Petrolina, Brazil

With a population of only 175,406, Petrolina is a far cry from the bustling metropolises many Americans dream of. The reality is a semi-arid, agricultural hub where 20.9% of residents live below the poverty line. While the region has seen rapid growth thanks to irrigation projects, the climate is brutally hot and dry, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. For those seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle, Petrolina may hold some appeal, but it's hardly the tropical paradise many expatriates envision.