Not every ESL teacher wants to maximize savings \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
The cheapest countries for ESL teachers combine three factors:<\/p>\n
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\u2013$500\/month. Street food meals cost $1\u2013$3. You can live very well and still save. See our Vietnam country guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you want the cheapest possible experience with good job prospects, Vietnam is the clear winner<\/strong> \u2014 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Not every ESL teacher wants to maximize savings \u2014 some prioritize experience, lifestyle, or simply stretching their money as far as possible. If you want to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary\u2026Read more 2. Cambodia \u2014 Most Accessible<\/h3>\n
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3. Thailand \u2014 Lifestyle Winner<\/h3>\n
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4. Indonesia \u2014 Hidden Gem<\/h3>\n
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5. Myanmar \u2014 Adventurous Budget Option<\/h3>\n
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Cost of Living Comparison Table<\/h2>\n
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\n \nExpense<\/th>\n Vietnam<\/th>\n Cambodia<\/th>\n Thailand<\/th>\n Indonesia<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Rent (1BR apartment)<\/td>\n $300\u2013$500<\/td>\n $250\u2013$400<\/td>\n $250\u2013$450<\/td>\n $200\u2013$400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Street food meal<\/td>\n $1\u2013$3<\/td>\n $1.50\u2013$3<\/td>\n $1.50\u2013$3<\/td>\n $1\u2013$2.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Restaurant meal<\/td>\n $3\u2013$8<\/td>\n $3\u2013$6<\/td>\n $3\u2013$8<\/td>\n $3\u2013$7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Monthly transport<\/td>\n $30\u2013$50<\/td>\n $30\u2013$60<\/td>\n $30\u2013$50<\/td>\n $25\u2013$50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Gym membership<\/td>\n $20\u2013$40<\/td>\n $25\u2013$50<\/td>\n $25\u2013$50<\/td>\n $20\u2013$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Internet<\/td>\n $10\u2013$20<\/td>\n $15\u2013$30<\/td>\n $15\u2013$25<\/td>\n $15\u2013$30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Health insurance<\/td>\n $50\u2013$100<\/td>\n $50\u2013$100<\/td>\n $50\u2013$100<\/td>\n $40\u2013$80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Total monthly<\/td>\n $500\u2013$900<\/td>\n $500\u2013$800<\/td>\n $600\u2013$900<\/td>\n $400\u2013$700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Tips for Living Cheaply Abroad<\/h2>\n
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The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n