In the heart of South America and the Andes Mountains, this vibrant city of 9 million has been deemed “dirt cheap” by its expat population compared to many Canadian and U.S. cities. It’s not only notable for its cheap and delicious cuisine (the best ceviche this side of the Atlantic, many claim, averaging roughly $4 a plate) but also for medical and dental tourism. Many people go there or move there for the cheap hospital and doctors bills. Rent is said to range from more than $1500 for a two-bedroom dwelling in the wealthy Miraflores district, to $200 a month in further-out Magdalena.
Considered the least pocket-offensive city in Western Europe, man people also say it’s the most fun. Vibrant night life, clubs, radical appearances, parks, amazing history–Berlin has it all. Many of the young rascals desire to live in the more trendy downtown areas which now compare with cities like London or Paris for rental prices. The further-flung districts have maintained their low flat prices. However, wonders abound elsewhere: beer at bars averaging $4, the same brands found for less than $1 at kiosks, $1 club entrance fees. The housing bubble has started, though, as a result of the international financial crisis of 2012. Get in while you can.
This massive country has proven to be a Mecca for native English speakers making a career in teaching. Cities like Beijing or Shanghai are certainly interesting, but crowded, and noisy. Chengdu has been described as more reasonably paced and generally more breathable. It also sits at the cusp of the Himalayas for accessibility to some stunning scenery…and pandas! Apartments located outside the city center can average $200 a month.
Call it “A Moveable Fiesta” (New York Magazine), because it’s got the vibe of 1920s bohemian Paris. It’s been written that you’ll get 10 times the real estate in Buenos Aires than you would in New York City. You’ll also eat and drink all of the decently-priced steak and wine you can imagine, consort with the fiery locals–nearly 90 percent of them are of European descent–and rent a one-bedroom with a full salon, kitchen, and more near the city center for roughly $700 a month. Viva Argentina!
While the price of living may require a decent job, there’s reportedly no city that beats the free thinking, the relaxation, the ubiquity of English speakers (but learn some Dutch!), the architecture, the smoke rising in the air…than Amsterdam. It’s certainly an idyllic portal to the rest of the continent. Many expats will tell you to open your mind to the pot markets and the prostitute alleys. The museums, bicycles, and general visual layout of the city are sensual and hypnotic enough. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development cites research that Amsterdam is one of the happiest cities in the world in which to live.
Especially for Americans and Brits, the excitement of moving to Australia can be enormous — a unique culture not so far from their own but so very far from home. The Economist Intelligence Unit described Melbourne as the world’s most livable city for foreigners in 2011, and Melbourne often makes other best-city top 10 lists. A somewhat comforting fact: more than 44 percent of this city’s population was not born in Australia! You’re bound to find a fellow expat in need of a friend here. Unlike the urban steel vibe of Sydney, Melbourne is known for its nightlife, European-esque visual setup, diverse immigrant culture, and festivals. Watch out, though — this isn’t one of the cheapest cities to be an artist in.
Presided over by Table Mountain, Cape Town is certainly the metropolitan gem of the southern part of the world. Its very apparent positioning between ocean and mountains adds to the chilled-out vibe. The city has a vibrant tech scene, a thriving cafe culture, and diverse communities of all different colors and backgrounds. Named The Best City in the World by Telegraph Travel Awards 2013, South Africa’s Mother City also boasts a relatively low cost of living.
The average cost of living in Hanoi is around $18 a day, and that is said to include decent housing as well. It’s another one of those cities that never sleeps, and its expat community is relatively small compared to other Southeast Asian cities, but English teaching jobs, NGO positions, and opportunities for small businesses are said to be aplenty. While 5 million people inhabit Vietnam, it’s said to have a “village vibe,” although the nightlife and the restaurant scene has been described as fantastic, and the ubiquity of lakes makes for green getaways.
Mercer’s annual Quality of Living Survey for 2014 put Mozart’s City of Music right up at the top, so it’s definitely worth mentioning. Expats range from a long-term barefoot backpackers to CEOs living abroad, and it’s hard to tell if Vienna will ideally suit all walks of life. However, you can’t beat the visual splendor, the Döner sandwiches on the street, or the symphony halls bursting with classical music. Mercer’s survey said there’s a balance between health care options, urban recreational space, cost of living, crime rates, and political stability.
The ultimate expat destination, Thailand is rich in beaches, has crowded-but-interesting urban spaces, progressive development, and easy-to-find employment for low, low prices. The low cost of living in Bangkok, the mountainous chill of Chiang Mai, the beachscapes of Phuket, the rolling rural beauty of Chiang Rai and Rayong–Thailand is unbeatable. It has affordable health clinics ($50 or less for a checkup) and a bounty of choice for housing ranging from glass condos to shared flats in classic districts. Getting your 150-hour TESOL or CELTA English-teaching certification almost guarantees a job, but get your visa worked out before buying the plane ticket!
Zurich is so much more than a banking city. It’s marvelously clean, has a booming economy and has a very well maintained infrastructure. Although Swiss German is the most commonly spoken language, most everyone will understand and speak English, and you’ll find most directions, menus and information written in English. The city is full of the types of treasures an expat looks for, like wine and pastry shops, old book stores, art galleries and theaters. And of course there is the gorgeous Limmat River, which runs through the city and offers a chance to see the area by sailboat or motorboat.
Auckland has all the modern conveniences of a metropolitan area, paired with the relaxing vibe of a coastal city. And the coastal life is active, with gorgeous sailboats and yachts filling up the harbor, and stunning walking paths along the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Auckland is a small city that still manages to have a booming business world. It has a lovely temperate climate, and a broad spectrum of accommodations so expats with every sort of budget should be able to find a place to stay. Expats will also feel right at home here because expats already make up a large portion of the population.
Munich is the perfect place for newcomers because it’s extremely social and welcoming, with its beer halls and open parks around every corner. Munich also boasts a ton of festivals year round, so it feels as if the city is always preparing for another celebration. Finding work shouldn’t be too difficult, as the city has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, and the city is said to be very safe. Munich provides a unique blend of rich history, with plenty of museums and historical buildings, as well as modern venues and night clubs.
Vancouver is known for being surprisingly quiet and calm for a bustling metropolitan area. For the outdoors lover, there is never a dull moment with snowy mountains not far from the ocean, and gorgeous forests. This is already a place with a large population of expats from France, China, Vietnam, Germany and Taiwan, but almost everyone speaks English. With that in mind, Vancouver is one of the world’s food capitals and any cuisine you’re interested in, you can probably find a five-star restaurant offering it in this city.
Right on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria offers rather affordable housing for an expat. The city has very clean air, is bicycle-friendly, and is just a two-hour train ride from Cairo. That being said, it’s not much of a tourist area so residents can enjoy calm and quiet, but can access the busier Cairo whenever desired. The city boasts charming cafes and pastry shops, and a few historical sites as well like the Catacombs.
Even though Bali is certainly a vacation destination, this tropical paradise is also enjoyed by a big population of expats. Most housing will sit in stunning, unique settings like rice paddies or within site of palm-tree lined beaches. The city is full of fun yoga studios, trendy cafes, and upscale restaurants at affordable prices. It’s the perfect place for expats looking to experience the Asian culture, without the crowds of large Asian cities.
This little Spanish hidden treasure sits on the Mediterranean Sea, just about an hour south of Granada. Since it is a small town, it offers affordable coastal living with that lovely laid back Spanish lifestyle. It’s new world meets old: it’s not far from a major airport, but it’s also home to a castle. The beaches are dotted with tapas restaurants, there is a fun plaza with an open air market and you’ll find some incredible seafood.
