Best value cities: quality of life per dollar

Cities that punch above their price: strong safety, internet, healthcare and climate scores relative to what a month there actually costs.

Methodology: Blended score: average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate — 60%) against affordability (40%).

  1. 1. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    QoL 89/100 · $1,160/mo

    Averages 89/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,160/mo all-in.

  2. 2. Pécs, Hungary

    QoL 84/100 · $1,005/mo

    Averages 84/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,005/mo all-in.

  3. 3. Ohrid, North Macedonia

    QoL 80/100 · $750/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $750/mo all-in.

  4. 4. Maribor, Slovenia

    QoL 84/100 · $1,130/mo

    Averages 84/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,130/mo all-in.

  5. 5. Heraklion, Greece

    QoL 85/100 · $1,260/mo

    Averages 85/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,260/mo all-in.

  6. 6. Pula, Croatia

    QoL 85/100 · $1,240/mo

    Averages 85/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,240/mo all-in.

  7. 7. Novi Sad, Serbia

    QoL 80/100 · $900/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $900/mo all-in.

  8. 8. Taipei, Taiwan

    QoL 86/100 · $1,430/mo

    Averages 86/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,430/mo all-in.

  9. 9. Fukuoka, Japan

    QoL 86/100 · $1,470/mo

    Averages 86/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,470/mo all-in.

  10. 10. Cuenca, Ecuador

    QoL 80/100 · $970/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $970/mo all-in.

  11. 11. Mendoza, Argentina

    QoL 80/100 · $950/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $950/mo all-in.

  12. 12. Kotor, Montenegro

    QoL 83/100 · $1,190/mo

    Averages 83/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,190/mo all-in.

  13. 13. Sousse, Tunisia

    QoL 77/100 · $750/mo

    Averages 77/100 across quality-of-life scores at $750/mo all-in.

  14. 14. Salta, Argentina

    QoL 78/100 · $810/mo

    Averages 78/100 across quality-of-life scores at $810/mo all-in.

  15. 15. Boquete, Panama

    QoL 84/100 · $1,350/mo

    Averages 84/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,350/mo all-in.

Frequently asked questions

Best value cities: quality of life per dollar — which city is #1?

Kaohsiung, Taiwan tops this list. Averages 89/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,160/mo all-in. Pécs and Ohrid round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Blended score: average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate — 60%) against affordability (40%). 356 catalog cities qualified for this list; the top 15 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city?

Kaohsiung runs about $1,160/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Kaohsiung city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.