The three places you can live a life of luxury on a budget of just $40,000 a year

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Penang

– 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.

– George Town also boasts high-end shopping centres with many of the same outlets found in Australian hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

– 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.

– Penang National Park is also home to a meromictic lake, a natural phenomenon where the lake’s surface and bottom layers of water don’t mix.

–  A plethora of picture postcard beaches lie just outside Penang’s urban centre, including Kerachut, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang beach.

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

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

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

One of the most attractive things about the Algarve is that ever town is unique in its own way

Things to do in the Algarve

– Despite 161 kilometres of Atlantic shoreline, southern Portugal has more to offer than quality sunbathing: golfing, tennis, sailing, horseback riding, hiking and biking trails are just some of the regular activities available to intrepid travelers.

– One of the most attractive things about the Algarve is that ever town is unique in its own way.

– Alvor, a charming, traditional fishing village, boasts beautiful beaches and a picturesque marina which continues to enjoy popularity with tourists and expats alike.

– Lying 10 kilometres east of Faro, Portugal’s main airport, Olhao retains the true essence of coastal Portuguese culture and is home to the Algarve’s largest port.

– Originally conceived in the 1980s as a world leading golf venue, Vilamoura has evolved and now offers elegant hotels, fine dining restaurants and an impressive marina, in addition to the pristine sands of Praia da Falesia beachfront.

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Chiang Mai

– Chiang Mai is the region that keeps on giving, with a wide variety of international restaurants, stunning surrounding countryside and large choice of outdoor activities to keep residents of all ages and capabilities entertained.

– Due to its northern location, Chiang Mai remains slightly cooler than Bangkok and the southern islands, making it ideal for sightseeing and lounging without the risk of heat related fatigue.

– Chiang Mai’s most famous attraction is the mountain and Buddhist temple of Doi Suthep, home to a large white elephant shrine as well as a replica of the Emerald Buddha.

– Nimmanhaemin Road (aka the trendiest part of Chiang Mai) is full of fancy bars, shopping outlets and even a multiplex cinema.

– 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.



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