Tuition is expensive, but rent doesn’t have to be.

Alright, let’s face it—being a student is basically a masterclass in surviving on zero dollars. Between tuition, overpriced textbooks (why does a piece of paper cost $200?!), and the occasional splurge on actual food (instead of instant ramen), finding an affordable place to live without selling a kidney is a real challenge.

But fear not! There are cities where students can thrive on a budget without having to live in a broom closet or choose between rent and WiFi (because let’s be real, WiFi is non-negotiable).

So, if you’re looking for the best places to live as a broke student, here are five cities that won’t completely drain your bank account.

1. Prague, Czech Republic – Where Beer is Cheaper Than Water (Literally)

💸 Cost of Living: $750–$1,100/month (including rent!)🎓 Why It’s Great for Students: Affordable rent, cheap food, and world-class universities.

Why live here?

Prague is basically a student paradise. It’s got beautiful old-world charm, incredible universities like Charles University, and a nightlife that won’t destroy your budget. Plus, the public transport is so cheap and efficient, you’ll never need a car.

Oh, and did I mention that beer is cheaper than water? Yep. You can literally get a pint of beer for $1.50 while a bottle of water costs more. Priorities, right?

🔹 What you can afford as a student in Prague:

✔️ Rent: $300–$600/month (shared apartment or dorm).

✔️ Public transport: $10–$15/month (student discount!).

✔️ Eating out: $5 per meal (traditional Czech food = big portions).

✔️ Nightlife: $3 cocktails, $1 beers (you won’t go broke having fun).

The downside?The language barrier might be a thing, but honestly, most people speak English. Also, Czech cuisine is heavy on meat and dumplings—so if you’re vegetarian, prepare for a lot of potatoes and bread.

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Big City Vibes, Tiny Budget

💸 Cost of Living: $600–$900/month🎓 Why It’s Great for Students: Affordable rent, delicious food, and a mix of cultures.

Why live here?

If you love big-city energy but hate big-city rent, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is your answer. The capital of Malaysia is super modern, has great universities, and is way cheaper than most Western cities.

And the food? Unreal. You can get an entire street food feast for $3—we’re talking nasi lemak, roti canai, satay, and fresh juice. Your bank account will thank you.

🔹 What you can afford as a student in KL:

✔️ Rent: $200–$400/month (shared apartment).

✔️ Public transport: $15–$20/month (hello, cheap trains!).

✔️ Eating out: $2–$5 per meal (and the portions are generous).

✔️ Entertainment: $5 movie tickets, $1 coffee, cheap night markets.

The downside?The weather is HOT all year round. If you can handle sweating just by existing, KL is a great choice.

3. Lisbon, Portugal – Cheap, Sunny, and Full of Charm

💸 Cost of Living: $800–$1,200/month🎓 Why It’s Great for Students: Low rent (compared to Western Europe), great public transport, and free things to do.

Why live here?

Lisbon is one of the cheapest cities in Western Europe and one of the sunniest (300 days of sunshine a year? Yes, please!). It’s got a huge student population, beautiful beaches just 30 minutes away, and a laid-back lifestyle that’s perfect if you’re tired of stress.

🔹 What you can afford as a student in Lisbon:

✔️ Rent: $400–$700/month (shared apartment).

✔️ Public transport: $30/month (student discount available).

✔️ Eating out: $6–$10 per meal (affordable and delicious).

✔️ Coffee & pastries: $2 for espresso + pastel de nata (trust me, you’ll eat these daily).

The downside?If you don’t like hills, good luck. Lisbon is basically a giant stair workout. Also, public transport isn’t 24/7, so if you’re out late, you might need an Uber.

4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Where You Can Live Like a King on a Student

Budget

💸 Cost of Living: $500–$900/month🎓

Why It’s Great for Students: Ridiculously cheap cost of living, delicious food, and buzzing nightlife.

Why live here?

If you want to live somewhere that feels alive 24/7 but won’t drain your bank account, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is it. You can eat out for less than $2, coffee is insanely good, and rent is shockingly affordable.

🔹 What you can afford as a student in HCMC:

✔️ Rent: $200–$400/month (shared apartment).

✔️ Public transport: $5–$10/month (or just take cheap Grab rides).

✔️ Eating out: $1.50 for a giant bowl of pho.

✔️ Coffee culture: $1 for the strongest iced coffee you’ll ever drink.

The downside?Traffic is crazy—crossing the street is an extreme sport. But once you get used to the chaos, you’ll love it.

5. Budapest, Hungary– Europe on a Budget

💸 Cost of Living: $750–$1,200/month🎓 Why It’s Great for Students: Affordable rent, good universities, and a buzzing nightlife.

Why live here?

Budapest is one of the best places to live in Europe on a budget. It’s full of history, culture, and student-friendly bars (hello, ruin pubs!). The public transport is fantastic, and you can easily travel around Europe from here.

🔹 What you can afford as a student in Budapest:

✔️ Rent: $350–$600/month (shared apartment).

✔️ Public transport: $12–$15/month (student discount available).

✔️ Eating out: $5–$10 per meal.

✔️ Entertainment: Cheap museums, concerts, and bars.

The downside?Winters can be cold, but at least you can warm up with cheap mulled wine and thermal baths.

Where Should You Move?

If you want cheap rent and nightlife, go to Prague or Budapest.If you love big cities with cheap food, choose Kuala Lumpur or Ho Chi Minh City.If you want beaches and sunshine, head to Lisbon.

No matter where you go, being a broke student doesn’t have to mean being miserable. With the right city, you can still have fun, eat well, and maybe even afford a coffee that isn’t instant.