Penang, Malaysia
The island of Penang off the coast of Malaysia is home to 1.6 million people. Though the cost of living is affordable here, the lifestyle is comfortable and comparable to Australia. InternationalLiving.com/au reports that a couple can live well on a monthly budget of $2,500, but if you want to splurge and push your spend to $3,300, you can live in luxury. Rent in a modern high-rise with a pool, gym and 24-hour security will cost around $1,000 a month. Penang is known for being a foodie location, a national park for hiking, great shopping, and their largest city, George Town, is home to eclectic architecture.
The Algarve, Portugal
The southern region of Portugal known as the Algarve is home to superior beaches, ancient architecture, gourmet seafood and inexpensive wines. A couple can comfortable live off $2,660 a month or stretch to $3190 to live in luxury. Local activities in this region include golfing, horseback riding, hiking and biking.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
A popular destination for tourists and expats, the northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand is filled with hundreds of golden temples, international restaurants, stunning countryside and a year-round tropical climate. One of the cultural hubs of Thailand, this city offers all the amenities of a big university city, but at small town prices. Two people can live comfortably in Chiang Mai on a monthly budget of $2,650. Allow for a monthly spend of $3,100 in Chiang Mai and you can enjoy luxuries only the wealthy can afford back in Australia, like travel, a house keeper and regular massages.
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