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Six places to live abroad on a string budget

Planning to shift base but can't decide on the location yet? Take help from our curated list

While at work do you daydream about quitting your job and living in a small house by the beach or the mountains? Well, this might not be a far-fetched idea if you plan your move to a new city, after studying the actual cost of living and residency rules.
We bring to you a list of six places to consider:  
Portugal

With warm and sunny weather for the most part of the year, you could survive in this Western Europe destination for an estimated monthly budget of Dh4,223 per month.
If you are a beach bum and Europe has been on your mind, Portugal should be on your list as it is cheaper than Spain and the cost of living is half when compared to France or the UK.
Your rent could you be your biggest expense at Dh2,540 and you could comfortably travel at a stringed budget of Dh146.
Colombia

Kahleen Peddicord from Live and Invest Overseas recommends El Pobaldo, a neighbourhood located in Medellin for its rich culture and super affordable cost of living. Colombia has been on the expat list for relocation for a while now but the fall in their currency against the dollar has made it even more attractive. With a rent of Dh3,740, groceries for Dh748 and travel for Dh184, one person could spend a month in Colombia for Dh5,934.
Dominican Republic

Situated between Cuba and Puerto Rico, it is possible to spend a month here at a budget of Dh3,670 to Dh5,000. With the rent expense costing you Dh2,900 approximately, improving infrastructure, and easy residency, this island nation is the best bargain in the Caribbean.
If you are looking for further inexpensive places, Puerto Plata and the nearby neighbourhoods could be on your list. A one-bedroom apartment could cost you Dh270. You don't have to spend a lot on food and groceries as they are locally produced and tend to be inexpensive. Items including rice, eggs, corn, potatoes are part of their local cuisine and cheaply available.
Belize

If you could overlook the lack of high-tech medical care and want to settle in a laid back location, Santa Familia village in Cayo, Belize is the place for you. The place has a subtropical climate for the most part of the year and access to the Caribbean. 
Peddicord mentions Belize as a country with limited government interference and limited budgets, where people are self-reliant and self-sufficient. Housing here could cost you Dh3,144 and you can wind up travel and groceries at approximately Dh500 to Dh600 per month.
Chiang Mai, Thailand

At a monthly budget of Dh3,670, Chiang Mai in Thailand has been an expat's favourite for its overall low cost of living, affordable health care, and great weather.
The city has a mix of old city charm with Buddhist temples in the old neighbourhoods co-exisiting with hyper markets, mall and other entertainment avenues that have come up in recent years. Dh2,590 is what you might have to shell out for your monthly rent, groceries for Dh500, basic transportation for Dh50 and Chaing Mai can be a location of your choice.
Spain

A budget of Dh6,000 is all you need to relocate to Barcelona in the north-east part of Spain. If you are eyeing Catalonia, knowing a bit of basic Spanish or Catalan can make your life easier in this vibrant city.
Keep aside Dh3,600 for rent, approximately Dh800 for groceries, Dh40 to Dh50 for basic transportation and you could call this city of museums and galleries your home. Soak in the locally rich culture and prepare to adjust to the local timings. For example, shops close between 2 pm to 5 pm for their afternoon siestas and dinner timings are usually after 9.30 pm.
anita@khaleejtimes.com