1. Alicante, Spain
Alicante is a city that has mastered the art of frugal living. They’ve done it without sacrificing any beauty or quality of living. It’s a beach city on Spain’s Costa Blanca and is famous for its wonderful climate, great food, stellar entertainment, relaxing lifestyle and lack of significant tourism. It’s a place that won’t disappoint. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the city’s center runs you about $550 a month. Public transit is around $40 a month. A good bottle of wine is $5 and a good domestic beer is a dollar. Spain’s minimum wage is $5.82 an hour.
2. Mendoza, Argentina
Right smack in the heart of Argentina’s wine country is the beautiful city of Mendoza. The local economy is strong and there is much demand for fresh, new businesses. If you’re looking to start a business, Mendoza is the place to do it. A one bedroom apartment in the city’s center runs you about $380 a month. To buy a one bedroom apartment is about $60,000. A good bottle of wine is $4 and a good bottle of domestic beer is $1.40. Argentina’s minimum wage is $8.35 an hour.
3. Bali, Indonesia
This is a low-cost living heaven located in Asia. Bali has a hopping nightlife, vibrant tourism economy, and is a great place to set up shop. Rent on a one bedroom apartment in the city’s center is $300 a month. A good bottle of wine is $12 and a good bottle of domestic beer is $1.60. Minimum wage is $1.20 an hour.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has one of the nicest climates in all of Asia. It’s a mountain town rich in culture, good food, and friendly neighbors. It’s a place where you can make your dollar stretch pretty far too. A one bedroom apartment in the city’s center is $250 a month, a good bottle of wine is $13 and a good domestic beer is $1.30. Thailand’s minimum wage is $2.87 an hour.
5. Corozal, Belize
This is the city for folks who want to kick back and relax. It’s a hot spot for meditation and yoga, has beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and it’s very affordable. A one bedroom apartment in the city’s center runs you $190 a month. Buying a two bedroom apartment costs around $115,000. A good bottle of wine is $12 and a good domestic beer is $1.50. The minimum wage in Belize is $2.92.
6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico has many little gems of places to live on the cheap, but Vallarta beats them all in my book. It’s naturally beautiful, very romantic, but has heavy tourism. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the city center costs $450 a month. Buying a traditional townhouse costs $55,000. A good bottle of wine is $7.50. A good domestic beer is $1.25. And the tequila is dirt cheap. Mexico’s minimum wage is $.89 an hour. Good luck.
7. Ojen, Spain.
Back to Spain! Ojen has multimillion dollar villas and also incredibly affordable living. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the city’s center runs you $330 a month. A traditional townhouse costs $100,000. A good bottle of wine is just $4 and a good domestic beer is $1.25. Spain’s minimum wage is $5.82 an hour.
These cities are beautiful, fun, and affordable! Each one brings its residents something a little bit new and exotic. Have you visited or lived in any of these cities? Let’s hear about it in the comments below!