‘Kabur Aja Dulu’ Trend: List of Countries with Low Living Costs with Excellent Quality of Life

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The hashtag ‘Kabur Aja Dulu’ (Run Away First) has recently gone viral on the social media in Indonesia. The emergence of this hashtag is believed to have stemmed from the disappointment of some Indonesian citizens towards several government policies that are considered indifferent to the fate of the people, one of which is related to budget cuts.

Before deciding where to move, here are some countries with low living costs and high quality of living that can be considered as destinations, compiled by Seven Seas Worldwide:

1. Portugal

This Western European country is popular among families, digital nomads, retirees, and anyone looking for affordable living, safe streets, stunning scenery, and pleasant year-round weather.

Cities like Lisbon and Porto provide a high quality of life comparable to other major European cities but with lower living costs. Health services are tax-funded, accessible, and affordable, and the country is known for its friendly local inhabitants.

According to International Living, Portugal offers the lowest living cost in Western Europe, where a couple can live comfortably from $2,500 (around Rp40.7 million) to $3,000 (Rp48.8 million) per month outside of major cities. Add a little more budget for Lisbon, the vibrant capital, Porto, the town famous for port wine, alongside terraced vineyards along the Douro River, or Algarve, the pearl of the Portuguese coast. Of course, you can live with less or more cost, depending on your lifestyle.

There is a lot to see in this small country on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula. North Americans who choose Portugal as their residence can spend a third to half as much as they do in their home country, depending on where they currently live. If you live in an expensive city in the United States or Canada, Portugal will offer more advantages. For those living in rural areas, cheaper locations in North America, and Portugal may be nearly the same, but still offer a better quality of life. For Americans, healthcare in Portugal will be much cheaper and your biggest saving point.

Furthermore, Portugal is only a short flight away from popular tourist countries such as Spain, France, England, the Netherlands, and Germany.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with long and unspoiled coastlines. The country is full of exotic wildlife forests, towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of clear lakes and rivers.

Not only that, Costa Rica also offers a great climate all year round, a neighborly atmosphere, hassle-free residency programs, excellent healthcare, stable democracy, safety, and security. It’s no wonder many retiree couples report that they can live well on a monthly income of US$2,000 (Rp32.6 million), including all living expenses.

For these reasons, as well as the warm and friendly welcome of the residents to new foreign neighbors, Costa Rica has been a paradise for expatriates for over 30 years.

3. Malaysia

Malaysia offers affordable living and delicious, inexpensive street food, but the country’s healthcare system ranks 49th best in the world by the World Health Organization. Compared to London, Penang has a 60.8 percent lower living cost, 87 percent lower rental prices, and 38.8 percent cheaper food prices. In addition, the charming cultural diversity, modern facilities, and golden beaches make it a popular destination.

The average living cost in Malaysia is US$582 (around Rp9.4 million) per month, much cheaper than the global average living cost, according to LivingCost.org.

Cheapest Place to Live in the World

Meanwhile, the cheapest place to live in the world is Pakistan, according to the 2024 Cost of Living Index by Numbeo. This global database, sourced from mass-collected data, provides living cost figures for each country based on rent prices, food and restaurant prices, and local purchasing power (consumers’ ability to buy goods and services according to their income). Other countries in the top five include Nigeria, Libya, India, and Afghanistan.

Pakistan has low labor costs, resulting in cheaper services. Furthermore, the low value of the Pakistani rupee compared to currencies such as the U.S. dollar or euro makes goods and services relatively more affordable.

The large agricultural sector in the country also plays a significant role in providing affordable and locally produced food, reducing the cost of necessities. Additionally, government subsidies for essential goods such as fuel, electricity, and food, and low housing costs, also help lower living costs for consumers.

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