Navegantes, Brazil

This coastal city in southern Brazil is home to just 23,662 people, a far cry from the tourist-packed beaches of Balneário Camboriú next door. The economy relies heavily on fishing and shipping, with a private port handling refrigerated cargo from the state's meat industry. However, bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city struggles to manage its modest population and industrial footprint. Navegantes is a practical choice for those seeking an affordable, low-key alternative to Brazil's more famous seaside destinations, but it lacks the glamour and amenities that draw many expatriates.