Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels trying to balance work, savings, and enjoying life? Same. But what if I told you that you could save more, live better, and travel the world while you’re at it? It’s not magic—it’s geo-arbitrage.
Let’s break it down.

The True Cost of Living in the U.S.
Living in the U.S. can be expensive—like “where-did-my-entire-paycheck-go” expensive. Here’s an average monthly breakdown:
- Rent: $1,300 (1-bedroom apartment in a mid-sized city)
- Car payment: $500
- Car insurance: $150
- Gas: $200
- Health insurance: $500 (if you’re lucky)
- Groceries: $400
- Miscellaneous (subscriptions, dining out, etc.): $300
Total? A jaw-dropping $3,350/month. And that doesn’t even include savings, student loans, or unexpected expenses. Yikes.

The Arbitrage Advantage
Now, let’s look at what living abroad could cost in countries like Vietnam, Colombia, or Portugal:
- Rent: $500 (a cute, fully furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood)
- Transportation: $50 (Ubers and public transit, no car needed!)
- Health insurance: $50 (quality international plans or local insurance)
- Groceries: $200 (fresh produce and local goods are super affordable)
- Dining out: $150 (eating out 3-4 times a week because why not?)
Total? $950/month. That’s over $2,400/month less than living in the U.S. Imagine what you could do with that kind of savings.
Real-Life Examples of Living Affordably Abroad

Health care is a huge cost for many Americans. But abroad? It’s shockingly affordable. Here are some real-life examples from my travels:
- Wisdom teeth removal in Vietnam: $80/tooth (compared to $500+ in the U.S.)
- Dental cleaning and exam in Turkey or Colombia: $30 (versus $150 in the U.S.)
- Gynecologist visit in Colombia: $50 (out-of-pocket!)
- UTI hospital visit in Portugal: Free (I only paid for antibiotics, which cost $10.)
Then there’s transportation. No car means no insurance, no gas, no maintenance. Just cheap and convenient Ubers or public transportation—and more money in your pocket.
Travel While You’re Young
You don’t have to wait until retirement to see the world. In fact, why would you? Traveling while you’re young, healthy, and full of energy makes the experience so much richer. There are countless remote jobs out there—from customer service and marketing to programming and teaching English. If you’re already working a 9-to-5, finding a remote role in your field isn’t as hard as you might think.
The Freedom to Live Your Best Life
By embracing geo-arbitrage, you can:
- Save thousands of dollars a year.
- Experience new cultures, foods, and adventures.
- Build a life that aligns with your goals, not societal expectations.
Let’s say you’re earning $60,000/year remotely. In the U.S., you might save $10,000/year after all your expenses (if you’re disciplined). But abroad, with expenses of $12,000/year, you could save $38,000/year. And it’s not just about the savings—it’s about the life you’re living along the way.
Why Not Quit Your 9-to-5?

Sure, a remote job might pay less than a traditional office gig. But if you’re living in a country where your cost of living is slashed by 70%, your quality of life and savings potential both skyrocket. Plus, you get the added perks of experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and adventures.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Moving abroad isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or the super brave. It’s for anyone willing to step outside their comfort zone, rethink their expenses, and embrace a life of adventure. If I can do it, so can you. Your dream life is waiting. All you need is a suitcase, a remote job, and a willingness to try something new.
So, what’s stopping you? Let’s make your travel dreams a reality. Adventure (and massive savings) awaits!

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