How to Move Abroad on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for Americans
So, you’re ready to pack your bags, ditch overpriced rent, and start a new life abroad—without emptying your savings account. Whether you’re escaping student loans, chasing adventure, or just really over paying $8 for oat milk lattes, moving abroad on a budget is possible. In fact, with the right planning, you can actually live better for less while soaking up a new culture.
This guide will walk you through how to move abroad without going broke, covering everything from choosing the most affordable destination to scoring cheap flights, finding budget-friendly housing, and even making money while living overseas. Let’s get started!
1. Pick the Right Budget-Friendly Destination
Not all countries are created equal when it comes to affordability. If you’re moving abroad on a budget, your best bet is to target low-cost-of-living countries where your U.S. dollars stretch further than they do at an airport bar.
Best Countries for Budget-Friendly Expats:
Mexico – Cheap rent, great food, and beachside towns where $1 tacos are a way of life.
Portugal – Affordable rent, fantastic weather, and a visa that practically rolls out the red carpet for remote workers.
Thailand – A digital nomad paradise with cheap street food and island living for under $1,000 a month.
Vietnam – Some of the cheapest living costs in the world (and legendary pho for $2 a bowl).
Colombia – Medellín’s low cost of living and spring-like climate make it an expat favorite.
💡 Pro Tip: Use websites like Numbeo or Expatistan to compare living costs in different cities before you decide where to go.
2. Score Cheap Flights (So You Don’t Spend Your Whole Budget Getting There)
Once you’ve picked your dream location, it’s time to book a cheap flight (because spending $1,200 on a one-way ticket to Portugal isn’t exactly “budget-friendly”).
How to Find the Cheapest Flights:
Use flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo to track prices.
Be flexible with your dates – Mid-week flights are often cheaper.
Fly budget airlines – They’re no-frills, but they get you there without selling a kidney.
Book one-way flights strategically – Sometimes it’s cheaper to book two one-way tickets on different airlines than a round-trip.
Consider nearby airports – Flying into a secondary airport can save you hundreds.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up price alerts for your destination so you can pounce on a deal when fares drop.
3. Finding a Place to Live (Without Paying U.S. Prices)
Once you land, you’ll need a place to sleep that isn’t a cramped hostel dorm full of backpackers who snore like chainsaws. The good news? Renting abroad is usually cheaper than in the U.S.—if you know where to look.
How to Find Affordable Housing Abroad:
Join local Facebook expat groups – These are goldmines for rental listings and insider tips.
Use local rental sites – Skip Airbnb (it’s overpriced) and check local platforms like Idealista (Spain/Portugal), Encuentra24 (Latin America), or 99.co (Southeast Asia).
Negotiate rent – In many countries, landlords expect you to haggle.
Consider coliving spaces – These offer short-term flexibility, Wi-Fi, and built-in community (perfect if you don’t want to be alone in a new country).
💡 Pro Tip: Always visit in person before signing a long-term lease to avoid scams (or discovering that your “ocean-view apartment” is actually a window facing a parking lot).
4. Make Money While Living Abroad
If you don’t have a trust fund (same), you’ll need to make some cash while living abroad. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to earn money remotely or locally.
Best Ways to Make Money Abroad:
Teach English Online – Companies like VIPKid, iTalki, or Cambly pay decent rates for native English speakers.
Freelancing – Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal let you work remotely in anything from graphic design to writing.
Work Exchange Programs – Websites like Workaway and Worldpackers let you trade work for free accommodation.
Start a Travel Blog or YouTube Channel – (Only if you’re patient…this one takes time to make money.)
Local Jobs – Some countries allow expats to work legally in hospitality, tourism, or teaching.
💡 Pro Tip: Research visa options that allow you to work legally—some countries have special digital nomad visas for remote workers.
5. Healthcare: Because You’re Not Invincible
Healthcare in many countries is cheaper and better than in the U.S., but you’ll still need to plan ahead.
How to Stay Covered:
Get expat health insurance – Companies like SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Cigna Global offer international health plans.
Use travel insurance for short-term stays – If you’re only abroad for a few months, travel insurance can cover emergencies.
Check if you qualify for local healthcare – Some countries let legal residents enroll in public healthcare systems.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check if your medications are available in your new country (or bring a supply with you just in case).
6. Making Friends & Adapting to a New Culture
Moving abroad is exciting, but it can also feel lonely and overwhelming at first. The key? Jump into the culture and build a social circle quickly.
How to Make Friends as an Expat:
Join local Facebook expat groups – Great for networking and getting advice.
Take language classes – Even if you only learn basic phrases, it helps you integrate.
Use Meetup & Bumble BFF – Yes, Bumble has a friend-finding mode (not just for dating!).
Go to local cafes & events – Hanging out in social spots naturally leads to meeting people.
💡 Pro Tip: Be open to saying yes to invitations—even if they feel out of your comfort zone at first.
Final Thoughts: Moving Abroad on a Budget is Doable
Yes, moving abroad on a budget takes planning, but it’s 100% possible. With the right strategy, you can live better for less, enjoy new adventures, and maybe even never look back at your old 9-to-5 life again.
Quick Recap:
✅ Choose a budget-friendly country.
✅ Find cheap flights using smart booking strategies.
✅ Use local rental sites & expat groups to find affordable housing.
✅ Earn money remotely or locally.
✅ Get health insurance (just in case).
✅ Make friends & integrate into your new home.
So, where are you moving first? Drop a comment below or share this with a friend who’s ready to take the leap! ✈️🌍
