American Samoa and Puerto Rico often stand out as potentially cheapest US territories due to lower property/living costs compared to Guam or US Virgin Islands, but American Samoa offers significantly lower housing, while Puerto Rico provides more economic diversity and easier access, with costs varying greatly by island/region, though finding truly cheap housing in any island territory can still mean looking inland or in less developed areas.
Puerto Rico's cost of living is often perceived as lower than the mainland United States, but this can vary significantly depending on the region and lifestyle.
The cheapest island to live on is Siargao (Philippines), followed closely by St. Anastasia Island (Bulgaria) and Roatán (Honduras) in the Caribbean. The best tropical islands to live on are Koh Samui (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia), Mauritius, Palawan (Philippines) and Cozumel (Mexico).
Yes, U.S. citizens can buy property in Puerto Rico without any restrictions. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the laws governing property ownership are similar to those in the mainland United States.
Yes, you can live on $3,000 a month in Puerto Rico as a single person, especially outside expensive areas like San Juan, but it requires careful budgeting as it's not a "bargain island," with housing varying greatly and higher utility costs (especially electricity) compared to the mainland U.S., while food and transport add to the expenses. It's feasible for a simple, essential-tier lifestyle, but might be tight for a family, and high-end living or tourist areas will cost significantly more.
Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru deliver some of the lowest costs of living and most accessible pension visas in Latin America, where a typical $2,000 monthly Social Security check can comfortably cover housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses.
Guam has been stuck at a low minimum wage for years compared to the states. The island's time zone is also behind, which limits opportunities, jobs, schools, and colleges. This is one reason why many people leave the island permanently because they know what Guam has to offer and are content with it.
Islands popular for Americans moving include Caribbean spots like Belize (Ambergris Caye), Dominican Republic, and the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) for lower costs and good infrastructure, plus St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada for English-speaking options. Other choices are Malta, Bali, and Mallorca (Spain) for diverse cultures, while U.S. Territories like Saipan offer easier transitions for citizens.
The most affordable countries among the safest in the world are Latvia, Chile, Costa Rica, Slovakia, and Lithuania. The cost of living in these states varies from $1,000 to $1,100 per month.
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Republicans gained control of Guam's legislature, the first time since 2006.
As in most tropical islands in the western Pacific, the weather on Guam is warm throughout the year with less humidity from November through March. The mean annual temperature near sea level is about 81 F (27.2 C) with monthly means ranging from 80 F (26.7 C) in January to a little over 82 F (27.8 C) in June.
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North America offers some of the easiest relocation options for US citizens, with familiar culture, short travel distances, and well-established expat communities. Canada and Costa Rica stand out as top choices, each offering residency pathways for investors, retirees, and families.
The average rent for all bedrooms and all property types in Virgin Islands is $2,100.
USVI Income Taxes: Residents of the USVI, instead of filing returns and paying taxes to the IRS, file returns and pay income taxes directly to the USVI Bureau of Internal Revenue. The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as for federal income taxes.
St. Croix is generally considered the most affordable US Virgin Island for living and has budget-friendly options like the Company House Hotel or Tamarind Reef Resort, while St. Thomas offers cheaper flights (STT) and budget lodging (Lindbergh Bay) but requires ferry trips to St. John for cheaper exploration; the key is balancing flight costs with lodging and activity expenses across the islands.