Ain Defla, Algeria

Capital City

Living costs around half of what you'd pay in coastal Algerian cities make this former Roman settlement an affordable, if tense, option for risk-tolerant expats. Aïn Defla sits as the administrative capital of its namesake province, built on the ruins of the ancient Roman Oppidum Novum, whose remains are still visible today.

The city's modern incarnation emerged in the 20th century as a planned settlement to consolidate local populations. Security remains a serious consideration - the area saw militant activity in the 1990s as a GIA stronghold, with clashes between government forces and militants as recently as 2021. While basic amenities are available, expats should weigh the significant security considerations against the lower cost of living.