Santa Ana, Philippines

The 33,000 pesos spent on constructing this 18th-century church are a drop in the bucket compared to the bureaucratic headaches that await those who settle in Santa Ana. Despite the grand Baroque architecture and centuries-old relics, the daily grind of navigating this Manila district is a far cry from its spiritual allure. And with the church complex serving as a military hospital during past conflicts, one can't help but wonder about the area's safety.

Still, the 1717 arrival of the revered image of Our Lady of the Abandoned suggests this community holds deep meaning for the devout. For those drawn to its religious heritage and willing to brave the administrative hassles, Santa Ana may be worth considering. But for the average expat, the tradeoffs of living here may prove too steep.