Vinkovci, Croatia

Vinkovci may be Croatia's 17th largest city, but with a population of just 30,842, this sleepy Slavonian town offers little of the excitement or amenities that many expats crave. The economy is dominated by transportation and food processing, while the brutal continental climate can be a shock for newcomers. And with the city's turbulent history - including damage from the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s - bureaucracy remains a persistent headache. Overall, Vinkovci is best suited for those seeking a slower-paced, low-cost lifestyle in a quintessentially Croatian setting, rather than cosmopolitan thrills.