Housing for $300 and a cappuccino for $1: 12 cities around the world where you can live cheaply and comfortably

Hoping to take advantage of a stronger global dollar and cheaper housing, more and more Americans are looking for homes abroad. Remote workers are also fleeing and becoming digital nomads, living in heavenly corners of the planet - from Spain to Colombia. Edition Business Insider compiled a list of 12 cities where you can live relatively cheaply.

Many of these places rank highly in terms of quality of life, but it's important to know that the lower cost of living sometimes comes at the cost of other city characteristics such as safety, health care, and pollution.

Bucharest, Romania

• Population: 1,82 million people (2021)

Known for: Bucharest, the capital and metropolis of Romania, is recognized as the cultural and financial center of the country. Often referred to as "Little Paris", the city has a strong French influence in its architecture. In recent years, it has earned a reputation as the best place for nightlife.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $468,25
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot (93-square-meter) home in the city center: $ 239
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $638,80
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $2237,40
• Cappuccino cost: $2,83
• Three-course dinner for two: $47,92
• Monthly gym membership fee: $45,65
• Most common industries: agriculture, transportation, engineering and hospitality

One of the people living there said: “To make local friends, I talked to other dog owners in the parks and who came to the gym to work out fitness,” Jennifer admitted in a blog about travel and lifestyle. She is an American teacher living in Bucharest.

Moving there can be difficult because: heavy traffic, poor air quality, and dirty sidewalks are a few of the disadvantages of living in Bucharest. In addition, the war in Ukraine has led to a surge in refugee migration to Romania, which could drain its resources.

Cape Town, South Africa

• Population: 4,76 million people (2021)

Known for: Known for its beauty and biodiversity, Cape Town offers a wide range of natural treasures, from the famous Table Mountain to numerous world-class beaches, as well as whale and penguin watching spots.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $642
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 182
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $512,6
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1782,40
• Cappuccino cost: $1,74
• Three-course dinner for two: $32,42
• Monthly gym membership fee: $36,19
• Most common industries: hotel business, tourism, mining and their sale.

One of the people living there said: “Things that would be extravagant in the US are available to us here,” said Zan Zurawski, a US expatriate who lives in a two-bedroom cottage near Cape Town.

On the subject: Top 11 Small Towns in New York City for an Unforgettable Summer Vacation

Moving there can be difficult because: although considered relatively cheap by US and Northern European standards, Cape Town is expensive compared to other parts of South Africa. Some people have to move to remote suburbs to get a house they can afford. In addition, power outages occur frequently in South Africa. Outages can last up to 10 hours.

Cartagena, Colombia

• Population: 887 946 people (2020)

Known for: Spain founded Cartagena as the first established colony in the Americas, building a charming old city with jeweled façades, domed buildings and spiers. And now it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is located on the Caribbean coast, next to beautiful beaches.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $473,66
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 193
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $407
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1350,10
• Cappuccino cost: $1,42
• Three-course dinner for two: $19,27
• Monthly gym membership fee: $20,10
• Most common industries: teaching, hospitality, trade and agriculture.

One of the people living there said: “Cartagena is the pride of the Caribbean, and year-round beach weather makes for a better quality of life,” wrote Adam McConnohay, a teacher from South Carolina who moved to Cartagena for a year-long program in 2011 and ended up staying. “The cost of living is affordable, the people are great, the city is vibrant – this is a great option for expats looking to move to Colombia.”

Moving there can be difficult because: McConnohay said in a travel blog that "street and beach vendors are a bit pushy" and "it can be frustrating to be followed when you go to the supermarket." He mentioned some of the more rugged areas of the city as well, but said people with street flair would be able to navigate them easily. Please note that you cannot work in Colombia on a tourist visa. Expats must obtain a license or work visa for their profession.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Population: 1,21 million people (2023)

Known for: with temperatures ranging from 59° to 97° Fahrenheit (+15 to +37 Celsius), the largest city in northern Thailand is a tropical paradise all year round. The city is known for its ornate ancient temples and an extensive night market.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom house in the city center: $351,82
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 155
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $509,80
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1808,50
• Cappuccino cost: $1,59
• Three-course dinner for two: $15,37
• Monthly gym membership fee: $37,72
• Most common industries: tourism, agriculture, food.

One of the people living there said: “Special attention in Chiang Mai deserves the atmosphere. The city looks a little rough and unfinished, and this gives it a certain charm, ”wrote travel blogger Sky Klass in his post.

