Eight affordable countries to move to while working on your big relocation plan

Nigeria Abroad

Moving abroad is costly but, like most things in life, can be done in bits. Many have had to navigate their way through easier countries, their eyes firmly fixed on their dream destinations.

If you do not have all the resources needed to uproot yourself wholesale, you may consider moving to another country with a low cost of living, while planning your grand immigration from there. To this end, here are countries to consider:

1. Costa Rica

   Probably the most popular, if affordable country in Central America: healthy environment, lush jungles, tropical beaches, and friendly locals. There is a chance you won’t go broke while living and working there given affordable standard of living. Also, if getting into the United States is your dream, Costa stands a better chance than many countries. Salaries also tend to be higher, which makes it easier to save.

2. Bulgaria

   If you’d love to work and live in Europe but are put off by high immigration costs, consider Eastern Europe. Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries there to live; it has quickly become a favorite among travelers. You can live comfortably with a modest budget, and getting a Bulgarian visa isn’t too difficult compared to those of other European countries. And who knows, you might like it enough to settle there.

3. Mexico

   Mexico has fun for everyone, and amazing street delicacies. If you avoid tourist traps like Cancun or Playa del Carmen and opt for more local destinations like Merida or Guanajuato, living costs will be so low as to blow your mind. Mexico is a good place to move to while you save up for your dream country, and getting its visa is something you can do on your own with a decent amount of research.

4. South Africa

   South Africa is one of the cheapest English-speaking countries where you can get a decent job that’d help you save. It might not be Canada, but you can plan your move from there. You’ll get by without having to go through language school, but most South African cities also have a high standard of living like Western cities, which will make the transition much easier. One drawback is xenophobia, especially against Nigerians, but if you keep your head down and your hands clean, I think you will be just fine.

5. Thailand

   No list of the best and cheapest countries in the world would be complete without Thailand. Living costs are incredibly low here, even in big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Beach resorts tend to be slightly more expensive but are still cheap compared with other beach resorts around the world. Job opportunities abound and if you are determined to work hard, you should be planning your move in a few years.

6. Poland

   If your heart is set on working and living in Europe, then you should consider moving to Poland. Much less known than its neighbor Germany, Poland is slowly becoming a hotspot for international travelers and expats. Warsaw and Krakow are very modern and have all the Western amenities any developed country would brag of. There are a lot of job opportunities, especially teaching, as there are professional service job opportunities.

7. Indonesia

   This country is considered one of the cheapest places to live in, worldwide. It is located between the Indian and Pacific oceans, in South-East Asia.

   There are certain places in Indonesia, like Bali and Jakarta that are developed, yet they are very affordable compared to other big cities around the world. However, if you choose to live in places like Senggigi in Lombok, accommodation and living expenses can be as little as $340 a month.

   You’re looking at paying approximately $142 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment. If you keep your head down and work hard, you’d save enough in a few years.

8. Argentina

   You can get by well with $542 a month in Argentina, especially if you live in places like Salta.

   Argentina is another Spanish-speaking country, so language could pose a barrier, but for someone determined to migrate, nothing is a setback. You can dedicate the remaining of this year to taking Spanish classes on platforms like Duolingo.

   If you’re looking for a country to move to and work while you save up for your dream country, Argentina isn’t bad.

   This story first appeared in Nigeria Abroad