#cost of living

#cost of living

Globally, an estimated 50 million people were living as digital nomads by 2024, roughly doubling from around 20 million just a few years prior. In the United States alone, the number of people identifying as digital nomads increased from approximately 7.3 million in 2019 to 18.1 million in 2024, a 147% rise since pre-pandemic times. While remote workers once scattered randomly across the globe, something remarkable happened: they started clustering in specific countries where their foreign income could stretch furthest.

The idea of getting paid to move abroad sounds too good to be true, yet it's becoming a reality for many people. Around the world, countries and smaller regions are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. Whether it's to fight population decline, stimulate local economies, or revitalize rural towns, these programs are creating opportunities for adventurous individuals and families in 2025. For many, this isn't just about a paycheck-it's about lifestyle.

Europe often tops the list for expats seeking vibrant cultures, rich history, and scenic landscapes. But not every European city or country lives up to the idyllic image found in travel brochures. While many places offer incredible quality of life, others fall short due to high living costs, limited job opportunities, safety concerns, or overcrowding. Sometimes, what seems like a dream destination turns out to be a logistical or financial nightmare once you settle in.

After I graduated from college, I moved to Maine for a year to start my own company in the supply chain AI space. But after living in the Northeast for a year, shelling out over a thousand dollars each month on renting an apartment I often wasn't at because of the amount I was traveling for work, I decided to move back to my parents' house in the Bay Area. It made sense to move back home temporarily, from a career and financial perspective.

Democrats dominated the first major Election Day since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. And while a debate about the future of the Democratic Party may have only just begun, there are signs that the economy - specifically, Trump's inability to deliver the economic turnaround he promised last fall - may be a real problem for Trump's GOP heading into next year's higher-stakes midterm elections.

Start with the median household income for California's city-dwelling millennials at $109,600. That's 33% above the $82,600 median in the cities outside of California. Next, consider the overall median income of $101,200 in California compared with $76,100 elsewhere also a 33% gap. While California millennials are clearly well-compensated compared with their national peers, consider the modest premium they earn in-state.

Making the move to Asia is appealing to people of any age - from digital nomads to young families and professionals keen to get amongst the business buzz of , and Asia's other leading city hubs. And it turns out, two Asian countries are also among the most desirable destinations for the older generation, too, with and catching the eyes of American retirees ready to swap suburban lawns for tropical landscapes.

The brightest light in the Democratic party is Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old member of the New York state assembly who has a good chance of being elected the next mayor of New York City when New Yorkers go to the polls a week from Tuesday. Mamdani is talking about what matters to most voters: the cost of living. He says New York should be affordable for everyone. He's addressing the problems New Yorkers discuss at their kitchen tables.

Have you ever dreamed of trading your current view for something wildly different-maybe sipping coffee in a quiet town in Portugal, working remotely from a beach in Bali, or hiking the Andes after work in Ecuador? For more and more Americans, living abroad isn't just a fantasy-it's becoming a practical, affordable lifestyle choice. Whether you're a digital nomad, a gap-year adventurer, or someone simply seeking a reset, spending a year abroad can be transformative.

Although I can't talk about individual measures at this stage, I understand that the cost of living is still people's number one concern.

Almost half a million workers are to receive a pay boost after it was announced that the real living wage paid voluntarily by 16,000 UK companies will rise to 13.45 an hour in April. Distinct from the national living wage, which is a statutory minimum, the real living wage is calculated each year based on the cost of essentials, and is paid by more than half of the companies in the FTSE 100.

From sun-soaked beaches to culture-rich capitals, there are cities where you can live for under $2,000 a month-without sacrificing quality of life. In this guide, we explore 12 global cities where your dollars stretch further than you ever thought possible. These destinations offer affordable rent, great food, walkable neighborhoods, efficient public transportation, and vibrant social scenes. Whether you're a digital nomad, an early retiree, or someone craving a fresh start, these cities deliver big lifestyle perks for a modest price tag.