Moving there can be difficult because: some expats feel it's too hot and humid here, or that the language barrier makes it difficult to communicate with the locals. Air quality also leaves much to be desired, especially between December and April, when farmers set fire to their fields in preparation for planting. To obtain citizenship, an emigrant must have lived in the country as a permanent resident for at least 5 years.

Georgetown, Malaysia

• Population: 228 250 people (2021)

Known for: Georgetown is the capital of Penang, a small tropical island located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a paradise for gourmets, especially for lovers of street food. Other popular attractions include beaches, mountains, temples, colonial villages, rickshaws and more.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom house in the city center: $327,46
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $135,12
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $485,10
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1701,70
• Cappuccino cost: $2,29
• Three-course dinner for two: $10,16
• Monthly gym membership fee: $26,54
• Most common industries: service, sales, hospitality and tourism.

One of the people living there said: “This is both a historical and modern place,” Kirsten Bloomberg Rakkuya, a digital nomad, noted in her blog. “Life in Penang provides all the modern conveniences needed for a home, but this state is still quite backward to remain interesting.

Moving there can be difficult because: as a woman who moved to Penang in 2013 noted, there is great street food but not a wide variety of restaurants and bars, great beaches but opaque water, and it can be hard to find food, furniture and other imported goods at reasonable prices. Also, while foreign nationals and their dependents can get a 10-year visa "if they make a term deposit in a Malaysian bank or invest in real estate", expats must renounce their previous citizenship if they wish to become citizens.

Jaipur, India

• Population: 3,05 million people (2017)

Known for: Jaipur hosts the most decorated royal palaces, forts and temples of India. It was called the Pink City because the XNUMXth century Maharaja painted the buildings before the visit of Queen Victoria. The capital and largest city of Rajasthan, a state located in northwestern India, Jaipur is a destination for jewellery, textiles, antiques and arts and crafts.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom house in the city center: $145,36
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 151
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $321,80
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1076,50
• Cappuccino cost: $1,51
• Three-course dinner for two: $12,11
• Monthly gym membership fee: $18,74
• Most common industries: tourism, gem cutting, manufacturing and textiles.

One of the people living there said: “People constantly want to make sure their needs are met, whether in a restaurant, mall or hotel. The staff always makes sure that you are satisfied, - said the American Laura. “Friends and strangers always offer to cook food for you or invite you to holiday celebrations at their homes.”

Moving there can be difficult because: problems include pollution, crime, and poor conditions for pedestrians and public transport. Digital nomads can enter India on a tourist visa, but remember to leave, reapply and re-enter before it expires. Citizenship by naturalization can be obtained in India, but it will take at least 12 years for an expat.

Lagos, Nigeria

• Population: 15,95 million people (2023)

Known for: Lagos has become a major financial and cultural center of one of the fastest growing countries in Africa. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Lagos has a booming film industry called “Hollywood” and is also a haven for tech start-ups. It is also home to some of the most prestigious schools and universities on the continent.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1550,80
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 83
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $602,20
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $2188,90
• Cappuccino cost: $3,32
• Three-course dinner for two: $43,44
• Monthly gym membership fee: $39,69
• Most common industries: finance, sales, marketing, business development.

One of the people living there said: “If it takes a lot of strength to move to a new city, then moving to Lagos will require all the strength. It's not for the faint of heart," Alma Ashinobi wrote on her personal blog about her experience moving to Lagos. She described finding an apartment as an expensive and stressful process.

Moving there can be difficult because: most recently, in 2018, the Economist Intelligence Unit named Lagos one of the worst places in the world to live. He cited lack of stability, relatively high crime rates, poor education, and inefficient health care. Due to the large population, the city lacks housing. An expat moving to Lagos will require a lot of time and patience.

Larissa, Greece

• Population: 162 000 people (2017)

Known for: Larissa is the main city of the Thessaly region in Greece, which is located between the mountains of Oeta and Mount Olympus. Located on the river Pineos, the city is surrounded by rich valleys and has a mountainous landscape. Larissa's biggest attractions include the Roman amphitheater and the Diachronic Museum, which houses its ancient and medieval material history.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $286,90
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 184
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $721,50
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $2420,70
• Cappuccino cost: $3,16
• Three-course dinner for two: $34,86
• Monthly gym membership fee: $45,58
• Most common industries: manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

One of the people living there said: “There are many places worth visiting,” shared Usuario Anonimo on his blog on Erasmusu, Erasmusu's international student platform. – Most of all I liked the ancient theater. This place is ideal for walking, and many people prefer to ride bicycles or go jogging there.”

