Adelaide is often regarded as the cheapest place to live in Australia, with lower living costs compared to major cities. Regional areas are becoming more popular due to remote work opportunities, making them affordable choices.
Below, capital cities are listed from the cheapest overall median rental prices to the most expensive, as calculated by CoreLogic.
While there are lots of small towns with super-cheap rent, the most affordable big city in the U.S. is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It boasts an average rent price of $839 per month. Three of the top 10 most affordable cities are in the Midwest, including Tulsa, OK; St. Louis, MO; and Columbus, OH.
Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026
The most affordable countries among the safest in the world are Latvia, Chile, Costa Rica, Slovakia, and Lithuania. The cost of living in these states varies from $1,000 to $1,100 per month.
A minimum credit score of 670, or a rating of “good” on the FICO scale, is a common benchmark for landlords since it reflects a history of responsible credit management. However, this varies considerably from location to location and will vary, depending on the landlord.
But if you're cool with cornfields versus crashing waves, you're in luck.
Adelaide:
Adelaide has the lowest cost of living among Australia's main cities. The average monthly cost of living for students who choose to reside in the city centre is A$2,100 (rent included). This is 27% less than Sydney's average cost of living.
While backpacking Australia doesn't have to be ridiculously expensive, having around $5000 is a really good safety net that will cover you for at least a month of accommodation and basic living expenses while you get your feet.
That's where you spend no more than 30% of your income on rent. So, if you're earning $1,000 a week, you'd want to spend $300 or less on rent.
10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world
1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Of all U.S. metro areas with populations of more than 1 million, none has cheaper apartment rents than Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is the first of two Sooner State metropolitan areas to top the list of big cities with the cheapest apartment rents.
The lowest cost of living countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tunisia and Sri Lanka, based on findings from Data Pandas. Factors considered include housing, utility and food costs, and the affordability of goods and services.
The 2 percent rule in real estate is a quick test investors use to measure how profitable a rental property might be. It states that the monthly rent should be equal to or greater than 2 percent of the property's purchase price.
Adelaide consistently ranks among the most affordable cities in Australia while still offering the lifestyle and opportunities of a capital. With cheaper housing, lower rent, and strong job markets, it's a favourite choice for new arrivals. Why Adelaide is attractive: Affordable rent compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
Thailand: Tropical Living with Modern Infrastructure
Thailand remains Southeast Asia's most popular expat destination for good reason. Popular cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok offer vibrant lifestyles, with average monthly living costs of $800.
1. Fargo, ND