Not every ESL teacher wants to maximize savings — some prioritize experience, lifestyle, or simply stretching their money as far as possible. If you want to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary while enjoying a rich cultural experience, these are the cheapest countries to teach English abroad. We’ve ranked them by cost of living, quality of life, and job availability.
What Makes a Country “Cheap”?
The cheapest countries for ESL teachers combine three factors:
- Low cost of living — Cheap rent, food, and transport
- Reasonable teacher salaries — Enough to live well, even if savings are modest
- Good job availability — You can actually find work
Top 5 Cheapest Countries for ESL Teaching
1. Vietnam — The Best Value
- Monthly salary: $1,200–$2,200
- Monthly expenses: $500–$900
- Savings potential: $400–$1,000/month
Vietnam offers the best value-for-money of any ESL destination. Salaries are high relative to the extremely low cost of living. A comfortable apartment in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City costs $300–$500/month. Street food meals cost $1–$3. You can live very well and still save. See our Vietnam country guide.
2. Cambodia — Most Accessible
- Monthly salary: $800–$1,500
- Monthly expenses: $500–$800
- Savings potential: $200–$600/month
Cambodia is the cheapest country where you can legally teach without a degree. Phnom Penh has a thriving ESL market, and the visa process is the simplest in Southeast Asia. Cost of living is rock-bottom.
3. Thailand — Lifestyle Winner
- Monthly salary: $1,000–$1,500
- Monthly expenses: $600–$900
- Savings potential: $100–$500/month
Thailand isn’t the cheapest, but it offers the best lifestyle for the price. Beaches, mountains, incredible food, friendly people, and a well-established expat community. Chiang Mai is a particular favorite for its combination of low costs and high quality of life. See our Thailand country guide.
4. Indonesia — Hidden Gem
- Monthly salary: $800–$1,400
- Monthly expenses: $400–$700
- Savings potential: $100–$500/month
Indonesia, particularly Bali and Jakarta, offers very low living costs with a growing ESL market. Bali is a digital nomad hub, and English teachers are in demand.
5. Myanmar — Adventurous Budget Option
- Monthly salary: $700–$1,200
- Monthly expenses: $400–$600
- Savings potential: $100–$400/month
Myanmar is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia, but the political situation makes it a less stable choice. Research current conditions before considering.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Expense | Vietnam | Cambodia | Thailand | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment) | $300–$500 | $250–$400 | $250–$450 | $200–$400 |
| Street food meal | $1–$3 | $1.50–$3 | $1.50–$3 | $1–$2.50 |
| Restaurant meal | $3–$8 | $3–$6 | $3–$8 | $3–$7 |
| Monthly transport | $30–$50 | $30–$60 | $30–$50 | $25–$50 |
| Gym membership | $20–$40 | $25–$50 | $25–$50 | $20–$40 |
| Internet | $10–$20 | $15–$30 | $15–$25 | $15–$30 |
| Health insurance | $50–$100 | $50–$100 | $50–$100 | $40–$80 |
| Total monthly | $500–$900 | $500–$800 | $600–$900 | $400–$700 |
Tips for Living Cheaply Abroad
- Eat local food — Western restaurants cost 3–5x more than local ones.
- Share accommodation — Splitting rent with another teacher saves 50%.
- Use public transport or motorbikes — Taxis add up fast.
- Shop at local markets — Import grocery stores are very expensive.
- Avoid tourist traps — Prices near major attractions are always higher.
- Negotiate rent — In many countries, long-term rentals are negotiable.
- Supplement with private tutoring — $20/hour private students can double your savings.
The Bottom Line
If you want the cheapest possible experience with good job prospects, Vietnam is the clear winner — excellent salaries relative to very low costs. Cambodia is the most accessible (no degree needed), and Thailand offers the best overall lifestyle for the price. All three allow you to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary while experiencing incredible cultures.
