7 countries where $2000 a month lets you live like royalty

If you’ve ever dreamed of trading in the daily grind for a more comfortable life abroad, here’s some good news: In certain parts of the world, $2000 a month isn’t just enough to scrape by—it’s enough to thrive. In fact, in these 7 countries, that budget can give you a lifestyle that feels almost luxurious: a spacious apartment, regular dining out, help around the house, and a life with less stress and more freedom.

Let’s take a closer look at the countries where your money stretches further than you might believe.

1. Vietnam

City to consider: Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City
Why it works:
Vietnam offers a perfect blend of affordability, culture, and coastline. In cities like Da Nang, $2000 a month affords you a high-end apartment (with a pool or sea view), meals out every day, frequent massages, and even a part-time housekeeper.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • 1–2 bedroom modern apartment: $500–$800

  • Daily Vietnamese or Western meals: $10/day

  • Weekly massages: $40–$60/month

  • House cleaner (2x a week): $60/month

  • Gym, café, and entertainment: $200–$300

  • Savings or travel buffer: $500+

Bonus: Vietnam’s friendly locals, incredible street food, and motorbike lifestyle make it a fun place to live. Fast Wi-Fi and a rising expat community round out the experience.

2. Mexico

City to consider: Mérida, Oaxaca, or Puerto Vallarta
Why it works:
With its rich culture, colorful markets, and warm people, Mexico has long been a favorite for digital nomads and retirees. Healthcare is affordable, domestic help is inexpensive, and meals are both delicious and cheap.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • Stylish colonial apartment or condo: $600–$900

  • Dining out 5x a week: $150/month

  • Weekly cleaner or cook: $100/month

  • Health insurance or private clinics: $50–$150/month

  • Entertainment, travel, and extras: $300–$500

Bonus: You can live in a walkable city with a strong sense of community, and many areas have direct flights to the U.S. or Canada.

3. Portugal

City to consider: Braga or Coimbra
Why it works:
Western Europe might seem pricey, but Portugal—especially outside Lisbon—offers a high quality of life at a surprisingly low cost. It’s safe, scenic, and filled with charm. You get Mediterranean living without the Mediterranean price tag.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $600–$800

  • Groceries and markets: $200–$300

  • Dining out several times a week: $150

  • Public transport and SIM card: $50

  • Healthcare (if private): $50–$100

  • Travel or savings: $400+

Bonus: Portugal’s residency options and path to EU citizenship make it attractive for long-term living.

4. Thailand

City to consider: Chiang Mai or Hua Hin
Why it works:
Thailand is the blueprint for budget luxury. In Chiang Mai, for example, you can enjoy a modern apartment with cleaning service, daily meals out, weekend getaways, and regular massages—all within your $2000 budget.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • Furnished apartment with pool: $300–$500

  • Eating out every day: $150–$250

  • Bi-weekly maid: $40–$60

  • Gym and entertainment: $100

  • Weekend trips, cafes, coworking: $300+

  • Health insurance: $100

  • Leftover for savings or emergencies

Bonus: Thai hospitality, modern infrastructure, and vibrant expat networks make settling in easy.

5. Georgia (the country)

City to consider: Tbilisi or Batumi
Why it works:
Georgia is an up-and-coming digital nomad hub thanks to its “Remotely from Georgia” visa and shockingly low cost of living. It’s where European charm meets Caucasian generosity—and your money goes a long way.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • Modern apartment: $400–$600

  • Delicious local and international food: $200

  • Weekly cleaner: $40

  • High-speed internet, SIM card, transport: $50

  • Wine, entertainment, and trips to the mountains: $200–$400

  • Savings buffer: $600+

Bonus: Georgia has 1-year visa-free entry for many nationalities and fast residency options.

6. Colombia

City to consider: Medellín
Why it works:
The “City of Eternal Spring” is affordable, lush, and filled with culture. Medellín has emerged as one of the top spots for remote workers, offering strong infrastructure and a lower cost of living than you’d expect for its modernity.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • Luxury apartment in a good neighborhood: $600–$800

  • Local and international dining: $200–$300

  • Housekeeper or nanny: $150/month

  • Gym, Spanish classes, or salsa nights: $100–$200

  • Private health insurance: $50–$100

  • Travel, weekend hikes, or internal flights: $300+

Bonus: Medellín’s metro system is clean and efficient, and the city’s cultural scene is vibrant and safe in most areas.

7. Philippines

City to consider: Dumaguete or Iloilo
Why it works:
With English as an official language and a very affordable cost of living, the Philippines is ideal for expats seeking a beach-town life. Domestic help is affordable, and $2000/month puts you among the top spenders in town.

What you get for $2000/month:

  • Spacious home or condo near the beach: $400–$700

  • Housekeeper or nanny: $100/month

  • Daily local meals or cooking service: $150–$200

  • Scooter rental, fuel, transport: $50

  • Health care, phone, internet: $100

  • Travel to nearby islands: $200–$400

  • Savings or buffer: $300+

Bonus: Island-hopping and crystal-clear waters are part of daily life. You can even hire a driver or chef and still stay well within budget.

Final Thoughts

Living like royalty isn’t just about gold-plated fixtures or Michelin-starred dinners. It’s about freedom—freedom from financial anxiety, from soul-crushing commutes, from constantly watching your bank account.

In each of these 7 countries, $2000 a month buys you more than comfort. It buys you time, space, and ease. Whether you want to live by the beach, in a walkable cultural hub, or a mountain town with cool weather, there’s a place on this list for you.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Could I really just pack up and go?”—the answer might be yes. Not only can you go, but you might end up living better than you ever imagined.

Leave a Comment