Moving abroad sounds amazing until you start adding up the costs. Flights, accommodation, groceries, transportation, travel insurance and the money you will need before your first paycheck arrives can make the whole idea feel a little less realistic.
But living abroad does not necessarily mean draining your savings to fund an extended vacation. The secret is choosing a destination where your everyday expenses are manageable and, ideally, finding a job that helps cover some of the biggest costs.
For many aspiring travellers, teaching English abroad is one way to make this possible. A TEFL teaching position can provide a regular income while giving you the opportunity to explore a new country on your days off. Depending on the destination and contract, benefits such as furnished housing, flight reimbursement, visa sponsorship and paid vacation can make a significant difference to your budget.
If you want to experience life abroad without spending every paycheck on simply being there, here are four destinations worth considering, including countries where myTEFL offers teaching placement opportunities.
South Korea is an excellent option for people who want a lively city experience without necessarily spending their entire salary on rent. From Seoul’s cafes and shopping districts to Busan’s beaches and coastal scenery, there is plenty to explore outside working hours.
The biggest financial advantage for many English teachers is housing. myTEFL’s South Korea placement program advertises furnished accommodation, employer-sponsored visa support, airfare assistance and salaries of approximately US$1,450 to US$1,850 per month, depending on the school and role. Some teachers may be able to save hundreds of dollars each month because they do not have to pay market rent.
Everyday spending is still important. Eating out frequently, shopping and enjoying Seoul’s nightlife can add up, especially in popular neighbourhoods. However, local restaurants, convenience stores and public transportation can help keep routine expenses manageable.
Another bonus? South Korea makes a great home base for exploring other parts of East Asia during holidays, although international flights and accommodation still need to fit your budget.
Best for: Travellers who want city life, reliable public transportation, pop culture and a structured route into working abroad.
Before choosing a destination, it is worth comparing the cost of everyday essentials in different countries. Resources like Numbeo’s cost of living comparisons can help you get a rough idea of how far your money might go.
2. Thailand: Affordable Everyday Adventures
Thailand is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers, and it is easy to understand why. Street food, local markets, affordable transportation and a wide range of accommodation options make it possible to experience a lot without spending a fortune.
You could spend your weekends exploring Bangkok’s neighbourhoods, visiting temples in Chiang Mai or saving up for a beach trip. Eating locally rather than relying on international restaurants can make a noticeable difference to your monthly spending.
myTEFL’s Thailand placement program lists a salary of around 35,000 Thai baht per month, approximately US$960, along with visa and work permit support, help finding affordable accommodation, orientation and on-the-ground assistance. Select contracts also include a flight reimbursement. Six-month and twelve-month contract options are available, subject to the program’s requirements.
Thailand’s lower everyday costs can help stretch that salary, but accommodation is a major variable. Rent in central Bangkok can be considerably higher than in smaller cities or less central neighbourhoods. You will also need to budget for utilities, visa-related expenses where applicable, and occasional trips home.
Best for: Travellers who love food, warm weather, cultural experiences and weekend adventures, and who are comfortable keeping their spending in check.
3. China: Higher Earning Potential and Room to Save
If your goal is not just to travel but to build up your savings while living abroad, China deserves a serious look.
The country offers an enormous range of experiences, from the fast-paced streets of Shanghai to historic cities, mountain landscapes and regional food destinations. Living there can also give you opportunities to explore places that might be expensive or difficult to fit into a short holiday.
The financial appeal is that English teaching positions can offer comparatively strong salaries, while some of the biggest living expenses may be covered by your employer. myTEFL’s China placement program lists monthly salaries of approximately US$1,700 to US$3,500, depending on the position and qualifications. Contracts may include round-trip airfare reimbursement, furnished housing or a housing allowance, visa sponsorship, paid holidays and completion bonuses.
These benefits can make a considerable difference. When rent is covered, more of your salary can go toward food, exploring the country, enjoying your free time or building savings.
