Alto Hospicio, Chile

With a population of over 108,000, Alto Hospicio is a fast-growing city that has transformed from a sleepy train station to a sprawling urban center in just a few decades. The rapid expansion has brought its share of challenges, including a persistent bureaucratic headache for residents. The climate is a coastal desert, with high temperatures, abundant cloudiness, and unpredictable rainfall patterns that can vary dramatically throughout the day. While the cost of living may be lower than the nearby coastal city of Iquique, Alto Hospicio is unlikely to appeal to those seeking an easy, carefree lifestyle abroad.