43-Year-Old Expat Pays $650 Rent Abroad—Says Never Moving Back to the U.S.

In today’s global economy, more Americans are choosing to live abroad for a better quality of life, lower cost of living, and less stress. One of the most talked-about stories in this trend is about a 43-year-old expat who pays just $650 in monthly rent abroad and says he’s never coming back to the U.S.

This personal journey isn’t just an inspiring anecdote—it reflects a broader shift among U.S. professionals, digital nomads, and retirees seeking affordable, fulfilling lifestyles outside the United States.

43-Year-Old Expat Pays $650 Rent Abroad

Why Are So Many Americans Moving Abroad?

Rising Cost of Living in the U.S.

The cost of living in the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation remains stubbornly high, and housing affordability is at its worst level in over a decade. In contrast, countries like Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Thailand offer far more affordable lifestyles.

Better Work-Life Balance

Many countries in Europe and Latin America emphasize work-life balance. For example, Spain has a legal limit of 40 hours per week, with generous vacation policies. Compare that with the U.S., where the average worker gets just two weeks of vacation annually.

Quality Healthcare at a Lower Cost

The World Health Organization ranks healthcare systems in countries like France, Italy, and Spain significantly higher than the U.S. system. Expats often report paying just $50 to $150/month for comprehensive health insurance plans abroad.

Growing Expat Communities

Whether you move to Lisbon, Chiang Mai, or Medellín, you’ll find vibrant expat communities that provide social support, cultural exchange, and practical advice. Many cities even have co-working hubs, English-speaking groups, and international schools.

A Real-Life Story: $650 Rent and No Plans to Return

Meet John, a 43-year-old originally from Chicago. Tired of grinding 60-hour weeks and paying $2,100/month for a one-bedroom apartment, he made a life-changing decision in 2018 to move to Portugal.

John now lives in a charming coastal town where he pays $650/month for a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment with ocean views. He runs a remote web design business and helps other Americans relocate through his consulting agency.

“I have no plans to move back. Here, I can walk everywhere, enjoy fresh local food, and never worry about a $500 medical bill,” says John.

How to Move Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Country

Start by researching countries that align with your budget, lifestyle, and visa options. Popular choices include:

• Portugal: Digital nomad-friendly, English widely spoken
• Spain: Great healthcare, rich culture
• Mexico: Close to the U.S., low cost of living
• Thailand: Warm climate, vibrant expat communities

Step 2: Understand Visa Requirements

Each country has different visa options:

• Digital Nomad Visas (Portugal, Spain)
• Retirement Visas (Mexico, Thailand)
• Student or Entrepreneur Visas Check each country’s official immigration site. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. State Department offers country-specific info.

Step 3: Plan Your Finances

Make a budget that includes:

• Rent
• Health insurance
• Groceries and dining
• Transportation
• Travel expenses

Tip: Use Numbeo.com or Expatistan for current cost-of-living data.

Step 4: Set Up Remote Income

Many expats work remotely as:

• Freelancers (web design, writing, marketing)
• Remote employees
• Online entrepreneurs

Consider platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal to find freelance gigs.

Step 5: Downsize and Make the Move

Sell or store your belongings, book a one-way ticket, and plan your transition. Join expat Facebook groups to connect with locals before you arrive.

Step 6: Adjust to Your New Life

Give yourself time to adapt. Learn the local language, understand cultural customs, and build new friendships. Use resources like Meetup, Internation’s, and local coworking spaces to stay connected.

Countries Where $650 Goes a Long Way

Portugal

• 1-BR apartment in small cities: $500–700
• Public healthcare available
• Safe and welcoming

Mexico

• Apartments in cities like Merida or Oaxaca: $400–650
• Warm climate and friendly locals

Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 1-BR for $300–500/month
• Delicious food, great expat support

Spain

• Coastal cities like Valencia: $600–800 rent
• Fantastic public transportation

Colombia

• Medellín: $400–600 for modern apartments
• Spring-like climate year-round
• Thriving digital nomad scene

Tools & Resources for Moving Abroad

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): For international banking
• VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN: To securely access U.S. content
• Google Fi or Airalo: For affordable international phone plans
• Health Insurance: Cigna Global, IMG, or SafetyWing
• Flight Deals: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Scott’s Cheap Flights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is living abroad legal for U.S. citizens?

Yes, as long as you follow the visa requirements of the host country.

2. What if I don’t speak the language?

Many expat-friendly countries have large English-speaking populations. Language apps and classes help ease the transition.

3. Can I keep my U.S. bank accounts and address?

Yes, but you may need to set up international banking and mail forwarding.

4. How do I handle taxes?

You still need to file a U.S. tax return. Look into the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and consult a tax advisor familiar with expat taxes.

5. Is $650/month realistic?

Absolutely. While it depends on the city and lifestyle, many expats live well under $1,000/month in popular destinations.

6. What happens to my Social Security?

You can still receive Social Security benefits abroad, depending on the country. Check the Social Security Administration’s website for eligibility rules.

7. Can families with kids live abroad comfortably?

Yes! Many expats choose locations with international schools and family-friendly amenities. Cities like Valencia, Lisbon, and Chiang Mai are popular among expat families.