5 cheap countries to work abroad for expats

What are the most cheap countries to work abroad for expats? It is a valid question that comes up after you have made the brave decision you want to start working abroad. Especially if you don’t want to spend all your savings during your gap year abroad. Chances are your student budget is not that big. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable places for a budget gap year abroad. We list the top 5 affordable expat destinations.

Enjoying your gap year abroad can be tough if you get into financial trouble. You want to enjoy yourself, not be stressed about money. These locations might be cheaper than other European destinations, but don’t underestimate them. We will give you a short TED talk about why living in one of these 5 countries is amazing for a young expat. 

Romania

The average salary in Romania is one of the lowest compared to other European countries, but this is compensated by the low cost of living. Groceries, public transport and articles used on a daily basis are really cheap in Romania. If you like to party, you will really love the nightlife in a big city like Bucharest, where you can party with thousands of other young people.

Outside of the party lifestyle, you can also go on so many adventures in Romania. Visit Dracula’s castle for example and learn everything about the history of this intriguing character. Or go wildlife spotting and look for brown bears in the Romanian forests, or find Europe’s largest mammal: the Bison (weighing around 630kg). You can afford all these adventures, because of the low costs of living. Unlock some lifetime memories in this surprisingly cool country.

Hungary

Accommodation in Hungary is relatively cheap compared to other countries in Europe. It gives you space to explore the country with the rest of your budget. While living in Hungary, you get the chane to rejuvenate your body and your soul. Visit one of the more than 1000 thermal springs. On the other hand, you can also party hard in Hungary. 

If you like having a drink at the most mesmerizing locations, use the money you save by visiting some of the ruin pubs in Budapest. These pubs are located in or around abandoned buildings in the city. One of the most famous ruin pubs is Szimpla Kert, which includes a labyrinth of multiple, amazing rooms.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe for expats. The country itself is quite modern, especially if you start living in a big city like Prague. Stille, A delicious meal in a restaurant costs just around Є8. Cooking at home is even cheaper, but it’s very affordable to go out for dinner in the Czech Republic. Try out the traditional dishes like goulash or dumplings, and you won’t be shocked when the bill arrives, because it’s way cheaper than in other European countries. 

One of the other best things about the Czech Republic is that it’s one of the cheapest countries when it comes to beer. The Czech are known for being the heaviest beer consumers in the entire world, and they need you to help maintain that status. In most cafés and bars, beer is even cheaper than water.

Portugal

If you want to have a budget gap year abroad, but also crave a warmer climate, Portugal may be the place for you. Rent costs depend on the region you start to live in. The bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto are a bit more expensive, but in the more rural areas rent is really cheap in comparison to other European destinations. 

Portugal offers lots of fun things to do with your money. Always dreamed of learning how to surf? The beaches in Portugal are suited for that. You can also go hiking, or just enjoy the amazing beaches. In most areas of the country, the weather is amazing. If you want to live a cheap life in the sun, go to Portugal. 

Latvia

The average salary in Latvia is lower than you might be used to, but so are the costs of living. When you move to Latvia with some savings, you will soon find out there is a lot you can do with a fairly low amount of money. It makes Latvia one of the cheapest countries to work abroad. 

Use the money to explore this beautiful country. Visit a game of ice hockey, the biggest sport in Latvia. Explore the city of Riga, where you can wander around the Old Town with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture and cozy cafés. Or visit the Art Nouveau District. But Latvia is mostly a perfect destination for the nature lover. More than half of the country is covered with forest. Visit the Gauja National Park for hikes along deep forests, rivers and historical castles. 

5 cheap countries to work abroad: average costs

When you start living in these affordable expat destinations, it’s important to have an insight of the average daily costs. As a young expat, you want to enjoy your budget gap year abroad. With the low costs of things like cinema tickets and pints of beer, you will be able to in these countries.

Country	Accomodation	Food (meal for two)	Cinema ticket	Pint of beer
Romania	€200-300	€20-30	€4,20	€1,50
Hungary	€280-390	€30-50	€3.90	€1,60
Czech Republic	€550-750	€30-35	€8	€1,50
Portugal	€500-800	€40-45	€7	€2,50
Latvia	€350-600	€30-45	€7	€3