ve decided to dedicate today’s post to what Flag Day is all about in the first place. Well, no not really. If you really want to know more about that, click here.
But if you want to move along to the fun stuff, we’ve decided to devote today’s post to something a bit more fun than just flags: the countries around the world that are the most affordable to move to. (What? That has to do with flags… sort of.)
So if you’ve got the travel bug and you’re looking for a change, consider this your starting point. Here are the top 10 most affordable countries around the world for U.S. ex pats.
Happy Flag Day, and happy adventures, everyone!
1) Paraguay. This little South American gem has managed to slide beneath the tourism radar for the most part, and so it has remained inexpensive and peaceful. According to the Cost of Living Survey conducted by Mercer, Paraguay is the cheapest country in the world, where a downtown apartment will cost you only around $200 per month. Check out more about Paraguay’s cost of living here—it might just make you want to move!
Some of the locals in Paraguay
2) Bolivia. This country is actually commonly called South America’s retirement paradise—well, for foreigners anyway. Locals of the area often struggle with the hardships of life, but for people moving in from, say, the U.S., this country is one huge bargain filled with natural gems like Uyuni and Laguna Colorada, a vibrant culture, and a range of climates to suit almost anyone. Here’s more on the cost of living in Bolivia.
Bolivia is filled with natural beauty of all kinds
3) Nauru. Sick of paying taxes? Nauru might be the country for you. This smallest island nation on earth has so far gone under the tourist radar and so is much less expensive than its neighbors in the South Pacific. Like most small islands, the goods are mostly imported so they are a bit more expensive than on the mainland, but the lack of taxes usually makes up for that. Though the scenery is idyllic and peaceful, this isn’t exactly a retirement community: Watersports and nightlife are a huge part of the draw here. Click here to find out more about Nauru.
Nauru: Your tropical paradise awaits!
4) Nepal. This country may be inexpensive, but it isn’t for everyone. For around $500 per person, you can live a pretty comfortable life in Nepal, but you’ll also have to keep in mind the lack of sewage treatment, the illnesses and problems local to the area, and the low standard of living. And yet ex pats continue to flock to the country. Why? Maybe it is the country’s beauty, spirituality, or just the gentleness of the people. Check out this page for more about Nepal and the cost of living there.
Nepal may not offer some luxuries and comforts, but it certainly makes up for it in natural beauty.
5) Panama. This economical country is a great place for retirees—particularly the city of Coronado. The climate is mild, the neighborhoods are peaceful, and the community is full of activity like clubs, art classes, karaoke bars, yoga, and golf. Like I said: probably more of a retirement community. Not only is the cost of living here low, but you also don’t pay taxes on any foreign-earned income, and a visit to the doctor will only set you back about $35.00 (important to know in your golden years!) Click here for more on living in Panama.
Panama can be a great and inexpensive place to relax and retire
So in the spirit of Flag Day and country pride around the globe, get out there and explore the world!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Photos Courtesy of: Alex E. Proimos, szeke, mdanys, MikeBehnken, mysza831
Sources: Homeschooling.About.com, USFlag.org, Numbeo.com, xpatulator.com, OpenTravel.com, YourPanama.com, Mint.com
