São Bento do Sul, Brazil

With a population of just 50,328, this industrial hub in southern Brazil is hardly the cosmopolitan destination many expats envision. The city is best known for its thriving furniture and textile industries, a boon for skilled workers but a potential turnoff for those seeking a more diverse economy. And while the local festivals celebrate the immigrant roots of the population, newcomers should brace for a persistent bureaucratic headache.

Overall, São Bento do Sul is a pragmatic choice for hardworking professionals seeking an affordable, no-frills lifestyle in Brazil, but hardly the stuff of dreams for those seeking an exotic tropical paradise.