Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living in 2025 (2026)
India ranks #1 for affordability with a cost of living index of 25.8 — well below the global median.
Updated March 2026
| # | Country | Cost of Living Index | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  India | 25.8 | View → |
| 2 |  Colombia | 30.6 | View → |
| 3 |  Vietnam | 32.0 | View → |
| 4 |  Indonesia | 32.5 | View → |
| 5 |  Malaysia | 35.1 | View → |
| 6 |  Thailand | 35.9 | View → |
| 7 |  Brazil | 36.2 | View → |
| 8 |  Philippines | 36.4 | View → |
| 9 |  South Africa | 36.7 | View → |
| 10 |  Mexico | 38.4 | View → |
| 11 |  Argentina | 38.5 | View → |
| 12 |  Poland | 41.6 | View → |
| 13 |  Czech Republic | 47.2 | View → |
| 14 |  Greece | 49.5 | View → |
| 15 |  Portugal | 50.3 | View → |
| 16 |  Spain | 52.1 | View → |
| 17 |  Italy | 53.4 | View → |
| 18 |  Japan | 55.6 | View → |
| 19 |  United Arab Emirates | 56.9 | View → |
| 20 |  France | 58.7 | View → |
| 21 |  Germany | 60.8 | View → |
| 22 |  Sweden | 62.5 | View → |
| 23 |  Netherlands | 65.1 | View → |
| 24 |  United Kingdom | 65.2 | View → |
| 25 |  Canada | 66.3 | View → |
| 26 |  New Zealand | 67.8 | View → |
| 27 |  Australia | 70.1 | View → |
| 28 |  United States | 70.4 | View → |
| 29 |  Singapore | 78.4 | View → |
| 30 |  Switzerland | 101.2 | View → |
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What affects lowest cost of living?
Cost of living indices weight rent, groceries, transport, and restaurant prices. A low index usually maps to lower local wages too.
Imported goods (electronics, foreign brands) often cost the same or more in cheap-COL countries due to import duties.
Big cities in low-COL countries can be 50–100% more expensive than secondary cities in the same country.
Frequently asked
Which country has the lowest cost of living?
India currently leads with 25.8.
Can foreigners buy property in India?
Foreign buyers face restrictions in India — check local rules before committing.
How do I compare countries internationally?
Use the interactive world map or take the matchmaking quiz.