Igarassu, Brazil

With a population of just 79,837, Igarassu is a sleepy backwater far from the glamour of Brazil's major cities. The historic center may have been designated a national monument, but the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache for residents. Frequent tropical storms and scorching temperatures are also a daily fact of life. While the colonial-era architecture and proximity to beaches offer some charms, Igarassu is best suited for retirees or remote workers seeking an ultra-low cost of living, not ambitious professionals.