Let’s be honest: being young, broke, and single is a wild combination.

I’ve been there. Bouncing between countries, counting every dollar, trying to find Wi-Fi, cheap coffee, and maybe a decent date. It’s not easy — but it can be one of the most exciting chapters of your life if you choose the right place to live it.

Some cities will drain your wallet and leave you feeling isolated. Others will stretch your budget, open your social life, and give you room to grow — even when you’re figuring it all out.

So if you’re in that phase — or just want to feel free, connected, and curious about the world — here are the best cities I’ve found for being young, broke, and single.

1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I live here. And I can honestly say: if you’re broke but want a rich experience, this place delivers. Street food is dirt cheap. The energy is chaotic but addictive. And there’s a big community of creatives, digital nomads, and locals open to meeting new people.

Cost of living: You can live well on $700–$1,000/month — and even less if you’re frugal. Rent, food, transport — it’s all affordable.

Dating scene: It’s vibrant, friendly, and full of variety. Dating apps are popular, and people are open to meeting casually or seriously.

Why I love it: The energy. The food. The freedom. And you can ride a scooter through a thunderstorm and feel like you’re in a movie.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon feels like a city made for wanderers. The sunsets are stunning, the people are laid-back, and it’s still cheaper than most of Western Europe. There’s a romantic, slightly melancholic vibe here that just works when you’re figuring life out.

Cost of living: Not as cheap as it used to be, but doable with flat-sharing and simple living.

Dating scene: Open-minded, fun, and full of expats. People here like to talk over coffee, wine, or late-night walks.

What stands out: It’s soulful. It’s creative. And even when you’re broke, you still feel alive.

3. Bangkok, Thailand

If you like energy, spice, and nonstop options — Bangkok is your place. I’ve been here many times, and it always reminds me how cheap, intense, and alive a city can feel.

Cost of living: Street food for $1, solid apartments for $300–$500, cheap transport — it’s a broke backpacker’s paradise.

Dating scene: It’s broad. Casual or serious, it’s all here — from expats to locals to fellow nomads.

Underrated perk: Every day feels like an adventure. Even running errands can turn into a story.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

CDMX is massive — and full of color, chaos, and character. It’s one of the best places to be young and broke if you love culture and connection.

Cost of living: Pretty low if you avoid tourist areas. $600–$900 can get you a good lifestyle.

Dating scene: Passionate and social. People like to talk, flirt, dance, and debate.

Why it’s great: Tacos, art, rooftop bars, and people who live loudly and fully. It’s the opposite of numb.

5. Budapest, Hungary

I spent a few weeks here when I was traveling through Europe and was surprised by how much I loved it. It’s gritty, beautiful, and affordable — with a nightlife that punches above its weight.

Cost of living: A great deal for Europe. Shared apartments are cheap, and beer is practically free.

Dating scene: Young, fun, and full of students. Lots of spontaneous connection.

Why go: Thermal baths. Ruin bars. And a vibe that feels both old and fresh.

6. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is where rules go to die — and that’s a good thing when you’re broke and still becoming who you are. You’ll never feel judged here.

Cost of living: More than others on this list, but still decent for a major city if you share a place and budget well.

Dating scene: Anything goes. Berlin is open, experimental, and unfiltered.

Why it’s special: No one cares what you wear, say, or do. Be weird. Be broke. Be free.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

One of the most romantic and affordable cities I’ve been to. Think of it as Europe on a budget — with South American soul.

Cost of living: If you earn in USD or EUR, your money goes far. Inflation is wild, but that means bargains for foreigners.

Dating scene: Deep. Flirtatious. Lots of long conversations and big emotions.

Why I recommend it: You’ll dance, talk, and maybe fall in love (even just for a week).

8. Tbilisi, Georgia

Most people overlook Georgia, but it’s a gem. Tbilisi has charm, nature, fast internet, and some of the kindest people I’ve met.

Cost of living: Incredibly cheap. You can live on $500–$700/month easily.

Dating scene: A mix of shy and sweet. It’s less wild than Berlin or Bangkok, but more meaningful if you stick around.

What I liked: Wine, mountains, quiet mornings, and nights that surprise you.

9. Athens, Greece

Athens has grit — but also a pulse. You can live cheaply, eat like a king, and always be within a ferry ride of paradise.

Cost of living: Rent is low. Food is amazing and affordable.

Dating scene: Fun and outgoing. People here know how to enjoy life.

Best part: You can feel broke, but never feel poor.

10. Austin, Texas, USA

If you’re in the U.S. and want a city that’s young, alive, and not quite mainstream — Austin is your best bet. It’s not cheap cheap, but if you hustle, you can make it work.

Cost of living: Manageable with roommates. Food trucks and thrift stores help.

Dating scene: Great. Social, laid-back, and open to all kinds of people.

Why I’d live there: Live music every night. Warm weather. A bit of everything.

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Final thoughts from someone who’s been there

When I was in my early 20s, I thought success meant moving to a “big” city — London, Sydney, New York. But those places made me feel smaller, not bigger. I found more growth, happiness, and love in the scrappy cities. The underdogs. The misfits.

If you’re young, broke, and single — don’t just chase the cities everyone else is going to. Go where you can breathe. Where you can grow. Where being broke isn’t the end of the world.

Because sometimes, the best version of you isn’t found in comfort. It’s found on a scooter in Vietnam, at a bar in Lisbon, or dancing on a rooftop in Mexico City — wondering how you got there, and smiling because you did.