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Lisbon, Portugal Skyline. SEAN PAVONE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Moving to a faraway city is a dream for many of us. But the cost of living abroad is often scary enough to keep us stuck in our cozy little hometowns.

In these cities, however, money isn’t as big a concern. All 11 of the following far-flung spots are known for being relatively cheap places to live as an expat, according to the annual Cost of Living Report from Mercer. To compile the rankings, the human resources consulting firm compared everyday costs for foreign nationals — including rent, groceries and movie tickets — in more than 200 major cities around the world.

Old town of Riga
Old town of Riga. Riga, Latvia may be the spot for you. FEDERICA GENTILE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Mercer’s aim is to provide far-reaching companies with information that helps them compensate employees who work abroad. But as it turns out, these rankings also prove pretty useful for everyday folks looking to make a move. Consider these epic places that fell among the cheapest half of Mercer’s ranking of 209 cities: They’re great picks for dwelling somewhere that’ll shatter your expectations, but not your bank.

1. Lyon, France

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Famous view of Lyon with Saone river at night. FREDERIC PROCHASSON VIA GETTY IMAGES

Lyon ranked 132nd on Mercer’s list for cost of living… and in this case, a low ranking is a GOOD thing. France’s third-largest city is a cultural dream, known for an especially impeccable food scene.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

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Lisbon, Portugal Skyline. SEAN PAVONE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Ask any well-seasoned Eurotraveler to name their favorite cities, and Lisbon will likely top the list. Price of Travel calls it an “excellent bargain compared to similar cities,” and we’re very happy about that.

3. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington city center and harbour at sunrise
Wellington city center and harbour at sunrise. MATTEO COLOMBO VIA GETTY IMAGES

If living in New Zealand is the dream, then Wellington is this dream taken to the extreme. This walkable city has plenty to do and see… for free.

4. Riga, Latvia

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Cityscape of Riga. NICOLE KUCERA VIA GETTY IMAGES

Europe’s 2014 capital of culture is also a capital of cheap: Monthly rent in a “normal” neighborhood is under $500, according to Expatistan.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

View of colorful old town in Prague taken from Charles bridge, Czech Republic
View of colorful old town in Prague taken from Charles bridge, Czech Republic. MARTINM303 VIA GETTY IMAGES

You know Prague is charming, but did you know it’s also easy on the wallet? With cheap street food and stunning architecture, most of Prague’s pleasures come cheap.

6. Ottawa, Canada

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Ottawa River in front and parliament of Ottawa in background. HDR effect. MIKEYGEN73 VIA GETTY IMAGES

Oh, Canada. Of all the Canadian cities on Mercer’s Cost of Living list, Ottawa was ranked the cheapest for expat dwelling. And with views so pristine, we’d likely choose it, too.

7. Santiago, Chile

View of Santiago city from Cerro San Cristobal
View of Santiago city from Cerro San Cristobal.JOHN W BANAGAN VIA GETTY IMAGES

If you’re looking to live in South America, consider this capital a top pick. Santiago is full of hidden neighborhoods with unique personalities, so you’re bound to find one that fits your vibe.

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

hanoi Street scene
Street scene. DAVID HANNAH VIA GETTY IMAGES

Southeast Asia is still enjoying its “moment,” and Hanoi is a pleasantly well-priced place to savor the hype. A basic lunchtime meal will cost you about $2, according to Expatistan.

9. Belfast, Northern Ireland

 Belfast-Northern-Ireland.
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Belfast ranked cheaper than many Central American cities on Mercer’s list, and living there comes with free access to history galore.

10. Cape Town, South Africa

cape town south africa
Camps Bay with the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. GUNTER LENZ VIA GETTY IMAGES

Beach bums will be in heaven in coastal Cape Town. It’s a multicultural city that has an artsy vibe within and natural wonders all around.

11. Sofia, Bulgaria

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Sofia Icon. JOHN AND TINA REID VIA GETTY IMAGES

Don’t be fooled: Just because you don’t often hear about Bulgaria’s capital doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider living there. Air travel, street food and sightseeing are all affordable in this gem of a city.