Can I survive on 600 us dollars in month as a foreigner?
It can be challenging to survive on $600 USD per month as a foreigner, as your expenses will significantly depend on the country and city you choose to live in, as well as your lifestyle. Here's a breakdown for Thailand and Japan, based on the search results:
Thailand:
Possible but Frugal: Some sources suggest it's possible to live on around $500-$600 USD per month in Thailand, especially in smaller cities like Chiang Mai, but it would require a very basic lifestyle. This might involve:
Accommodation: Renting a basic room or studio outside the city center. Shared rooms can be cheaper.
Food: Primarily eating local street food and cooking at home to minimize costs.
Transportation: Using public transport like buses or motorbike taxis, which are inexpensive. Owning a car or even a motorbike can add significant expenses (fuel, maintenance, insurance).
Utilities: Being mindful of electricity and water consumption, as these add to monthly costs.
Entertainment: Limiting going out and entertainment expenses significantly.
Bangkok and Tourist Areas: Living in major cities like Bangkok or popular tourist destinations like Phuket will likely be more expensive. Rent in central Bangkok for a one-bedroom condo can range from $415 - $830 (15,000 - 30,000 THB). Phuket is noted as being significantly more expensive than Bangkok.
Average Expat Costs: Most sources indicate that the average monthly expenses for an expat in Bangkok can range from $900 to $1800 (32,500 - 64,000 THB), depending on lifestyle. This includes housing, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare (without insurance), and some entertainment.
Sacrifices: Living on a very tight budget might mean limited travel, difficulty in saving for emergencies, and potentially a lower quality of life than you might be used to.
Japan:
Generally More Expensive: Japan is generally considered to have a higher cost of living than Thailand. Tokyo is particularly expensive.
Minimum Budget Difficult: Surviving on $600 USD (approximately ¥93,000 based on a rough exchange rate of ¥155 per USD) per month in most Japanese cities would be very difficult for a foreigner.
Average Costs for a Single Person: Estimates for a frugal single person in Japan are around ¥157,175 (about $1,014 USD) per month. This is considered a very basic lifestyle, similar to that of an international student.
Tokyo Expenses: In Tokyo, monthly costs for a single person average around ¥318,407 (approximately $2,050 USD), including rent. Even outside the city center, a one-bedroom apartment can cost around ¥58,470 (about $377 USD) per month.
Food Costs: Food costs for a single person can range from ¥20,000 - ¥30,000 (about $129 - $193 USD) per month if cooking at home. Eating out will significantly increase this.
Utilities and Other Expenses: Basic utilities can cost around ¥25,730 (about $166 USD) for an 85m² apartment. Mobile phone and internet plans also add to the monthly expenses.
General Considerations for Living Abroad on a Budget:
Visa Costs: Don't forget to factor in visa application and renewal fees, which can be significant.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs can be high for foreigners without proper insurance. It's generally recommended to have comprehensive health insurance, which adds to monthly expenses.
Unexpected Expenses: Life happens, and you should have some buffer for unexpected costs like medical emergencies or necessary travel.
Cultural Differences: Adapting to a new culture might involve some initial expenses as you figure things out.
Language Barrier: If you don't speak the local language, it might limit your options for cheaper services and goods.
Conclusion:
Surviving on $600 USD per month as a foreigner is highly dependent on the country and your lifestyle. It might be possible in some very budget-friendly areas of Thailand with significant sacrifices. However, it would be extremely challenging in most parts of Japan and would likely lead to a very low quality of life and financial stress. It's crucial to thoroughly research the cost of living in your intended destination and realistically assess your needs and lifestyle before making such a move. You might need to consider increasing your budget or choosing a location with a significantly lower cost of living.
