Countries with the Lowest Cost of Living in 2025
Afghanistan ranks #1 for affordability with a cost of living index of 0.0 — well below the global median.
Updated March 2026
Key takeaways
- Afghanistan tops the ranking for lowest cost of living at 0.0.
- 168 countries scored — top 3 are Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran.
- Methodology: deterministic, sourced from NoodlePants' tracked dataset, refreshed March 2026.
Top 10 at a glance
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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?
Afghanistan currently leads with 0.0.
Can foreigners buy property in Afghanistan?
Foreign buyers face restrictions in Afghanistan — check local rules before committing.
How do I compare countries internationally?
Use the interactive world map or take the matchmaking quiz.