It can be difficult to move there because: the city is about an hour away from two different beach areas. While the Greek digital nomad visa is available to non-EU citizens, expats must meet certain requirements such as health insurance and an income of at least $3769 per month.

Puebla, Mexico

• Population: 3,3 million people (2022)

Known for: Mexico's fourth largest city, located in the Cuetlascoapan Valley, is surrounded by mountains, including the famous Popocatepetl volcano. Located just two hours from Mexico City, the historic center of Puebla has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it contains religious buildings and monuments from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom house in the city center: $335,81
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 72
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $524,20
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1851,20
• Cappuccino cost: $2,60
• Three-course dinner for two: $26,58
• Monthly gym membership fee: $28,35
• Most common industries: retail, manufacturing and hospitality.

One of the people living there said: “Catholic or not, it’s hard not to fall in love with the unbridled beauty of the churches in Puebla,” said travel blogger Greg. “There are 365 Catholic churches in the city of Puebla, and every one of them is amazing.”

Moving there can be difficult because: Puebla can be relatively cold, dropping as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (+10 Celsius) in some seasons. There are American stores, including Walmart, IHOP, and Pizza Hut, which can be a plus or a minus depending on how homesick you are. To work in Mexico as a digital nomad, you can get a six-month tourist visa or a temporary residence visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to four years. However, obtaining a permanent residence permit in Mexico is a long and laborious process that requires proof of the ability to speak Spanish.

Rabat, Morocco

• Population: 1,95 million people (2023)

Known for: the city is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean; in the Moroccan capital is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Morocco and the country's most historically significant museum, replete with gardens. The city is widely considered to be Washington, D.C. in North Africa due to its many government buildings, embassies, green spaces, and wide streets.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $433,51
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 188
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $452,20
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1589,20
• Cappuccino cost: $1,80
• Three-course dinner for two: $26,09
• Monthly gym membership fee: $23,14
• Most common industries: tourism, agriculture, textile industry, construction and mining.

One of the people living there said: “Even if you live in a quiet area of ​​Rabat, you will always find places with restaurants and cafes where you can hang out and have fun,” said Elizabeth Gribbs, an English teacher from the USA.

Moving there can be difficult because: Kate, an American writer who moved to Morocco in 2021, and her partner Anas, a teacher and Moroccan native, believe the country's shortcomings include corruption, bureaucracy and "terrible" healthcare.

Santa Cruz, Bolivia

• Population: 1,82 million people (2022)

Known for: Santa Cruz is the commercial center of the country, rich in culture and rapidly developing into a modern metropolis. Located in the "tropical lowlands" of Bolivia, it extends along the Pirai River. One of the city's most significant landmarks, the ruins of an ancient village called El Fuerte, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $401,60
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 106
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $486,90
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $1721,70
• Cappuccino cost: $2,26
• Three-course dinner for two: $28,99
• Monthly gym membership fee: $40,76
• Most common industries: agriculture, mining and natural gas.

One of the people living there said: “It was incredible to live in a ‘big’ city with all the modern conveniences one could wish for, and still be able to hike or ride the sand dunes on a short day trip,” blogger Jake wrote.

Moving there can be difficult because: Santa Cruz has limited job prospects for foreign-born residents, who may have to resort to telecommuting. Two more problems are the high crime rate and the lack of infrastructure.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

• Population: 208 878 people (2020)

Known for: The volcanic island of Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, is a popular holiday and retirement destination for many British and German citizens. They particularly enjoy its beaches, cobbled villages and nightlife. Santa Cruz is its capital, a port city with a charming historic centre.

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $709,68
• Average cost to purchase a 1000-square-foot home in the city center: $ 207
• Monthly expenses per person (excluding housing): $617,90
• Monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding housing): $2217,90
• Cappuccino cost: $1,81
• Three-course dinner for two: $42,87
• Monthly gym membership fee: $41,79
• Most common industries: tourism, public relations, marketing, agriculture and manufacturing.

One of the people living there said: “My expenses in Tenerife were the same as in Portugal, with my biggest expenses being rent, which was $700 for a bedroom in a modern shared apartment five minutes from the beach,” states Laura Pope. “Renting a car makes living in Tenerife much more expensive, so I saved money by cycling or public transport and decided to cook most of my food at home.”

Moving there can be difficult because: "golden visas" or paths to citizenship through real estate investment in Spain can be expensive: they require an investment of about $537. The woman, who lived in Lisbon and London before moving to Tenerife, said she was "happier in Tenerife" , but nonetheless pointed out some of the disadvantages of living there in her blog, including traffic jams, poor public transport, and the uneven quality of healthcare.