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The world is a wonderfully varied place with cities that offer up all sorts of different wonders. While we all love to travel and experience new things, there’s no getting away from one fundamental ingredient: money. No matter where you go, money talks – but just how much it says can vary greatly.
$1 may seem like chump change to the average Amazon-shopping American, but just how much can that get you in Indonesia, Vietnam, or Australia? Could you live like a king on a shoestring budget, or would you get a nasty surprise?
1. Meal for Four
Where: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Est. Average Income: $485*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $1450* (per month/family of 4)
Eating out is a luxury for many families, considering one dish alone can cost you upwards of $10. In fact, the average restaurant meal in the United States costs $17 per person. When you’re feeding a family, that’s just under $70. Even eating out once a week can take a big chunk out of the monthly budget.
Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk/TripAdvisor
However, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, you can feed an entire family of four for just $1. That’s a massive saving. Of course, you would have to pay to get you and your loved ones to the country first, but you could still save a lot of money when you’re there. It even beats McDonald’s prices.
2. Foot Massage
Where: Cebu, Phillippines
Est. Average Income: $1100*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $1900* (per month/family of 4)
Taking a trip to the spa to work out those knots is something a lot of us look forward to, but considering that a foot massage can cost upwards of $40, it’s more of a treat than a weekly occurrence. However, if you lived in Cebu, Philippines, you might be treating yourself a little more often.
Blue Elephant Tours/TripAdvisor
You could get a sterling foot rub for just $1, which is crazy when you compare it to the prices we’re used to. Some spas and hotels do charge a higher rate than this when they’re specifically marketed at tourists, but it’s still a bargain that will save you from buying bog-standard foot cream on Amazon.
3. A Trip to Mainland China
Where: Hong Kong, China
Est. Average Income: $2,400*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $3,700* (per month/family of 4)
Living in China in a city as densely populated and crazily high-tech as Hong Kong isn’t for the faint of heart. Not only is the pace of life moving forward at breakneck speed, but you need to earn a really decent living wage in order to survive there. With property prices constantly on the rise, locals need to have a strong work ethic.
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On the plus side, not everything is as expensive as you might think. Hongkongers can hop across to mainland China for a dollar, which is less than what it costs to ride the subway in New York City. That’s not a bad deal when you think about it.
4. Seven Minutes of Parking
Where: Los Angeles, USA
Est. Average Income: $2,300*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $3,600* (per month/family of 4)
The City of Stars is a wondrous place that attracts wannabe entertainers from the world over. It’s also a mecca for those that are already pulling in big paychecks, which is why it’s one of the most expensive places to live in America. With that being said, even everyday things like parking aren’t exactly cheap.
Seven Minutes of Parking ©Scharfsinn / Shutterstock
However, if you try and avoid the most central sought-after locations, you might find that parking isn’t as steep. In certain areas, you can park up for $1 for 7 minutes, roughly equating to around $8 for an hour. That’s enough time for your Disney casting call, right?
5. A Gallon of Gas
Where: Caracas, Venezuela
Est. Average Income: $33*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $2,000* (per month/family of 4)
Venezuela has its own fair share of economic problems, which is why the average yearly salary is such a low number. Plenty of people are desperate for work, which means some employers are willing to pay them the lowest rate possible.
info/VenezuelaAnalysis
The cost to live comfortably in Caracas is stark in comparison, but Caracas isn’t the only city that faces this issue. Still, if you’re traveling through the area and want to make sure you’ve got enough for gas, don’t panic. You can get a whole gallon for just $1.
6. Pigs in a Blanket
Where: Sydney, Australia
Est. Average Income: $7,600*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $4,000* (per month/family of 4)
There’s a reason why people the world over like to flock towards the Land Down Under. Not only is the weather great all year round, but the quality of living is exceptionally good. The only thing is, it’s not all that cheap. Grocery prices can be steep, but if you’re looking for a quick snack, look no further.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen/TripAdvisor
You’ll still be able to pick up some pigs in a blanket for a buck as you take in the sights in Sydney. Of course, there are plenty of other local delicacies around to try, but you might be surprised at some of the prices compared to stores like Walmart.
7. A Full Thali Meal for One
Where: New Delhi, India
Est. Average Income: $440*
Est. verage Cost of Living: $1,300* (per month/family of 4)
We all love eating out when we can, but that doesn’t mean we can do it as often as we want. What if the price for a full meal out was as low as $1, though? Most of us would be going out to eat on a daily basis, not just on special occasions.
Full Meal For One (Thali) ©Sahil Rattanapha / Shutterstock
In Delhi, India, you can do just that. Go to any street market and you’ll be amazed at the variety of Thali there is on offer. $1 will see you eat authentic, home-cooked food that looks and tastes amazing, when it couldn’t even buy you a decent TV dinner at Kroger.
8. One Piece of Gum (Bazooka Joe)
Where: Tel Aviv, Israel
Est. Average Income: $4,000*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $4,100* (per month/family of 4)
Tel Aviv is widely lauded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s not hard to see why. With a thriving population and stunningly located on the Israeli Mediterranean coast, it’s a city that offers plenty in the way of sun, sea, sand, and culture. However, all this beauty comes at a price.
One Piece of Gum (Bazooka Joe) @u/KissofDestiiny / Reddit.com
Israel on the whole isn’t a cheap place to live, but Tel Aviv itself is considered one of the most expensive cities to live in. That being said, $1 will get you one piece of Bazooka Joe gum, which isn’t exactly a three-course meal at Pizza Hut.
9. Entrance to Weston-super-Mare Grand Pier
Where: Weston-Super-Mare, UK
Est. average Income: $4,300*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $4,200* (per month/family of 4)
The great British seaside is technically free to visit, with multiple popular hotspots lining the coast of the country. However, some things do cost money. Entrance to Weston-Super-Mare’s Grand Pier will now cost you £1, which is actually just over budget at around $1.25 – but it’s close enough!
Beachgoers used to be able to visit the pier for free, but the fee was introduced back in 2014 – though the decision was made to let children in pushchairs in at no extra charge. The controversial move came about after the original structure burnt down and was rebuilt in 2010, with the council hoping to recoop some of the £52 million cost by charging patrons a minimal amount.
©Keith M Ramsey/Shutterstock
10. 2 Visits to the “Premier Toilet” in a Mall
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Est. Average Income: $2,500*
Est. Average Cost of Living: $1,800* (per month/family of 4)
Going to the toilet isn’t exactly something we humans choose to do, but it’s a necessary evil. As anyone that has ever used a public toilet knows, it’s not always a pleasant experience. Some are vastly more well-maintained than others. If you happen to be traveling to the Suria Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and have a spare buck, you can treat yourself to an elite pee by using the “premier paid toilet” not once, but twice.
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Each use of this facility is around RM 2 (although this may vary now). This whizz palace is supposed to be much nicer than your average toilet, but reviews vary. Whether you decide to save your money and do your business elsewhere is up to you!