Of course, China has a huge range of living costs. A major city, a smaller city and a more rural location can offer very different budgets. International products, imported snacks and frequent nights out can also eat into your savings faster than you expect.
Keep in mind that eligibility requirements are more restrictive than in some other destinations. A bachelor’s degree, an appropriate TEFL certificate and the necessary work authorization are required for the program.
Best for: People who want a major cultural experience while prioritizing earning potential and longer-term savings.
4. Costa Rica: A More Relaxed Lifestyle Without Constant Travel Spending
Not everyone wants to move abroad to live in a massive city. If your idea of a great weekend involves beaches, rainforest trails, wildlife and exploring small communities, Costa Rica could be a better fit.
Costa Rica is not automatically the cheapest destination on this list. Tourist hotspots, imported products and popular beach towns can be surprisingly expensive. However, choosing affordable accommodation, shopping locally and exploring places outside the busiest tourist areas can help you manage your expenses.
myTEFL’s Costa Rica placement program lists monthly salaries of approximately US$750 to US$1,100, along with work visa sponsorship, health insurance, housing assistance and 32 paid vacation days per year. The listed teaching schedule is approximately 17 to 26 hours per week.
The lower salary means budgeting is especially important here. Housing assistance does not necessarily mean free accommodation, and airfare coverage should never be assumed unless it appears in your specific contract. You will want to research rent near your placement, transportation options and the cost of everyday necessities before accepting a position.
The upside is the lifestyle. With paid time off and a manageable weekly teaching schedule, you could have opportunities to explore the country without paying for a separate international vacation every time you want an adventure.
Best for: Nature lovers who value outdoor experiences, cultural immersion and a slower pace of life over maximizing their savings.
How to Make Your Money Go Further Abroad
Whichever destination you choose, a few decisions can make the difference between constantly checking your bank balance and actually enjoying your experience.
- Compare the full employment package, not just the salary. A lower salary with free housing and airfare reimbursement may leave you with more money than a higher salary where you pay for everything yourself.
- Budget for the arrival period. Your first paycheck might not arrive immediately. Save enough for flights, deposits, meals, transportation and unexpected expenses before you leave.
- Choose your location carefully. Living outside the most expensive tourist districts can reduce rent, while local food and public transportation can help keep everyday spending down.
- Check what your contract actually covers. Confirm whether housing is free or subsidized, when flights are reimbursed, what health insurance includes and whether bonuses have conditions.
- Leave room for fun. Your goal is not to move abroad and never spend money. Budget for weekend trips, local experiences and the occasional meal out so you can enjoy the reason you moved in the first place.
It is also worth checking airfare from your home airport before committing to a destination. A country might be inexpensive once you arrive, but a costly long-haul flight, visa expenses or a large upfront deposit can change how much money you need to get started.
Which Destination Is Right for Your Budget?
There is no single cheapest country for everyone. Your ideal destination depends on whether you want to maximize savings, enjoy an affordable lifestyle or spend your free time exploring.
| Destination | Biggest budget advantage | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Furnished housing and airfare support | Spending in major cities can add up |
| Thailand | Affordable local food and everyday experiences | Housing and travel costs vary by location |
| China | Higher potential salaries and housing benefits | More restrictive work eligibility |
| Costa Rica | Paid vacation and outdoor adventures | Lower salaries make careful budgeting important |
The figures and benefits above are based on the current myTEFL destination pages. Individual offers vary, so always confirm your salary, housing arrangements, reimbursement terms and eligibility before making plans.
If working abroad is something you have been considering, you do not necessarily need a huge savings account or a perfectly mapped-out future to get started. You do need a realistic budget, a suitable job and a clear understanding of the costs involved.
With the right preparation, a year abroad can be more than an expensive trip. It can be an opportunity to earn an income, build your independence, discover a new culture and travel at a pace that would be difficult to manage during a short vacation.
Explore the destinations and requirements on the myTEFL job placement page to see which opportunities might suit your goals and budget.