Georgia has been wanting to become an EU member for a while, and if it wasn’t for Russia, it would have been a member already. Up until 1991, Georgia used to be part of the USSR. It still has a border with Russia, and the two countries rarely see eye to eye.
Freedom of speech is protected by the Georgian constitution and the Georgian media often uses it to criticizes its government. There are close to 4 million citizens living in Georgia, all of whom speak Georgian or Russian.
Local purchasing power is 66.97% lower
Rent is 91.43% cheaper
Groceries are 77.74% cheaper
Local goods and services are 72.63% cheaper
Romania
Famous for its vampire myths, Romania has quite a spooky reputation. Especially when you take in all the medieval buildings and castles around it. Other than being a great set for Dracula-themed movies, this country also has an impressive Black Sea shoreline.
There are nearly 20 million people living in this Eastern European country, and their official language is Romanian.
Local purchasing power is 46.56% lower
Rent is 90.41% cheaper
Groceries are 70.95% cheaper
Local goods and services are 64.37% cheaper
Serbia
Serbia has a very rocky history. It used to be part of Yugoslavia and then went on to be part of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro. It finally became independent in 2006. This landlocked country is neighbor to Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania and Bulgaria.
Serbia is now officially an EU member. Its nearly 9 million residents enjoy the country's affordable cost of living. If you learn a few words in Serbian, the local language, you might be able to enjoy it too.
Local purchasing power is 59.2% lower
Rent is 92.75% cheaper
Groceries are 75.04% cheaper
Local goods and services are 66.21% cheaper
Zambia
Located in Southern Africa, Zambia is home to a population of 18.3 million. Locals and visitors alike can find plenty of hiking trails and wildlife to explore. As English speakers, you would be happy to know that Zambia's official language is English.
This country is landlocked, but when it can brag about being home to the famous Victoria Falls, why would it ever need a beach?
Local purchasing power is 10.07% higher
Rent is 78.06% cheaper
Groceries are 66.17% cheaper
Local goods and services are 55.27% cheaper
Nepal
This country is located in South Asia and shares a border with both India and China. The local economy is in bad shape and it mostly relies on tourism. This means that as foreigners, your dollars can get you pretty far here.
With eight of the highest mountains in the world within its borders (yes, Mount Everest too), Nepal is heaven for hikers and climbers.
Local purchasing power is 74.91% lower
Rent is 96.64% cheaper
Groceries are 73.62% cheaper
Local goods and services are 69.98% cheaper