Cost of Living Abroad in 2025: Lifestyle and Numbers
- International Property Alerts
- October 3, 2025
When people talk about moving abroad, the first question often asked is: what’s the cost of living?
It’s a fair question — but the truth is, “cost of living” is more than a list of expenses. It’s the rhythm of daily life, the compromises you make, and the opportunities you gain. A monthly budget in Spain or Thailand doesn’t just buy rent and groceries; it buys a way of living.
Beyond the Price Tag
Cost of living is not just about cheaper rent or affordable dining. In Southern Europe, the local market trip isn’t simply less expensive than in London or New York — it’s fresher, healthier, and often more social. In Thailand or Mexico, dining out becomes a daily habit rather than a luxury. And in Dubai, where everyday costs are higher, what you get in return is a seamless infrastructure, modern amenities, and a global hub at your doorstep.
Every destination tells a different story.
A Question of Priorities
Different people notice different costs. Families with children will look first at education and healthcare. Retirees care about medical access, security, and daily comfort. Digital nomads focus on internet reliability and transport.
Choosing where to live abroad isn’t only about affordability — it’s about finding a place where your priorities are supported without financial stress.
The Hidden Layers
When weighing cost of living, it’s easy to stop at rent and bills. But the hidden layers often matter more:
Healthcare: Some destinations have subsidised public systems; others depend on private insurance.
Transport: Owning a car adds fuel and insurance, while reliable metro systems slash costs and hassle.
Leisure: How much does it cost to enjoy life? A country where concerts, sport, or dining out are accessible may feel richer, even if housing is pricier.
Community fees: In resort complexes or gated communities, service charges can be a surprise line item.
The Relativity of Affordability
Affordability is always relative. For a UK or US pensioner, Portugal may feel comfortably inexpensive. For locals earning local wages, the same Lisbon flat might seem unaffordable.
A city can feel cheap compared to London but expensive compared to a nearby town. A beachfront apartment in Mexico may look like a bargain in dollars, but for locals priced out of the market, it tells a different story.
Shaped by Global Shifts
Cost of living is never fixed. Currency changes, global inflation, and government policy can swing affordability dramatically. A “cheap” destination today may not be tomorrow, while emerging regions often become attractive when infrastructure improves or new visas make staying longer easier.
Balancing Quality of Life with Finances
Ultimately, cost of living abroad is a balance. A destination might save you money but offer limited services. Another might cost more but deliver safety, healthcare, and connectivity worth paying for.
The key is finding the sweet spot where financial comfort meets the lifestyle you want.
Cost of Living Comparisons in 2025
Now let’s look at six key destinations, with figures sourced from the latest 2024–2025 data.
Spain
- 1-bed city-centre rent average: €885.81/month (Numbeo, 2025)
- Madrid: €1,348/month (Numbeo, 2025)
- Barcelona: €930/month (GetGoldenVisa, 2024)
- Seville: €625/month (GetGoldenVisa, 2024)
- Utilities (85m²): €120/month (Lexidy, 2025)
- Internet: €35/month (Global Citizen Solutions, 2024)
- Transport: €1.60–2.00 per trip; monthly Madrid pass: €55 (Numbeo, 2025)
- Single person estimate: ~€1,200–1,800/month (Global Citizen Solutions, 2024)
Portugal
- Overall ~29.3% lower cost than US (Numbeo, 2025)
- Lisbon non-rent living costs: €820–900/month (Numbeo, 2025)
- Central 1-bed rent: €800–1,200 (PortugalProperty, 2025)
- Outside centre/smaller towns: €500–800 (PortugalProperty, 2025)
- Utilities: €100–150/month (PortugalProperty, 2025)
- Transport pass: €40–50/month (PortugalProperty, 2025)
- Single person estimate: ~€1,200–1,800/month (Nomad Capitalist, 2024)
Greece
- Utilities (85m²): €190/month (Savory & Partners, 2025)
- Central 1-bed rent: €500–800+ (Numbeo, 2025)
- Groceries/dining generally 20–25% lower than Northern Europe (Numbeo, 2025)
- Single person estimate: ~€700–1,200+/month
Mexico
- 1-bed modest area: USD 398/month (Pacific Prime, 2025)
- Mexico City, average area: USD 400–500; nicer areas: USD 680–830 (International Citizens, 2024)
- Non-rent living costs (Mexico City): USD 400/month (Expatistan, 2025)
- Single person estimate: ~USD 600–1,200+/month (International Living, 2024)
Thailand
- Bangkok city-centre 1-bed: THB 15,000–25,000 (USD 430–720) (Wise, 2025; International Citizens, 2024)
- Chiang Mai: ~THB 11,000 (USD 310) (Aetna International, 2024)
- Utilities: USD 50–100/month (International Citizens, 2024)
- Street food: THB 60–200 (USD 2–6); dining for two: THB 500–2,000 (USD 15–55) (Expatica, 2025)
- Public transport fares: THB 16–59 (USD 0.50–1.60) (Expatica, 2025)
- Single person estimate (Bangkok): USD 1,000–1,300/month (Numbeo, 2025)
Dubai
- 1-bed city-centre rent: AED 7,345 (~USD 2,000) (Wise, 2025)
- Outside centre: AED 5,043 (~USD 1,370) (Wise, 2025)
- Utilities (85m²): AED 619–740 (~USD 170–200) (Wise, 2025; Savory & Partners, 2025)
- Internet: AED 324 (~USD 88) (Wise, 2025)
- Single person estimate: ~AED 8,000+/month (~USD 2,200+)
Key Takeaways
Lifestyle first, numbers second. Affordability is as much about experience as cost.
Priorities matter. Healthcare, housing, food, and leisure vary by destination.
Affordability is relative. Expats with foreign income often live more comfortably than locals.
Global shifts can change the picture. Always update research before relocating.
The real cost of living abroad isn’t just what you spend — it’s the life you create with what you have.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
🌐 www.internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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