Many of us have dreamed about relocating to tropical and exotic climes to escape the stresses and strains of big city life and the associated costs.
Yet for the vast majority of people, the dreams remain just that.
But in a number of stunningly beautiful, value friendly locations outside Australia, expats are discovering they can live better than they could at home – for significantly less.
A new report from International Living revealed three overseas destinations where Australians can enjoy a major lifestyle upgrade on a budget of just $40,000 a year.
In a number of stunningly beautiful, value friendly locations outside Australia, expats are discovering they can live better than they could at home – for significantly less
Penang, Malaysia
Lying just off the coast of northwestern Malaysia, the island of Penang has been a long time favourite among savvy expats for good reason.
Home to 1.6 million, life in Penang might best be described as vibrant, rich and eclectic.
A couple can live well on a monthly budget of $2,500, but if you want to splurge and push your spend to $3,300, opulence awaits.

Penang’s largest city George Town is home to a vibrant arts scene, eclectic architecture and some of the best street food in the world

Home to 1.6 million, life in Penang might best be described as vibrant, rich and eclectic
Rent in a modern high-rise with a pool, gym and 24-hour security costs an average of $1,000 a month.
For the equivalent of roughly two weeks rent in Sydney, you’ll get a modern three bedroom, three bath, 213 square metre ocean view apartment with a balcony.
It’s a luxury life on an affordable budget with all the comforts and conveniences of home.
And thanks to Penang’s international airport, the region is more accessible and affordable for wanderlust hungry souls than other destinations in Southeast Asia.

Penang offers luxury life on an affordable budget with all the comforts and conveniences of home

Fans of the great outdoors will love Penang National Park, which offers hiking trails, a canopy walk, eight beaches and over one thousand diverse species of flora and fauna
The Algarve, Portugal
Whether the mellow taste of port wine in the north tickles your palette or the natural beauty of the southern Algarve is more to your taste, Portugal truly has something for everyone.
From the craggy cliffs and expansive views afforded by Cape Saint Vincent on the extreme west coast to Tavira (sometimes referred to as Queen of the Algarve) just thirty minutes from the Spanish border, the region is rich in every sense of the word.
Superior beaches, ancient architecture, world class yet inexpensive wine and and premium fresh seafood are luring many to explore (and settle in) the Algarve.
Here a couple can live well on $2,660 per month, while those willing to got the extra mile can live in serious affluence for about $3,200.

Whether the mellow taste of port wine in the north tickles your palette or the natural beauty of the southern Algarve is more to your taste, Portugal truly has something for everyone

The region is rich with superior beaches, ancient architecture, world class yet inexpensive wine and and premium fresh seafood

One of the most attractive things about the Algarve is that ever town is unique in its own way
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Also known as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai has been a popular destination with tourists and expats for generations.
With its hundreds of golden temples and year-round tropical climate, it’s not hard to see why.
But the real kicker is that Chiang Mai, one of the most culturally rich regions in Thailand with a population of several hundred thousand people, offers all the amenities of a bustling metropolis at small town prices.
Two people can live comfortably in the tropical setting of Chiang Mai on a monthly budget of $2,650, while those with additional spending power could enjoy luxuries like a house keeper, regular massages and travel for roughly $3,100.

Also known as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai has been a popular destination with tourists and expats for generations

Chiang Mai, one of the most culturally rich regions in Thailand with a population of several hundred thousand people, offers all the amenities of a bustling metropolis at small town prices
Australian expat Michelle Hammond lives in a luxury, one-bedroom condo in Nimman, a trendy district brimming with restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and boutique hotels, for the enticing cost of just of $827 a month.
She spoke to International Living about the benefits of relocating to northern Thailand compared with the cost of living in Australia.
‘With so many amenities on offer, there are days when my partner and I don’t even leave the [apartment] complex,’ she said.
‘It includes a swimming pool with a jacuzzi, gym, sauna, library, an indoor-outdoor wine bar, barbecue area, relaxation garden and a rooftop with views of [tourist favourite] Doi Suthep mountain.
‘I’m amazed at what our money is getting us here in Chiang Mai. Especially when I compare it to our old apartment in Melbourne, where we were paying $1,738 a month (plus bills) to live in an old building with no amenities.’

Chiang Mai is one of the only places in Thailand where you can visit certified ethical and sustainable tourism projects such as the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary