Dollar Dominance: 15 Countries Where Your Money Still Goes Far

The US dollar still has purchasing power in many countries around the world, despite rising prices. In fact, according to recent data, there are 15 countries where the dollar can go surprisingly far in 2026. These countries offer low everyday costs for housing, transportation, and food, making them attractive destinations for travelers and expats.

At the top of the list is Vietnam, with a cost-of-living index of around 19. Inexpensive restaurant meals average around 50,000 Vietnamese dong, while housing and local services remain significantly cheaper than in the US. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru, Georgia, Albania, Mexico, and Nicaragua also make the list.

Some of these countries offer additional benefits for American travelers, such as using the US dollar as their official currency (Ecuador) or having a relatively low cost-of-living index (Bolivia). While prices can vary dramatically between tourist hotspots and local areas, these countries generally offer more purchasing power for the same amount of money.