Want to live, study or work overseas where the cost of living is affordable? But don’t want the added burden of learning a new language?
We have complied a list of the cheapest English-speaking countries to live in.
The 65 English-speaking countries
The following is the list of 65 countries and territories that are listed in the CIA World Factbook as speaking English.
It’s worth keeping in mind that just because English may be listed as an official language, it still may not be the main language spoken in the country. So you’ll be able to get around with English, but don’t expect everyone to be able to understand you. When English is listed as an official language in a country, it’s often used in education, business, and the government.
- American Samoa
- Anguilla Antigua
- Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- The Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Christmas Islands
- Cook Islands
- Dominica Falkland Islands (Isles Malvinas)
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guernsey
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Jersey
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Island’s
- Mauritius Micronesia
- Federated States of Montserrat Namibia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norfolk Island
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Palau
- Philippines
- The Pitcairn Islands
- Rwanda
- Saint Helena
- Saint Kits and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saint Maarten Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Vanuatu
- Virgin Islands
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Now we come to the all-important question, which of these English-friendly countries are affordable to live in? Some of the destinations on the list have English listed as an official language, but are notoriously expensive, like the popular vacation destination the Cayman Islands, for example, where it costs a single person $2, 844 per month in living costs, or even Ireland, where an individual can easily spend $2, 316 per month on basic essentials.
The cheapest countries to live in that speak English
1. Pakistan
English is one of the official languages of Pakistan (along with Urdu) and is widely used in legal contexts as well as in schools, where English is taught alongside Urdu. Though not the easiest expat destination, travelers can enjoy a very affordable stay while soaking in the historical and cultural sites, and the beautiful mosques and markets.
Monthly costs: $284 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $108 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 130 million (62% of the population)
2. India
While English is not the primary language in India (Hindi is), it listed as an official language and happens to be the language used in education. In fact, India has the second largest population in the world of English speakers, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find someone who understands you. For families thinking of relocating here, a plus is it offers lots of opportunities for a high level of education and the costs of in-house help or a nanny are very reasonable.
Monthly costs: $317 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $183 USD for a one 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 128 million (10% of the population)
3. Vietnam
Vietnamese is the official language in Vietnam, although English is increasingly becoming the second language, with around half of the population able to understand at least some English. If you are travelling in urban areas, then you should be able to get around with just English (although it will be much harder in rural areas).
Monthly costs: $463 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $371 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 48 million (50% of the population)
4. Malaysia
Malaysia is made up of people from three main ethnicities, the Malays, those of Chinese descent and those of Indian descent. English is not an official language in Malaysia (the three primary languages are Malay, Mandarin and Tamil) but it’s the language the three ethnicities use to communicate with each other.
English is a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary education and is widely understood and used so it should be easy for you to get around. The low cost of food, housing, fuel and transport as well as the high level of health make this another popular expat destination.
Monthly costs: $475 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $376 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 15 million (62% of the population)
5. The Philippines
English isn’t the primary language in the Philippines either but it’s the language of business and the government and almost two thirds of the population speak at least some English. Rent, transport and restaurants are all ridiculously inexpensive in this country known for its friendly and polite people.
Monthly costs: $500 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $342 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 64 million (58% of the population)
6. Fiji
Fiji has three official languages listed in its constitution and English is one of them. Fijian is the main language spoken at home; however almost everyone speaks English as a second language as it is widely used in business, education and the government. A plus with Fiji is that you can easily get a tourist visa for 4 months.
Monthly costs: $522 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $557 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
7. South Africa
English is the dominant language in media, business, and the government in South Africa, although the main language spoken at home by South Africans is Zulu. If you are moving to an urban area, you’ll be able to get around with English. Many expats receive high salaries in South Africa, and with the cheap cost of labour, in house or domestic help is affordable.
Monthly costs: $537 (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $441 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 16 million (31% of the population)
8. Thailand
If you move to a major city or tourist destination in Thailand, then you will be able to get around ok with English (although in rural parts of Thailand it would be much harder to find someone who understands you). Thailand is an obvious choice for expats relocating with cheap food and groceries (especially if you learn to bargain in the markets like a local) combined with friendly people and spectacular scenery.
Monthly costs: $563 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $409 USD for a one-bedroom in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 17 million (27% of the population)
9. Romania
Although English isn’t the official language in Romania, almost a third of the population can speak English. If you’ve always wanted to live and work in Europe, it’s a good option as it’s one of the more affordable European countries.
Monthly costs: $547 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $374 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 6 million (31% of the population)
10. Hungary
Hungary is another EU country that is very affordable, as well as having incredible architecture and landmarks everywhere you turn. With many young Hungarians speaking English and a large expat population, you’ll fit right in.
Monthly costs: $588 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $434 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 6 million (57% of the population)
11. Guyana
This Caribbean country in South America boasts incredible scenery with tropical rainforests and exotic wildlife. English is the official language in Guyana, although you’ll hear a mixture of English, Hindi and Guyanese creole spoken in the general public.
Monthly costs: $688 (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $353 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 680,000 thousand (90% of the population)
12. Ghana
While surrounded by countries that have political unrest, this African country is relatively safe. English is the official language of Ghana and it is used by the government, the education system and over half of the population. While luxury accommodation can come with a hefty price tag, if you’re happy renting a basic apartment then your cost of living can be very reasonable.
Monthly costs: $366 USD (without rent) for a single person
Monthly rent: $591 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Population of English speakers: 18 million (66% of the population)
If you are interested in living in Africa, there are a few other African countries where English is listed as the official language and prices are reasonable, such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Jamacia, Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
If you are planning to move overseas, not having to learn a new language will mean you can settle in far sooner than if you have to enrol in language classes. Just remember that even if a country is listed as speaking English, it doesn’t mean that everyone in the country will be able to speak it fluently. You may still have to learn some basic phrases in a local language to get around in rural areas or with people who haven’t learn English to a high enough standard to carry on a conversation.
It’s also worth checking current prices before you assume that somewhere is affordable, as we have found that many countries are experiencing high levels of inflation after the pandemic, and countries that used to be cheap destinations aren’t quite as affordable now.
I’m an educator and writer living abroad. I love languages, experiencing different cultures and going on adventures with my family.
