Setif, Algeria

Capital City

Don't expect a glamorous expat life in Setif, Algeria - the average cost of living here is a mere €282, but the median salary is just €214, barely enough to cover expenses for a month. With a population of 288,461, this city in northeastern Algeria is the 8th largest in the country and growing rapidly, though its bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Setif's high altitude of 1,100 meters gives it a cold semi-arid climate with harsh winters and frequent snowfall, so it's best suited for hardy souls seeking an affordable, no-frills Algerian experience.