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Big cities like Paris or popular tourist spots like Thessaloniki may be better known, but when it comes to moving abroad, American expats may benefit from smaller, less obvious towns.
International Living recently released a report on 21 small towns where you can enjoy a “comfortable lifestyle” for just $2,000 a month. That may mean an improved quality of life defined by more walkable communities, access to attractions such as outdoor and cultural events, fresh food, and other perks.
“These small towns offer what people are increasingly seeking now,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of InternationalLiving.com, said in a release. “You don’t just save money; you gain a sense of community, a healthier pace of life, and more meaningful daily experiences.”
Consider Amarante (pictured above), a picturesque small town in northern Portugal that dates back to the 4th century BC.
Editors at International Living describe Amarante’s lifestyle as “deliberately slow.” Despite being smaller than destinations such as Lisbon, it still attracts tourists and is home to “top-notch” traditional restaurants and bakeries.
In the historic city center, you can find two- and three-bedroom rentals for as little as $1,000 per month, making the overall cost of living lower. Large homes and farms with land can be had for as little as $400,000.
If you read and loved A Year in Provence, Bormes Les Mimosas might be for you. It is named after the colorful flowers that bloom in winter and hosts a festival called Corso Fleuri every February.
Bormes-les-Mimosas also has beaches, wineries, and a medieval hilltop village.
International Living editors estimate that someone living in a modest two-bedroom apartment can expect to spend about $3,400.
You can also find the slow-paced lifestyle of a small town in Nafpaktos, Greece. Located on the Gulf of Corinth, it offers easy access to the beach and a wealth of ancient Venetian architecture.
Housing costs remain reasonable, with rental rates typically ranging from $405 to $809 per month. Monthly costs for a single resident average between $1,271 and $1,735.
According to the editors of International Living, the scenery here is like a “postcard” and there are festivals held throughout the year.
The small town of Aigues-Mortes was founded in the 13th century.th Centuries later, the medieval architecture still remains intact. International Living editors describe the city as chic, resembling some of the upscale small cities in California, with a walkable downtown filled with delicious eateries.
Aigues-Mortes is located in the south of France, but it’s not Provence, so prices are a little lower.
If you rent a modest two-bedroom apartment, you can expect to spend about $2,210 to $2,600 per month. Buying a home in a historic city center can be expensive. Expect to pay at least $231,000 for just 430 square feet, but International Living editors claim it’s the most beautiful place to live of all the options they cover.
If you’re yearning for a Caribbean lifestyle, Maya Beach on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula may be worth a visit. As it is located on a long and narrow peninsula, it is surrounded by water on both sides.
Maya Beach is quieter and cheaper than its tourist-heavy neighboring cities, but it’s home to Maya Bistro, one of the area’s most popular restaurants.
Rent is very reasonable, with International Living saying you can buy a one-bedroom cottage for about $800 a month, and a two-bedroom for about $1,400 a month.
San Ramon, Costa Rica, shown above, is full of beautiful natural scenery, lively restaurants, cultural attractions, and more.
International Living editors say San Ramon is one of the areas where daily necessities are “surprisingly easy to obtain” for expatriates. This includes access to health care, San Jose International Airport, and proximity to grocery stores and other shopping facilities.
One couple interviewed by International Living estimates they spend about $6,000 on living expenses, but believes it is possible to live modestly on a fraction of that. On the other hand, if you’re looking to buy a home, you can still find options for less than $150,000, even though larger, updated or rural properties will cost at least $300,000 and probably more.
