Linghai, China

With a population of 412,513, Linghai is hardly the idyllic retreat many expats dream of. The county-level city in Liaoning province is firmly under the administration of Jinzhou, a larger prefecture-level city 13 miles to the southwest. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Linghai is divided into a dizzying array of subdistricts, towns, townships, and even an ethnic township. On the plus side, the city is served by a railway station and airport, providing connectivity. However, the harsh northeastern climate may be a turnoff for some. Overall, Linghai is a practical, if unglamorous, option for those seeking an affordable cost of living in China, but the relentless red tape is not for the faint of heart.