Which country is more expensive for Expat?

Everybody wants to travel, discover the world, different countries, cultures, monuments landscapes, and new people… Today, so many students plan an expat in another country during the studies, in a partner university, or between 2 years of studies. Lots of destinations are so attractive and coveted.

Bangkok, Thailand

Buzzing, hip and dynamic. Bangkok is the city of angels and the capital of Thailand. Apart from being one of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok is also an ideal destination for expats to settle in. Modern, affluent and affordable, you’ll find everything you ever need such as entertainment complexes, nightlife and even business opportunities. it is just so convenient here: from transportation to all kinds of restaurants, an amazing nightlife and tons of things to explore every day.

Accommodation: To rent something similar it would cost around 30000 Baht per month which really isn’t too affordable on a local wage. 1 bedroom apartments, simple and yet comfortable for maybe 10,000 Baht per month.

Eating: It is a good place for cheap international food. You can easily eat on a dollar when living in Bangkok

Drinks and nightlife: Big beers cost around $1.50 at the local corner shop. If planning to party when living in Bangkok, it can become expensive. It is easy to spend $50 on a night out.

Transport: taxi prices rarely go higher than 150 Baht within Bangkok’s CBD, so they are no doubt ridiculously cheap.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a ‘melting pot’ of cultures embracing newbies and absorbing them into its lifestyle, culture and community. Despite being filled with people from all over Canada, Northern America and the rest of the world, the city doesn’t have an expat vibe to it; everyone lives in the city is their own.

Accommodation: Unlike Vancouver, Toronto still real estate properties that are affordable. Apartments located in Summerhill, Forrest Hill, Rosedale, Moore Park, Lawrence Park, East York, Harbourfront, The Annex, Midtown and Yorkville costs a monthly rent from C$1,916 for 60 square meter apartment to C$3,400 for a 120 square meter apartment. Sharing an apartment is a good idea in Toronto. A room costs about C$600 monthly.

Eating: Dining in restaurants costs approximately C$25.00 for a three-course meal. Drinking in bars costs C$3.50 for coffee while beer costs C$4.50.

Transport: Metered taxi flag down costs USD$3.00 and one needs to add USD$1.50 per additional kilometer. Taxi companies include Crown Taxi, Diamond Taxicab, and Royal Taxi.

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is incredibly modern and yet wildly traditional at the same time. Here you also get a dizzying variety of gastronomic experience to choose from at an affordable price.

Accommodation: Discovery Bay on Lantau Island is popular with expats and offers affordable housing options, as well as access to international schools. A small one bedroom apartment in one area might cost HK$14,000 while a larger one further from the city center might be HK$8,000.

Utilities can be one of your biggest expenses. A monthly electric, gas, water, and garbage bill can be around HK$1,000.

Eating: Dining prices can vary greatly depending on the kind of eatery you choose to frequent. Eating at a small noodle bar can offer you a lunch for under USD$3.

Transport: Taxis are affordable and start at a fixed price of USD$2.50.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, with its wonderful hot climate, miles of beaches and a thriving economy is a popular destination for expats from all over the world.

Accommodation: Rents in popular expat areas such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and old town Dubai, for a two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from AED 100,000 to AED 140,000 annually, whereas a modest two-bedroom apartment further out in areas such as Al Qusais will cost you around AED 75,000 per year.

Eating: It is possible to eat out fairly often in Dubai for cheap prices as the city provides a variety of dining options to suit many budgets.

Transport: Taxi for one kilometer is AED 1.75.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The cost of living in Buenos Aires is above average compared to most large cities. However, the Argentinian economy does have a tendency to fluctuate and inflation is very unstable.

Accommodation: Expats should be aware that if they choose to rent in Argentina they will pay much more than what a local would. Expats will be required to provide a few months’ rents in advance and will also need a guarantor. New arrivals can expect to budget about 20 percent of their income for accommodation.

Eating: The meal at a mid-range restaurant is ARS 560.

Transport: For a taxi in Buenos Aires, the kilometer is ARS 17.00.