Southeast Asia is the world's most popular region for budget expats, digital nomads, and retirees. Tropical weather, incredible food, fast-growing internet infrastructure, and monthly costs that start under $800. Here's every SE Asian country in our database, ranked by budget.

Countries

from $600

Cheapest

from $3,800

Most expensive

Total cities

🇱🇦

Laos

Southeast Asia's hidden gem — ultra-low costs, slow living, and the warmth of the Mekong

from $600 40 Mbps Limited — basic in tourist areas and expat venues 2 cities

🇲🇲

Myanmar

Southeast Asia's frontier — ancient pagodas, ultra-low costs, and a resilient culture navigating historic change

from $600 26 Mbps Limited — basic in Yangon expat areas 2 cities

🇹🇭

Thailand

Southeast Asia's most beloved expat destination — tropical paradise, ultra-low costs, incredible food, and a 10-million-strong expat community

from $800/mo 200 Mbps Moderate in cities; limited outside tourist areas 3 cities

🇻🇳

Vietnam

Southeast Asia's rising star — incredibly affordable, vibrant street food culture, fast-growing expat scene, and a 90-day e-visa that renews with ease

from $800/mo 120 Mbps Good in expat areas and tourist hubs; limited elsewhere 3 cities

🇮🇩

Indonesia

Tropical archipelago paradise — volcanic landscapes, ancient temples, world-class surf, and a Bali digital nomad scene unlike anywhere else

from $800/mo 150 Mbps Good in Bali/expat areas; limited outside tourist zones 3 cities

🇰🇭

Cambodia

Southeast Asia's most laid-back expat haven — dollar-based economy, ultra-low cost of living, easy long-term visas, and a welcoming culture that makes settling in effortless

from $800/mo 35 Mbps Widely spoken in expat areas and tourist hubs 3 cities

🇧🇳