Countries with the best cost-benefit ratio for exchange students in 2025

Planning an exchange but concerned about finances? You're not alone! With the real still unstable, understanding the real costs and job opportunities in the different destinations became essential to choose correctly. We discovered the countries that offer the best balance between affordable cost of living and good earning opportunities in 2025.

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Thailand: paradise for digital nomads with a low cost of living

Thailand tops the ranking as the most affordable destination for travelers in 2025, with an average monthly cost of just R$ 3,175.00. The program of DTV Visa in Thailand for Digital Nomad by Be Easy was created specifically for professionals who want to work remotely while enjoying a rich and accessible cultural experience.

Analyzing the costs in detail, we found significant differences compared to other destinations:

• Cheaper: accommodation (starting at R$ 476.25), local food (R$ 10-15 per meal) and transportation (R$ 158.75 monthly)
• More expensive: accommodations in tourist areas, luxury condominiums and international schools

The minimum wage in Thailand is approximately 10,000 bahts per month (about R$ 1,600), which is relatively low. As a digital nomad, you will keep your source of income from Brazil or from international companies. It's important to remember that the digital nomad visa doesn't allow for local work — you'll be living in Thailand but working remotely for foreign companies. This allows you to take advantage of a very low cost of living while maintaining stronger currency yields.

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Germany: quality education with balanced costs

Surprisingly in second place, Germany has an average monthly cost of R$ 5,080.00, making it an excellent option for exchange students. The program Study and Work in Germany by Be Easy allows you to combine quality studies with professional experience, taking advantage of the excellent German education system.

On German territory, the costs vary in an interesting way:

• Cheaper: university education (practically free even for foreigners), public transport (with a student pass) and health (affordable student insurance)
• More expensive: rent (especially in Munich and Frankfurt), food outside the home, and personal services

The minimum wage in Germany in 2025 is approximately €12.41 per hour (about R$ 79.00), one of the highest in Europe. International students can legally work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. With a 20-hour working week, it is possible to earn around €1,000 per month (R$ 6,350.00), exceeding the average living costs.

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New Zealand: nature and quality of life at a controlled cost

New Zealand is in third position with an average monthly cost of R$ 5,276.85, offering an excellent cost-benefit ratio. The program Study and Work in New Zealand by Be Easy allows students to combine quality learning with professional experience in one of the countries with the best quality of life in the world.

When analyzing New Zealand costs, we found:

• Cheaper: local produce (fruit, dairy), outdoor activities, and public transport outside Auckland
• More expensive: accommodation (especially in Auckland), imported and restaurant meals

The minimum wage in New Zealand is one of the most generous in the world, reaching NZ$ 22.70 per hour (approximately R$ 76.00). Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the term, resulting in potential earnings of NZ$ 1,816 per month (about R$ 6,080.00). This means that part-time work can fully cover your living costs, something rare in international destinations.

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Canada: educational opportunities at reasonable costs

Canada appears as the fourth most affordable option, with an average monthly cost of R$ 6,086.48. Be Easy offers specific programs such as Public College in Canada and Private College in Canada - Co-op, both with excellent cost-benefit ratio for Brazilians.

In the Canadian context, the distribution of costs is quite specific:

• Cheaper: public services (compared to the USA), health (with student insurance), and local station products
• More expensive: housing (especially in Vancouver and Toronto), telecommunications, and transportation in winter

The minimum wage in Canada varies by province, but the national average is approximately CAD$ 15.50 per hour (about R$ 52.00). With permission to work 20 hours a week, a student can earn around CAD$ 1,240 per month (R$ 4,150.00). Although this amount does not cover all expenses, it represents a significant contribution, especially with Co-op programs that offer paid internships related to the area of study.

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Spain: double opportunity with affordable average cost

Completing the five most affordable destinations, Spain has an average monthly cost of R$ 6,350.00. The diversity of Be Easy programs for this destination includes both Digital Nomad Visa in Spain How much Study and Work in Spain, meeting different traveler profiles.

In the Spanish scenario, the costs have important peculiarities:

• Cheaper: food (especially at local markets), public transport (efficient and accessible), and cultural entertainment
• More expensive: housing in Madrid and Barcelona, imported and tourist services

The minimum wage in Spain in 2025 is approximately €1,134 per month (about R$ 7,200.00), an amount considered average in the European context. International students can legally work up to 20 hours a week, which represents potential earnings of approximately €567 per month (R$ 3,600.00). For digital nomads, the advantage lies in keeping income in foreign currency while enjoying a relatively affordable cost of living.

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Comparison of living costs between destinations

For a more conscious decision, it is essential to understand the costs of living at each destination and how they compare in relation to local salaries and the purchasing power of Brazilians. The table below provides a detailed comparison of the five most affordable destinations:

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This comparison demonstrates why Thailand stands out so clearly as the most economical option, with significantly lower costs in all categories. Germany surprises with good cost-benefit considering the quality of life and infrastructure offered. On the other hand, Spain, New Zealand and Canada have intermediate values, with significant variations depending on the city chosen.

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Strategies to optimize your budget at any destination

Regardless of the country chosen, some strategies can significantly reduce your monthly costs:

• Opt for smaller cities: the cost of living can be up to 40% lower outside the capitals and large centers
• Share house: Sharing an apartment can reduce rent and utility costs by up to 50%
• Take advantage of student discounts: from transportation to cultural attractions, student status guarantees significant savings
• Prepare meals at home: save up to 70% compared to dining at restaurants
• Hire local telephone and internet plans: avoid international roaming charges

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, our specialty is connecting you to the ideal destination considering your profile, budget and objectives. Whether as a digital nomad in Thailand or a student-worker in Germany, we offer personalized programs with full support before and during your experience abroad. Our advisors thoroughly analyze your financial and professional profile to recommend the best combination of destination and program. Get in touch today and discover how to fulfill your exchange dream with financial security and real opportunities for growth!

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