Overview

Is an affordable yet environmental-friendly kind of life what you have always dreamed of? Then, welcome to the world of affordable eco-friendly places! A number of towns across the world are being turned into havens for eco-friendly citizens. Along with having a low cost of living, these places inspire sustainability through multiple measures. Let’s discover the top 10 affordable eco-friendly cities that offer the perfect blend of cheap and green living.

Criteria for Selection

Affordability

Affordability is the cost of all the living activities, such as a living place, food, transport, among others. It ensures you live a joyful life without experiencing financial stress.

Eco-Friendliness

Sustainable living programs and eco-friendly methods are crucial to our choices. These places promote greener lives among their inhabitants, which benefits the environment.

Top 10 Affordable Eco-Friendly Places

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia: The Capital of Green Living

Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, is everything about affordable housing quoted along with lots of environmental-friendly activities. This beautiful city in Europe comprises of a lot of green spaces, biking lanes and a very effective eco-friendly transport system.

Cost of Living

• Rent: In areas such as Šiška or Bežigrad, one-bedroom apartments typically cost between €500 and €600 per month. On the other hand, costs in the city center may exceed €800.
• Groceries: As with much of everything else, this depends on what you eat and even if you shop for food in more extensive malls, such as Hofer, or in smaller groceries stores; a person’s monthly list can range between €150-€200.
• Transportation: The monthly ticket of public transport in Ljubljana costs about €30 and could be a very affordable option. There is also a rather famous, yet very budget-friendly bicycle-rental scheme.
• Utilities: Basic utilities for a small apartment cost about €90 for a month, and internet charges about €20.

Employment Opportunities

Jobs in digital marketing, IT, and remote work sprouted exponentially with the growth of the tech environment. Freelancers will really like this city; it’s especially good for freelance creators such as writers and graphic designers.

Sustainability Focus

The town of Ljubljana offers great opportunities for people who care about ecology to join actions that promote sustainability. The city is literally packed with eco-cafes, waste-free shops and organic food stores.

2. Porto, Portugal: The Fastest Rising Eco-Friendly City in Europe

One of the greenest cities in Europe is fast becoming as Porto. It’s drawing environmentally aware citizens with its green energy initiatives and drive for electric vehicles.

Cost of Living

• Rent€700 a month inside the city center; €500 outside.
• Groceries: Budget about €230 on Groceries monthly
• Transportation: A monthly pass costs approximately €35.
• Utilities: Utilities usually run around €100 a month.

Employment Opportunities

Technology is developing in Porto, ensuring much digital and remote Employment Opportunities.

Sustainability Focus

As with every city, Porto focuses on sustainability-from renewable energy sources to electric public transport.

3. Cuenca, Ecuador: Sustainable Living for Low-Budget

Cuenca in Ecuador is another location which catches your eye. The cost of living here is dramatically cheaper than in North America and Europe. This laid-back, very colonial character makes it one popular destination for foreign and digital nomad aspirants.

Cost of Living

• Rent: In the city center, a completely furnished one-bedroom apartment may be rented for as little as $300. More suburban locations may see price reductions to approximately $200.
• Groceries: Fresh produce is easily accessed, and at normal monthly food expenses of about $150. This is one beautiful way to save money while making sure you are also helping the local farmers by purchasing at your local market.
• Transportation: Taxis are not too pricey, with a short ride around town costing only $1.50, while public buses just cost $0.30 a ride. Considering that Cuenca is an area of rather soft climate, it is not difficult to get around there without depending on a car.
• Utilities: The approximate cost for the basic apartment monthly utilities, which include internet, water, and power is $80 

Employment Opportunities

Compared with metropolitan cities, Cuenca offers fewer jobs. The city does have jobs for those in the tourism sector, teaching English, and internet freelancers. Places here have co-working spaces and decent internet access for remote workers.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand: A City of Digital Nomads

Chiang Mai is turning into eco-friendly and affordable city. It’s a hotspot for digital nomads with many of eco-friendly projects including community gardens and zero-waste shops.

Cost of Living

• Rent: one-bedroom apartment in the city is about $300, outside the city is $200.
• Groceries: Around $150 per month.
• Transportation: There is a scarcity of public transportation, but the motorcycles can be on rent at an approximate amount of $60 monthly..
• Utilities: The main utilities including internet is about $100 for a month.

Employment Opportunities

Chiâng Mai has been known to have robust internet structure and large co-working spaces. Therefore, freelancing is heaven..

Sustainability Focus

The city edged closer to being sustainable by reducing waste apart from promoting organic farming.

5. Medellín, Colombia: An Affordable and Eco-Friendly City

Medellín is a city with many advantages that is becoming more economically affordable and greener. Renewable energy sources power the cable cars that connect poor districts with the rest of the city while reducing traffic and pollution.

