“Living in the United States is not cheap, especially as prices continue to rise, from food to transportation to housing. According to recent reports, an American household spends an average of $61,334 a year, with housing being the largest expense, on almost $1,800 a month. So why not move to a place where it costs much less to live?”
That is the first paragraph of the report published this week by Forbes magazine, which a few months ago already placed Alicante, along with Valencia and Malaga, as one of the three best cities in the world for foreign residents. Now, citing a report from ‘International Living’, Forbes reproduces a list of 13 “exciting” places in the world where a couple can live for as little as $1,500 a month (or less).
According to the study, this figure covers everything: “housing, healthcare, food, entertainment and much more.” With the addition that “if you are single, you can live for much less.” Seen from Alicante, and taking into account that 1,500 dollars is about 1,400 euros, the report’s calculation seems a bit optimistic.
To compile this list of the cheapest places to live, International Living analyzed seven factors: housing, visas, cost of living, healthcare, climate, high-speed internet access, networking opportunities and language communities. English.
Among the thirteen chosen destinations, there are only three European ones: the French city of Bergerac, and the Spanish cities of Alicante and Granada. Curiously, Forbes chooses a picturesque photo – the picturesque photo – of La Vila Joisa to illustrate the text that he dedicates to Alicante, in which he focuses on the capital of the province. Of Alicante, Forbes says that it is located “on the sunny Costa Blanca, it is known for its relaxed seaside life. With a warm and sunny climate, a great gastronomic offer and a historic old town, Alicante offers a pleasant lifestyle that It won’t ruin anyone.”
The financial magazine highlights as one of its strengths that Alicante “is home to a considerable number of expatriates: around 15% of the permanent population is foreign. Therefore, it is easy to get by with a minimum of Spanish.” In addition, the publication adds, “it is also easily accessible. Both the main airlines and other low-cost airlines operate at the Alicante-Elche international airport.”
And what does the price report say? “Alicante offers affordability along with its cultural wealth. According to International Living, renting a chic apartment in the heart of the city or a cozy house with views of the Mediterranean can cost less than $700 a month. A couple’s monthly expenses, excluding “The rent is around 700 dollars, so living in Alicante is comfortable and affordable: about 1,400 dollars a month.” Will the Alicante reader agree?
