How to Leave the U.S. with Little to No Money

Leaving the U.S. with an empty wallet and big dreams? Sounds like something out of a bad reality show, but it’s exactly what I did. Whether you’re fed up with skyrocketing prices, the endless work grind, or just need a fresh start somewhere that doesn’t charge $7 for a coffee, you’re not alone. The good news? There are plenty of places in the world where you can start over on a budget—without sacrificing quality of life.

If you’re looking for the cheapest places to live, how to find free housing, remote work opportunities, and relocation-friendly countries, keep reading. I’ll even break down the real cost of living in each spot, so you’re not blindsided when your “cheap” dream country turns out to have unexpected expenses.

1. The Game Plan: How I Left the U.S. with Almost No Money

Before I get into where to go, let’s talk about how to leave when you’re broke. Spoiler: You need a mix of strategy, hustle, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Here’s how I did it:

• Got rid of everything unnecessary – Sold my car. Turns out, nostalgia isn’t worth paying for storage.

• Found remote work before leaving – More on that later, but I made sure I had at least a small income stream before stepping on a plane.

• Chose a country where my dollar stretched the farthest – No sense in moving to Switzerland if I could barely afford a sandwich.

• Used free housing hacks – House sitting, work exchanges, and couchsurfing saved me thousands.

• Booked the absolute cheapest flight – Yes, it had a 12-hour layover in an airport that smelled like wet socks, but it got me out of the U.S.

2. Best Budget-Friendly Countries to Start Over

1. Mexico – The Underrated Haven for Broke Expats

• Best For: Low cost of living, digital nomads, close to the U.S.

• Free Housing? Yes, house sitting and work exchanges are common.

• Remote Work Friendly? Absolutely—solid Wi-Fi, and Mexico offers a temporary resident visa for remote workers.

• Cost of Living (Querétaro, Guadalajara, or Mérida):

  • Rent: $600–$900/month (1-bedroom apartment)

  • Street food: $2 tacos (yes, really)

  • Utilities & Internet: $50–$100/month

  • Overall budget: $1,000–$1,800/month for a comfortable life

Pro Tip: Learn some Spanish. You’ll get better prices, and locals will actually talk to you instead of just nodding politely.

2. Portugal – Europe Without the Price Tag

• Best For: Affordable European living, digital nomads, expat-friendly vibes.

• Free Housing? House sitting and work exchanges work well here.

• Remote Work Friendly? Portugal has a digital nomad visa and an increasing number of co-working spaces.

• Cost of Living (Porto or Lisbon):

  • Rent: $500–$900/month

  • Groceries: $200/month

  • Coffee & pastries: $3 (pastel de nata is a daily requirement)

  • Overall budget: $1,200–$2,000/month

Pro Tip: If Lisbon is too expensive, head to Porto or smaller cities like Braga—same European charm, lower prices.

3. Thailand – The OG Cheap Paradise

• Best For: Backpackers, remote workers, stretching your savings.

• Free Housing? Some hostels let you work in exchange for free accommodation.

• Remote Work Friendly? Super easy to find cafés with Wi-Fi, and Chiang Mai is a digital nomad hub.

• Cost of Living (Chiang Mai or Bangkok):

  • Rent: $250–$600/month (yes, really)

  • Local meals: $1.50–$3

  • Motorbike rental: $50/month

  • Overall budget: $800–$1,500/month

Pro Tip: Stick to Thai food—imported Western food will blow your budget fast.

4. Colombia – South America’s Best Budget Secret

• Best For: Low cost of living, vibrant culture, strong expat community.

• Free Housing? Work exchanges, volunteering, and house sitting are common.

• Remote Work Friendly? Medellín is known as a remote work hotspot.

• Cost of Living (Medellín or Bogotá):

  • Rent: $500–$900/month

  • Public transport: $1/trip

  • Local meals: $3–$5

  • Overall budget: $900–$1,500/month

Pro Tip: Medellín has one of the best metro systems in Latin America—use it and skip expensive taxis.

3. Finding Free Housing Abroad

Housing is usually the biggest expense, but you don’t have to pay for it if you know where to look:

• House Sitting: Sites like TrustedHousesitters let you stay in people’s homes for free in exchange for pet sitting.

• Work Exchanges: Platforms like Workaway and Worldpackers offer free accommodation in exchange for part-time work.

• Couchsurfing: Not long-term, but a great way to land a free place to stay while networking with locals.

• Monastery Stays: Some countries (especially in Europe) offer cheap or free stays in monasteries.

4. Remote Work That Pays the Bills

If you need a steady income while living abroad, consider these remote-friendly jobs:

• Freelance Writing (Upwork, Fiverr, ProBlogger) – $20–$100 per article

• Teaching English Online (VIPKid, iTalki) – $10–$30 per hour

• Virtual Assistant Work (Fancy Hands, Belay) – $15–$25 per hour

• Customer Support (Remote companies like Automattic, Zapier) – $15–$30 per hour

• Social Media Management (Upwork, PeoplePerHour) – $500–$3,000 per client

Final Thoughts: Is It Really Possible to Leave the U.S. with No Money?

Yes—but it takes planning, flexibility, and a willingness to live simply while you get settled. If you’re open to new experiences, willing to work remotely, and know where to find free housing, there are plenty of places where a small budget can go a long way.

If you’ve been dreaming about moving abroad but think it’s impossible without a fat bank account, think again. Pick a budget-friendly country, find remote work, use free housing hacks, and book that flight. Your new life might be much more affordable—and way more exciting—than you ever imagined.

Have questions or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment below!