Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about the cost. The good news? You don't have to drain your savings to make it happen. With some careful planning and a few insider tips, you can move abroad without breaking the bank.

In this guide, you'll learn step-by-step strategies to keep your moving costs low, find affordable housing, and make smart decisions. Let's dive in!

Why Moving Abroad Can Be Affordable (Yes, Really!)

The idea of moving to a new country may seem expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Many Americans assume the process will cost a fortune, but with the right approach, you can drastically reduce costs.

Moving abroad can open doors to affordable living in countries where the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. But how do you get there without overspending? Here’s how!

Step 1: Plan Early and Save

Moving abroad doesn’t happen overnight, and that's a good thing! The more time you give yourself to prepare, the more opportunities you’ll have to save. Here's how to start:

Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend. Think about your savings, expected income, and any financial support you might receive. This will help you avoid surprise costs along the way.

Research Your Destination: Each country has different costs associated with moving there. Find out the average cost of living, transportation, and health care. Knowing this will help you plan for daily expenses once you arrive.

Pro Tip: Look for countries with a low cost of living that still offer a high quality of life. For example, destinations like Costa Rica and Portugal are popular choices for budget-conscious expats.

Step 2: Reduce Moving Costs

Moving your belongings overseas can get expensive, but there are ways to cut costs.

Ship Only Essentials: The less you take, the cheaper it will be. Sell or donate items you don’t need, and ship only the essentials. In many cases, it’s cheaper to buy new furniture and household goods once you arrive.

Use Affordable Shipping Options: Get quotes from different international shipping companies and consider shared container shipping, which can save you a significant amount.

Pack Smart: Packing yourself can save a lot of money. Avoid hiring a packing service and use free or low-cost materials to secure your items.

Pro Tip: Some expats recommend using vacuum-seal bags to save space and money when packing clothes and bedding.

Step 3: Find Affordable Flights

Flying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you know when and where to look.

Book Early: Flights tend to be cheaper if you book in advance, ideally six months ahead of time. Use flight comparison websites to find the best deals, and set up alerts for price drops.

Fly During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid flying during holidays or peak seasons when ticket prices are highest. Traveling in the off-season can save you hundreds of dollars.

Choose Budget Airlines: While budget airlines may not offer luxury, they are a great way to save money on one-way international tickets.

Pro Tip: Look for flights to smaller, less busy airports. You can sometimes find much cheaper tickets by flying into a neighboring city and taking a bus or train to your final destination.

Step 4: Secure Affordable Housing

Housing is one of the biggest expenses when moving abroad, but there are ways to keep costs low.

Rent Before You Buy: If you’re planning to settle down for a long time, resist the urge to buy a property right away. Renting first allows you to get a feel for the local market and neighborhoods before committing to a large purchase.

Look for Short-Term Rentals: Websites like Airbnb or local classifieds often have short-term rental options. This is ideal for your first few months abroad, giving you time to find something more permanent.

Co-Living and House Shares: Many expats save money by sharing housing with others. Co-living spaces are increasingly popular in cities around the world, offering affordable rent in exchange for shared common areas.

Common Mistake: Don’t sign a long-term lease before visiting the property. Make sure to visit or have a trusted contact check the place before committing to a lease.

Step 5: Cut Daily Living Costs

Once you're abroad, the key to staying within your budget is cutting your daily living costs. Here’s how:

Cook at Home: Eating out can get expensive, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Cooking your own meals is an easy way to save money while also getting familiar with local ingredients and cuisine.

Use Public Transportation: Instead of buying a car or using taxis, rely on public transportation. In most countries, public transportation is affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Shop Locally: Visit local markets and shop where the locals do. This helps you avoid overpriced tourist shops and get the best deals on food and other essentials.

Pro Tip: Some countries have local discount cards for public transportation and shopping. Do a little research to find out if these are available in your new country.

Step 6: Find Work Abroad

Having a steady income stream can make moving abroad much more affordable. Here are a few ways to earn while living abroad:

Remote Work: One of the easiest ways to make money abroad is by working remotely. Many Americans keep their jobs back home and work from a new country.

Freelancing: If you’re skilled in writing, graphic design, programming, or another in-demand field, freelancing allows you to work from anywhere in the world. Websites like Upwork or Fiverr can help you get started.

Teach English: Teaching English is a popular job for expats, especially in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Spain. Some positions even offer housing and travel allowances.

Pro Tip: Look for countries with high demand for English teachers. You can often secure a visa with a teaching job.

Step 7: Health Insurance on a Budget

Health care costs can be a concern when moving abroad, but you don’t have to break the bank to stay covered.

Look for Expat Insurance Plans: There are several international health insurance providers that offer affordable plans for expats. These plans often cover you in multiple countries, so you’re protected no matter where you go.

Explore Local Healthcare: In many countries, health care is significantly cheaper than in the U.S. Some countries offer free or low-cost care to residents. Check out the healthcare system in your new country and see what’s available to expats.

Common Mistake: Don’t wait until the last minute to get health insurance. Make sure you’re covered from the moment you arrive.

How to Move Abroad on a Budget

Moving abroad can be affordable with the right planning. Let’s recap the key steps:

Plan early and set a realistic budget.
Cut moving costs by shipping only essentials and booking affordable flights.
Find affordable housing through renting, co-living, or short-term rentals.
Cut daily costs by cooking at home and using public transportation.
Find work abroad through remote jobs, freelancing, or teaching English.
Get affordable health insurance by exploring expat plans or local healthcare options.

With these steps, moving abroad doesn’t have to be a financial burden. In fact, it could be a way to save money and enjoy a more affordable lifestyle!

Congratulations!

You now have a solid plan to move abroad without breaking the bank. Remember, the key to success is preparation and flexibility. Start small, do your research, and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

Ready to take the next step? Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and insider advice on making your move abroad as smooth and budget-friendly as possible. And if you’re ready to start planning, check out our guide to visa requirements.

Good luck, and safe travels!

How to Move Abroad Without Breaking the Bank: Insider Tips for Americans