The 10 Cheapest Countries to Live In, Pakistan Ranked First

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The living cost in almost all countries around the globe continues to increase. This condition is caused by rising prices of goods and services, declining rate of purchasing power, shifting consumption patterns, and the weight of the consumption value of some commodities. 

However, several countries record relatively low living costs. The low living cost, including daily necessities, is due to several factors, such as domestic poverty and a large population. 

Countries with the cheapest living cost

Database portal Numbeo compiled a list of 146 countries in Asia, America, Africa, Europe, and Oceania based on their cost-of-living index in 2024. The list was determined by considering the relative prices of consumer goods, such as groceries, restaurants, transport, and utilities. 

The 10 countries with the cheapest living costs in 2024 are as follows: 

1. Pakistan

Pakistan is ranked first as the country with the lowest living cost. With a living cost index score of 18.5, each individual in Pakistan only spends around US$321.5 or Rp5.1 million (exchange rate Rp15,895) monthly, not including rent. 

2. Nigeria

In second place is Nigeria, which has a living cost index score of 19.3. The living cost in the country is low due to the weakening global oil prices, which are its main export commodity. The living cost in Nigeria is estimated to be US$581.9 or Rp9.2 million per month, excluding rent. 

3. Libya

With a living cost index score of 21.2, each person in Libya only needs to spend US$375.3 or Rp5.9 million per month, excluding housing costs. However, Libya is facing political and security instability that could jeopardize the economic situation since 2021. 

4. India

As one of the most populous countries in the world, India recorded a living cost index score of 22.2. As reported by Al Jazeera on Sunday, February 5, 2023, India is home to 228.9 million poor people.

Each person in India spends at least US$345.8 or Rp5.4 million per month to make ends meet, not including rent. 

5. Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the cheapest countries to live in with an index score of 22.8. The estimated budget needed to support one person in Afghanistan is US$410.7 or Rp6.5 million per month, not including housing costs. 

6. Kenya

With a living cost index score of 24.8, the amount of money needed to fulfill the needs of an individual in Kenya is US$506 or Rp8 million per month, excluding rent. According to Business Day Africa on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Kenya’s low living cost was due to falling fuel prices. 

7. Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a living cost index score of 24.9 in 2024. Each person in Bangladesh spends at least US$368.4 or Rp5.8 million per month for daily activities, excluding rent. However, based on Swedwatch's report, some garment workers in the country earn only 89-98 Euros or Rp1.5-1.6 million (exchange rate Rp17,258) per month. 

8. Syria

Each Syrian resident spends at least US$375.3 or Rp5.9 million monthly to survive (not including rent). The living cost index score is 25 in Syria. 

9. Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Having a living cost index score of 25.2, a person in Madagascar has to prepare funds of around US$413.6 Rp6.5 million per month, not including the cost of renting a residence. 

10. Tanzania

Achieving a living cost index score of 26, each individual in Tanzania must spend a budget of at least US$451.6 or Rp7.1 million per month to live, without the cost of renting a residence. 

Meanwhile, Indonesia is ranked 21st as one of the cheapest countries to live in. According to Numbeo, the budget needed for someone in Jakarta to survive is US$511 or Rp8.1 million per month, excluding housing. 

AL JAZEERA | NUMBEO | BUSINESS DAY AFRICA | SWEDWATCH | MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA 

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