Did you know that the world is home to several secret expat communities where foreigners live like royals on a budget? Yes, you’re reading it right! It doesn’t always cost an arm and a leg to enjoy aristocratic and high-lifestyle experiences globally (so long as you’re at the right place that is!). On that note, let’s take a closer look at these aspects below.

Affordable Luxury Gains Momentum Among Expats

Before we go deeper into these secret communities that expats cherish, it’s important to understand what’s driving them. This is nothing but the concept of affordable luxury. It means living in spacious accommodations with gorgeous views, enjoying perks like fresh meals, massages, and private healthcare, and everything else without having to be really loaded! So, this does not mean pinching on the pennies, but discovering how to live like a king for much less.

What make this possible are factors like lower living costs, favorable exchange rates, affordable services, and expanding expat communities with global lifestyles. Sounds fascinating? Let’s look at some affordable luxury destinations below.

Where to Live Like a King On a Budget

Now that the cat’s out of the bag, it’s time for you to look up some of these secret expat communities where foreigners can live regally on a budget.

• Mexico– The country offers fabulously affordable home rentals or properties, diverse cultural experiences, and premium lifestyles. You’ll discover several expat communities living in Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and Merida, among other areas. To put it into context, renting a colonial home with charming interiors costs lower than a studio apartment in NYC when you’re in San Miguel. Chefs, housekeeping, and other services are relatively affordable as well. Expats here enjoy everything from rooftop dinners and live music to cultural events and weekly massages without breaking the bank!
• Portugal– Several expat communities have sprung up throughout Portugal and it’s not for nothing! Lisbon offers history and elegant lifestyles, and staying in serviced apartments in Lisbon makes it easy to enjoy all the city has to offer with comfort and convenience. The Douro Valley country estates and Cascais seaside homes are also finding takers and the same is true for inland homes with peace, space, and charm at much lower costs than other European hotspots. Enjoy gourmet dining, get affordable health insurance, walk across famous neighbourhoods, and explore vineyards- the possibilities are endless here!
• Thailand– If you dig deeper, you’ll find several expat communities setting up their bases in Thailand. The reasons are not hard to find. You can rent a furnished villa with a garden and pool for less than what you’d get in major US cities. It’s possible in several locations like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and more. Wellness is a part of the daily lifestyle in Thailand, with spa treatments, private cooks, housekeeping, boat rides, organic markets, and a lot more on offer at reasonable rates.
• Turkey– The country combines Middle Eastern hospitality with European charm. So, expats choose either Istanbul or Antalya for their home bases, while some also consider Fethiye with its relaxed pace. Picture stone villas and seaside penthouses along with stylish apartments in iconic buildings. Soak in a traditional Hammam, go shopping, enjoy gourmet breakfasts, and explore ancient ruins. It’s all possible at a surprisingly lower cost!
• Spain– If you’re in Spain, there’s a lot on offer here, covering aspects like culture, cuisine, sport, and the general joie-de-vivre. So, coastal bases like Malaga or Valencia make more sense for expats and so does Andalusia with all its charming towns. The quality of life is excellent at an affordable rate. You’ll find seaside homes at lower rates with affordable health insurance, active outdoor lifestyles, and a nourishing Mediterranean diet here. At the same time, explore wineries, enjoy relaxing at cafes, play golf, go sailing, and enjoy great public transit, even in the smaller Spanish cities. For expats in Spain, serviced apartments in Madrid provide a hassle-free base to enjoy city life, culture, and the Mediterranean lifestyle without compromising on comfort. No wonder it’s a favourite hunting ground for expats!

Live Like a King Without Draining Your Bank Account

The trick to living like a king on a lower budget is to streamline your accommodation preferences first. You’ve got to find and book a serviced apartment that fits your needs at a reasonable price for an extended stay. The rental will usually include maintenance, utilities, and housekeeping, while you can cook meals yourself to save money on dining out each day. At the same time, many of these properties offer not just prime locations, but also access to hotel-like on-site amenities. So, the quality of life is anyway up to the mark.

Of course, do consider visa and residency requirements along with getting a health insurance plan that offers global coverage for less. Pick areas that are walkable and with some form of access to public transportation (it is more affordable than renting a car) and look for markets and local stores where you can affordably buy your daily essentials. Here’s to enjoying a regal stay on a budget in these secret expat communities.