10 attractive cities that prove you can move overseas and live comfortably

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Buying a home overseas is not only for the wealthy. In some cases, living abroad is cheaper than living in the United States.

The State Department estimates 9 million live abroad. (…) It’s a good bet not all of them have seven-figure bank accounts.

If you are considering a move abroad, cost can be a key factor when it comes to where you reside. With the help of International Living, we’ve put together a list of 10 places around the globe where many Americans can afford to live comfortably. These are not the cheapest places to live but they are locations that offer good value. (…)

Living overseas isn’t for everyone. But if you are looking for a fresh start, you might want to mull one of these locales.

Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the middle of the 16th century. The use of glistening, white sillar (volcanic rock) for the construction of these buildings earned it the nickname, the “White City.”

For those interested in an active lifestyle, Arequipa is a hub for hiking in the nearby mountains and canyons. (…) It averages 300 days of sunshine each year. (…)

In upscale Cayma, a three-bedroom condo can be had for $150,000 or less. Smaller two-bedroom condos near Plaza Aventura start at $65,000. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $350.

Cascais, Portugal

Cosmopolitan yet laid-back Cascais is 20 miles west of Lisbon on an estuary of the River Tejo — also known by its former Roman name, the Tagus River.

The city was a small fishing village until King Luis I chose it as his summer retreat. Portuguese high society followed, constructing lavish villas and ornate mansions.

It’s not only the arresting beauty of the bay that charms locals and visitors alike. Cascais is known for its great beaches, manicured parks, shops offering traditional items such as pottery and lace, and upscale clothing boutiques. A multitude of restaurants provide outdoor seating, and interesting museums can be enjoyed by the art or history buff.

The city, which has a population of more than 200,000, is meticulously maintained. Streets are spotless. Red, yellow and purple blooms burst from street lamp baskets, and roundabouts are decorated with intricately designed flower arrangements. The town is blessed with a year-round moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from 55 to 77 degrees.

The village of Cascais is one of wealthiest municipalities in Portugal, but that doesn’t mean that it should be dismissed as being too expensive. Real estate prices in Portugal are among the lowest in Europe, making it an affordable option if you seek a European base. And as a foreigner, you can legally own property there.

Many Portuguese prefer to live in apartments or condos. One-bedroom condos start at $120,000. Prices for condos run about $362 per square foot in the city center and $175 per square foot in the suburbs. Rent on a two-bedroom apartment is about $750 monthly.

Central Valley, Costa Rica

The springlike climate, central location and ready-made expat community are just a few of the reasons more and more people are deciding to call it home. It’s hard to beat the Central Valley when looking for a beautiful, friendly and relatively inexpensive place to live.

Three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes start at $150,000. Rent on a furnished, two-bedroom home is about $500 monthly.

Cuenca, Ecuador

As Ecuador’s third-largest city, Cuenca is the economic center of the southern sierra and (…) the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (…)

Cuenca is famous for its colorful festivals, distinctive food and breathtaking scenery. (…) Cuenca is a pedestrian-friendly city (…) and its residents enjoy year round springlike weather.

The price of a three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse starts at $75,000. Many expats use the purchase of real estate to obtain a residence visa. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment is about $500.

Granada, Nicaragua

Granada is an elegant colonial city on Lake Cocibolca (…) and its picturesque setting is anchored by the famous and much photographed yellow church in the city center.

Granada enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round. Expats have flocked to Granada in recent years for its low cost of living, quality health care and walkable amenities. It has a perfect blend of culture, beautiful avenues and city life.

Restored colonial houses start at $200,000. Newly constructed one- and two-bedroom homes can be found for $60,000. Rent on a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is about $550 per month.

Malaga, Spain

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back 2,800 years. Located on Spain’s popular Costa del Sol on the northern side of the Mediterranean Sea. (…) Over the past decade or so, Malaga has been transformed into a clean, bright city with a pedestrian-only city center and a revamped harbor.

Costa del Sol is home to the highest concentration of golf courses in Europe. With its subtropical-Mediterranean climate that delivers mild winters and an average of nearly 300 days of sunshine a year. (…)

A one-bedroom condo in the historic center sells for around $170,000. A one-bedroom apartment rents for about $800 a month.

Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is nestled in a valley between the western and central ranges of the Andes Mountains. (…) The year-round average temperature is 72 degrees — earned it the nickname the “City of Eternal Spring.”

(…) Urban Land Institute declared Medellin “the most innovative city in the world.” Medellin is a thriving metropolis, attracting a growing number of expats because of its low cost of living and quality of life. Medellin has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America.

Houses start at $55,000 and can cost less than $100,000 in the city’s upscale neighborhoods. Rent on a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment can run between $400 to $1,000 per month.

Pedasi, Panama

The tranquil, rural town — a five-hour drive from Panama City, Panama’s capital — is surrounded by green pastures where cattle graze, only a few miles from the ocean.

The many beaches in the greater Pedasi region, just outside the village, provide the main source of income for locals — fishing. Considered the “Tuna Coast” of Panama. (…) The first thing you might notice when you visit Pedasi is how clean the town is, and that the homes are all well-kept and painted in bright colors.

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom home starts around $135,000. Many expats prefer to build their own homes because prices are relatively low. Rent for a two-bedroom home is about $750 monthly.

Penang Island, Malaysia

Penang Island is a small tropical island off the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. (…) It offers a balance of nature and sophisticated amenities, from jungle-covered hills bursting with wildlife to modern high-rises to pristine beaches.

Three-bedroom, three-bathroom condos in a high-rise buildings start at $200,000. Rent for a similar unit is about $750 a month. (…)

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Stretching from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a premier beach destination with its white sands, turquoise waters and year-round warm weather.

It has modern infrastructure, services and amenities, as well as traditional Mexican culture, such as music, food and events. Riviera Maya offers something for everyone, whether you want a seaside village, resort-style living or a sophisticated city atmosphere.

One-bedroom condos with beach access start at $90,000. Move inland, and prices drop as much as 30 percent. Rent on a two-bedroom condo is about $900 per month.