Which Country Has the Cheapest Living Cost in 2026?
The dream of studying abroad not only involves the cost of study but also the cost of living, which can significantly affect the overall concept of affordable international education. Considering the cost of living, including food, accommodation, healthcare, utilities, travelling, and airfare, which adds to the cost of studying abroad, is vital for students planning to study abroad, along with tuition fees.
Knowing and choosing countries with a low cost of living can make a major impact for students planning to study abroad in 2026 who want to keep their expenses under control. So, every student planning to study abroad wants to know which country has the cheapest living cost in 2026. But the answer to the question is that it depends on a particular set of factors, including lifestyle, city of residence, and exchange rates. Regardless of these factors, some countries consistently rank as the most affordable destinations for international students.
This article will help students searching for affordable countries with a low cost of living in 2026 by detailing the countries to live in with a low cost of living.
Also, read: What are the Benefits of Studying Abroad 2026?
Which Country Has the Cheapest Living Cost in 2026?
Here are the details of the countries with the cheapest living costs in 2026, which students planning to study abroad can use to know which country has the cheapest cost of living in 2026.
Top Countries with the Cheapest Living Costs in 2026
Bangladesh
One of the countries with the cheapest living costs in 2026 is Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of Asia’s most budget-friendly countries with low rental prices and affordable expenses. In 2026, the estimated cost of living for a single person per month, excluding rent, is ₹32,887. The rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is ₹8,787 per month. The rent for a single-bedroom apartment outside the city is ₹4,574 per month. Therefore, in 2026, the total cost of living for a single person per month, including the rent of a one-bedroom apartment inside the city in Bangladesh, is ₹41,674. The advantages of choosing Bangladesh include inexpensive accommodation, affordable public transportation, and low food costs.
Nepal
Another country with low living costs in 2026 is Nepal. The low-cost lifestyle and unique culture of Nepal attract both students and travellers. In 2026, the monthly cost of living in Nepal for a single person without rent is ₹29,503. The rent for a single-bedroom apartment in the city is ₹11,556 per month. The rent for the one-bedroom apartment outside the city in Nepal is ₹6,056 per month. Therefore, in 2026, the total cost of living in Nepal for a single person per month, including the rent of a one-bedroom apartment inside the city, is ₹41059. Affordable housing and low transportation expenses are the advantages of choosing Nepal.
Turkey
Turkey is one of the countries with a low cost of living in 2026. The estimated monthly cost of living in Turkey in 2026 for a person, excluding rent, is ₹62,368. In 2026, the rent for a single-bedroom apartment inside the city in Turkey is ₹53,757. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city in Turkey is ₹38,206. Therefore, in 2026, the total cost of living in Turkey for a single person per month, including the rent of a one-bedroom apartment inside the city, is ₹116,125.
Poland
Poland is one of the countries that has a low cost of living in 2026, located in Europe. The estimated monthly cost of living in Poland in 2026 for a person, excluding rent, is ₹77,717. In 2026, the rent for the one-bedroom apartment outside the city in Poland is ₹71,827. The rent for the one-bedroom apartment outside the city in Poland is ₹57,416. Therefore, in 2026, the total cost of living in Poland for a single person per month, including the rent of a one-bedroom apartment inside the city, is ₹149,545.6.
Hungary
Hungary is one of the countries that has a low cost of living in 2026. The estimated monthly cost of living in Hungary in 2026 for a person, excluding rent, is ₹77,288. In 2026, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment inside the city in Hungary is ₹59,312. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city in Hungary is ₹46,508. Therefore, in 2026, the total cost of living in Hungary for a single person per month, including the rent of a one-bedroom apartment inside the city, is ₹136,600.
Malaysia
One of the countries that has a low cost of living in 2026 is Malaysia. The estimated monthly cost of living in Malaysia for a person, excluding rent, is ₹49,659. In 2026, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre in Malaysia is ₹36,334. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city in Malaysia is ₹25,431. Therefore, in 2026, the total cost of living in Malaysia for a single person per month, including the rent of a one-bedroom apartment inside the city, is ₹85,993.
Vietnam
Vietnam is also a country that has a low cost of living in 2026. The estimated cost of living in Vietnam for a single person per month is ₹40,644, excluding rent. In 2026, the cost of rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment inside the city is ₹37,960. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment per month outside the city is ₹24,635. The estimated cost of living in Vietnam per month for a single person in 2026 is ₹78,604.
Pakistan
One of the countries that ranks among the low-cost-of-living countries in 2026 is Pakistan. The approx. cost of living in Pakistan per person per month in 2026, without considering rent, is ₹33,380. The rent for a single-bedroom apartment inside the city per month is ₹36,087. The rent for the same single-bedroom apartment outside the city per month is ₹20,596. The average cost of living in Pakistan per month in 2026, including rent, is ₹69,467.
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Conclusion
Countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Pakistan have a low cost of living in 2026. Analysing a country with a low cost of living in 2026 is possible by understanding living expenses in each country. Understanding the cost of each country allows you to choose the best country with the cheapest cost of living in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
One of the European countries with a low cost of living in 2026 is Hungary.
Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Malaysia are the cheapest countries in Asia to live in.
Nepal has the lowest cost of living in 2026 due to its low rent, transportation, and food expenses. The most affordable options apart from Nepal are Bangladesh and Pakistan.
