An expat cost of living comparison shows exactly how much your monthly budget changes when you move to a new city. This tool compares rent, groceries, transport, utilities, internet, dining, healthcare, and more across 20+ popular expat and digital nomad destinations — all in USD.
Compare Two Cities
How to Use the Expat Cost of Living Comparison
Cost of living is the single most important financial factor for expats and digital nomads. The difference between New York ($5,500/mo) and Chiang Mai ($1,400/mo) is nearly $50,000 per year — a life-changing amount. This comparison helps you visualize exactly where your money goes differently.
Step 1: Select Your Baseline City
Choose your current city as City A. This becomes your cost baseline. If you're earning a US salary while working remotely, selecting New York or San Francisco shows the maximum lifestyle arbitrage potential — even if you don't live there, it frames the opportunity.
Step 2: Choose Your Destination
Select a destination you're considering. The comparison immediately shows the monthly difference and percentage savings. Chiang Mai saves roughly 75% vs. New York. Lisbon saves about 50%. Berlin saves about 30%. Even moderate savings of 30-40% per month compound significantly over a 1-2 year expat stint.
Interpreting the Numbers
Each category shows both city costs and the monthly difference. Green numbers mean cheaper in City B; red means more expensive. The total monthly budget difference is annualized savings. Moving from New York to Medellin saves approximately $3,500-4,000/month — over a year, that's $42,000-48,000 in additional savings at the same income level.
What These Numbers Don't Capture
These figures are mid-range estimates. Actual costs depend heavily on neighborhood choice (tourist areas inflate prices significantly), personal lifestyle (dining at local spots vs. expat restaurants, buying local food vs. imported goods), and exchange rate fluctuations. In highly-inflated economies like Argentina or Turkey, US dollar holders get outsized purchasing power that can make listed costs feel even cheaper in practice.
Healthcare Abroad
Healthcare estimates represent basic private health insurance premiums. Countries like the UK, New Zealand, and France have public systems where residents pay little or nothing for basic care. Southeast Asian countries typically charge $50-80/month for expat health insurance with good coverage. The UAE requires employer-provided health insurance. Always verify your specific coverage needs before relocating — pre-existing conditions can significantly affect insurance costs.
FAQ
Is this cost of living comparison tool free?
Yes, completely free. No account required. All city data is embedded in the tool and runs locally in your browser.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Yes, everything runs in your browser. No selections or data are sent anywhere.
Which cities are the most affordable for expats?
The most affordable cities in this comparison are Chiang Mai, Thailand (~$1,200-1,800/mo), Medellin, Colombia (~$1,500-2,200/mo), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (~$1,300-1,900/mo), and Tbilisi, Georgia (~$1,100-1,700/mo). These cities offer strong internet infrastructure, expat communities, and a reasonable quality of life at very low cost.
How does cost of living compare between Lisbon and Barcelona?
Lisbon is typically 20-30% cheaper than Barcelona. A 1-bedroom city center apartment in Lisbon costs ~$1,800-2,200/month vs $2,200-2,800 in Barcelona. Groceries and dining are comparable, but Lisbon's public transport and utilities tend to be slightly cheaper. Both are popular digital nomad destinations with similar quality of life.
Are the prices in USD or local currency?
All prices are converted to USD for comparison purposes. Exchange rates fluctuate — the figures represent approximate typical costs as of early 2026. For current rates, check the currency exchange calculator. Actual costs in local currency depend on the exchange rate at the time of your move.
What is a realistic monthly budget in Bangkok vs New York?
A comfortable expat lifestyle in Bangkok (1BR city center, regular dining out, gym membership) typically costs $2,000-3,000/month USD. The equivalent lifestyle in New York would cost $6,000-9,000+/month. Bangkok offers roughly 60-70% lower living costs than New York, making it one of the most popular expat destinations for remote workers.
Does this include healthcare costs?
Yes, the comparison includes a rough healthcare estimate covering basic health insurance and routine costs. Expats typically get private health insurance in their country of residence — this varies from ~$50-80/month in Southeast Asia to $200-400/month in Western Europe. The comparison does not include travel insurance, which is separate.