Cacoal, Brazil

With a population of just under 79,000, Cacoal is a sleepy municipality in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. While the city's tropical climate and affordable cost of living may initially seem appealing, the bureaucratic headaches and lack of infrastructure are persistent challenges. Only 52.5% of households have adequate sanitation, and the average monthly salary of formal workers is a mere 2 minimum wages. Despite the city's steady growth over the past decades, it's clear that Cacoal is better suited for rugged pioneers than those seeking a comfortable, cosmopolitan lifestyle abroad.