Cost of Living

• Rent: Renting a one-bedroom unit in the town center incurs approximately $400, whereas rents in other slightly high-cost areas like El Poblado range from $610 to $880.
• Groceries: A single person’s average expenditure on buying groceries in a month is between $150 and $200 dollars. This can change depending on dietary requirements.
• Transportation: Public transport is fast and pocket-friendly since each metro train per passenger costs about $0.70. In addition to that. Medellin is known to have a large extent of bike rental services, encouraging green movement within the city.
• Utilities: Average utilities such as internet, electricity, and water would cost between $60 and $100.

Employment Opportunities

Medellín has a booming startup community which is specialized in digital marketing, tourism and technology. Considering the availability of multiple co-working spaces and smooth internet connectivity, freelancers and remote workers will have no trouble finding an office job.

Sustainability Focus

Of course, Medellín city has been highly appreciative through its pro-environmental urbanization, from its much-acclaimed public transport system to its effort in being a more sustainable city.

6. Mexico City, Mexico: Low-cost and Eco-Friendly Urban Way of Life

While Mexico City is expensive and populous, the cost and population challenge sustainability, but renewable energy and ecologically friendly transportation are being tried.

Cost of Living

• Rent:  One-bedroom apartment inside city center costs approximately $400; it goes as low as $300 outside the city.
• Groceries: Average monthly grocery expense is approximately around $200.
• Transportation: Metro ride is highly affordable at approximately $0.30.
• Utilities: Around $100 a month for utilities.

Employment Opportunities

Incomes from work are available in the digital, education, and technology sectors in Mexico City.

Sustainability Focus

The city has major goals for sustainable transportation and renewable energy.

7. Tbilisi, Georgia: A Hidden Gem for Eco-Friendly Expats

Tbilisi offers a unique experience as it has the best combination of sustainability and affordability while its green infrastructure continues to develop.

Cost of Living

• Rent: One-bedroom apartment may cost around $300.
• Groceries: The monthly grocery expense should be around $150.
• Transportation: The official public transport fee is $0.30.
• Utilities: Monthly utilities will cost about $80.

Employment Opportunities

Tbilisi continuously invests in eco-friendly and renewable energy projects.

Sustainability Focus

Tbilisi is consistently investing in eco-friendly and renewable energy projects.

8. Sofia, Bulgaria: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret to Sustainable Living

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria located in the western part of the country at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. The settlement has over 2,000 years of history with several empires Turkish, Roman, Greek and Soviet having occupied it. It is an affordable city committed to environmental initiatives and green areas.

Cost of Living

• Rent: The normal rent between €400 and €500 for a place in the city center
• Groceries: The average monthly groceries go for €150.
• Transportation: The monthly pass for public transportation is €25.
• Utilities Usually cost about €100 per month.

Employment Opportunities

Sofia now a days, offers remote work and technology careers.

Sustainability Focus

Sofia is a strong supporter of green building, alternative source of energy, and city gardening.

9. Bali, Indonesia: A Haven for Eco-Friendly Living

Bali has always been in high demand among digital nomads and people who would want to spend their holidays in eco-friendly places.

Cost of Living

• Rent: A decent one-bedroom apartment would cost approximately $400 for rent.
• Groceries: Might cost around $150 a month.
• Transportation: Rental of a scooter typically costs about $50 a month
• Utilities: Usually add to a cost of $100 a month.

Employment Opportunities

There are many job opportunities in Bali as it attracts many remote-based freelancers. This is because of the numerous co-working spaces and friendly people.

Sustainability Focus

Bali is famous for its organic agriculture, eco-friendly accommodation, and high sustainability efforts.

10. Lisbon, Portugal: The Emarlad of Europe

Lisbon has made big investments in sustainable efforts, such as electric trams, bike sharing schemes, and diverse renewable power projects.

Cost of Living

• Rent: A one bedroom apartment costs around €800 in the central districts, whereas in the regions round the city or a bit more affordable, the rent can be as cheap as €600.
• Groceries: Groceries cost about €250 per month.
• Transportation: A monthly pass to all public transportation is around €40.
• Utilities: Expect to spend between €100 and €150 here.

Employment Opportunities

Lisbon has many attractive job opportunities in tourism and high-tech sectors. You can also go on as an entrepreneur in these sectors.

Sustainability Focus

Lisbon is a leader in renewable energy, and its transportation systems primarily focus on electric and low-emission cars.

Conclusion

Affordable and eco-friendly cities are perfect for living in accordance with your environment and health. It provides engaging cultural experiences, memorable neighborhoods, and inspirations to live sustainably.  If you want affordable places with warm climates that are eco-friendly, then do not miss our guide on the top 10 pet-friendly hot countries in December. Well, what are you waiting for? Think about moving to one of these wonderful places where affordable and eco-friendly living is possible!

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