Swindon, United Kingdom

Swindon's a gritty, unvarnished town - the tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. With a population of 220,000, it's a far cry from the idyllic countryside villages that often draw expats. Though the local economy has diversified from its manufacturing roots, the city still has an industrial feel. If you can stomach the red tape, Swindon may work for those seeking an affordable cost of living outside London's orbit.