A recent survey conducted by travel media outlet Time Out, involving more than 18,000 city residents worldwide, identified major cities where the cost of everyday activities is the most affordable. Earlier, the same survey also revealed the world’s most expensive cities, with Seoul, South Korea’s capital, ranking at the top.

The study specifically focused on the cost of daily leisure activities, including dining out, going to the movies, buying coffee, visiting art galleries, watching theater or comedy shows, attending live music events, drinking at bars, and enjoying nightlife.

While living expenses in large cities are generally higher, the survey highlights several global metropolises where everyday activities remain relatively inexpensive. It is important to note, however, that Time Out’s methodology concentrates solely on activity-related costs and does not factor in housing affordability, rent, or grocery prices.

Based on feedback from local residents, two Colombian cities—Medellin and Bogotá—were ranked as the most affordable places to live. In Medellin, 89 percent of respondents said restaurant dining is affordable, 83 percent felt the same about drinking at bars, and 94 percent agreed that coffee prices are inexpensive.

Jakarta also made the list of cities with low daily activity costs. Indonesia’s capital placed 10th, ranking two spots higher than Bangkok, Thailand.

In a surprising outcome, two major Chinese cities—Beijing and Shanghai—were included among the most affordable cities. According to the survey, 73 percent of Beijing residents and 72 percent of Shanghai residents said attending theater performances does not require significant spending.

New Orleans stood out as the only city in the United States to appear on the affordability ranking, earning high scores for live music, with 72 percent of locals calling it affordable, and for bar drinks, which received an affordability rating of 83 percent.

Below is the list of the 15 most affordable cities based on local resident surveys:

1. Medellin, Colombia

2. Bogotá, Colombia

3. Beijing, China

4. New Orleans, United States

5. Naples, Italy

6. Hanoi, Vietnam

7. Chiang Mai, Thailand

8. Shanghai, China

9. Lima, Peru

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

11. Johannesburg, South Africa

12. Bangkok, Thailand

13. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

14. Santiago, Chile

15. Cape Town, South Africa