Kajaani vs Tamási

Kajaani is a genuinely cheap small city, with a one-bedroom in the center at $561/mo and a single adult scraping by on a budget tier of $753/mo, so the money math works in your favor. The catch is everything else: 37 thousand people, very few expats, limited English proficiency, and winters that drop to -9°C with minimal daylight, which is why the digital nomad score sits at 58/100 and the retiree score at 60/100. If you want safety (88/100), clean air (25), and a 7 km hop to KAJ, it delivers, but a local net salary of $2,019/mo against $980/mo in non-rent costs means you had better arrive with remote work or savings. Come for the low rent and the midnight sun, not for the social life.

Best for families seeking safety, with a very high expat safety rating and US Travel Advisory Level 1. Cost of living is 41% lower than NYC, with a one-bedroom outside the city center averaging $709/month. However, progressive income tax up to 57% and no retirement visa, though a self-employment or specialist residence permit may be available for remote workers make it less ideal for remote workers or retirees.