1. China

It might not be your typical work abroad destination but working in China can be both very affordable and very lucrative at the same time. Salaries here are higher than in many other Asian countries and the economy is booming, which means that there are plenty of jobs to choose from. Of course, the big cities like Shanghai and Beijing will come with a higher price tag, but salaries will also be significantly higher. China is an incredible country to explore and many work-abroad programs will host events and even throw in free Mandarin classes, so you might even end up learning a whole new language while there. Teaching English is the most popular job for expats in China, but Au Pair jobs can also be found easily.

• Cost of living: The cost of living in China can be surprisingly low if you avoid the biggest cities. Rent for a 1-bed apartment starts at $300, and a meal in a local restaurant costs around $3.

2. Poland

If your heart is set on working and living in one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe, Poland is another fantastic and affordable option. Much less known than its neighbor Germany, Poland is slowly becoming a hotspot for international travelers and expats. The big cities of Warsaw and Krakow are very modern and have all the Western amenities you could need, but at half the price you’d spend in Germany. Teaching is an option, but there is also a whole set of professional service job opportunities to be found that can pay very well.

Popular jobs here: Customer Service, Teaching English

• Cost of living: Rent for a 1-bed apartment starts at around $350 and a meal out at a cheap restaurant is only around $5.

3. Vietnam

For those wanting to live and work in an exotic place, but not pay a fortune, Vietnam is any budget traveler’s dream. It’s one of the best and cheapest countries to live in for expats. Although Vietnam is still a bit of an insider tip when it comes to cheap countries in which to live and travel, there’s plenty to see and do. Vietnam has stunning landscapes to explore, delicious local cuisine for foodies, and is also somewhat of an adventure travel destination.

The currency, the  Vietnamese Dong, is currently worth around VND23,000 to $1 and is one of the currencies that has weakened relative to the dollar in recent years. The most popular job for foreigners in Vietnam is teaching English. There are many opportunities for English teachers, with average monthly salaries ranging from $1,100 to USD 1,700, which is higher than in many neighboring countries.

• Cost of living: The cost of living in Vietnam depends on your chosen city or region. A small apartment can be rented for around $250 a month while eating out costs are around $1–3 per meal if you stick to local restaurants or street food, and around $10 at Western-style restaurants. Transportation is very cheap, with local public transport starting at around $0.30 and taxis from just $0.50 per kilometer.

4. Mexico

Mexico has something to offer everyone. Think of Mayan ruins in the jungle, turquoise Caribbean waters, and laid-back beach towns on the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and the food… From tacos to tamales, ceviche to aguas frescas, the food isn’t only drool-worthy, but also super cheap. Suppose you avoid exotic places like Cancun or Playa del Carmen and opt for more local destinations like Merida or Guanajuato. In that case, living costs can be a fraction of those in Western cities. Tourism, Teaching English, Au Pair, and Sales positions are the popular jobs.

• Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment costs $200-$500 per month, street food starts from $1 per meal, and a monthly pass for local transportation starts at $16.

5. South Korea

South Korea isn’t the cheapest country to work and live in, but it made this list because the salaries are very competitive, and programs often include free accommodation, which reduces the cost of living significantly. Teaching English is the obvious work choice, as South Korea has made a name for itself as one of the best destinations in the world for teaching English as a foreign language. Korea’s modern cities rival those in the US and Europe, the countryside is stunning and diverse, the food is incredible, and the people are friendly, making it a great destination to work, save money, and travel. Teaching English, and Sales are the most popular jobs.

• Cost of living: While higher than in Southeast Asian countries, South Korea is still affordable, with rents for 1-bed apartments starting at around $375 and restaurant meals starting from $6.