5 Up-and-Coming Countries IL Readers Are Eyeing for 2025

5 Up-and-Coming Countries IL Readers Are Eyeing for 2025
The next wave of dream destinations IL readers are discovering.|©iStock/xbrchx

Every year, thousands of International Living readers share where they’re dreaming of living next. Of course, Portugal, Spain, and France still top the charts, but it’s the emerging spots that are catching more eyes than ever.

These places deliver the same old-world charm, beachy bliss, or city-culture buzz you might find in pricier expat hubs, but without the crowds or high price tags. They’re affordable, beautiful, and offer a refreshing “Plan B” for adventurous retirees, slow travelers, and remote workers alike.

Here are five up-and-coming destinations more IL readers are asking about, and why they just might be worth a closer look.

1. Slovenia

Fairytale towns and mountain hikes make Slovenia a hidden European gem.
Fairytale towns and mountain hikes make Slovenia a hidden European gem.|©iStock/domin_domin

Tucked between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, Slovenia combines some of Europe’s best features, fairytale mountain villages, lakes, wine country, and a warm, safe community vibe, without the high costs you’d expect next door.

Many expats discover that outside the capital, Ljubljana, prices drop dramatically. A small apartment in a medieval town like Škofja Loka rents for around €350 per month (about $380), while food, wine, and dining out remain affordable for daily living. For nature lovers, Slovenia is a dream; you’re never far from hiking trails, pristine lakes, or the Julian Alps.

Public transportation is excellent and inexpensive, so many choose to go car-free, saving even more. Locals are famously welcoming, English is widely spoken in cities, and the overall cost for a couple living outside the main tourist hubs lands around $1,500 to $2,200 per month.

If you want a peaceful European lifestyle with plenty of adventure and few barriers for newcomers, Slovenia’s hidden corners might just be your sweet spot.

2. Albania

Albania’s coastline offers budget-friendly beach life without the crowds.
Albania’s coastline offers budget-friendly beach life without the crowds.|©iStock/zm_photo

Albania’s Adriatic coastline is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets... a sunny stretch of dramatic beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back port towns that feel like Greece or Montenegro before they were discovered.

In coastal spots like Vlorë or Saranda, the cost of living is shockingly low for a seaside life. You’ll find local cafés serving espresso for a dollar, fresh seafood dinners for a fraction of what you’d pay across the border, and modern apartments within walking distance of the beach that cost less than half of Greece’s island prices.

Real estate is catching expat eyes too — apartments steps from the waterfront can go for around $165,000, and everyday expenses remain easy on the wallet. Many retirees say they live comfortably for $1,500 to $2,000 per month, soaking up the slow pace and warm weather. Americans can stay for a full year on a tourist visa, making it a simple place to test-drive life abroad.

If you crave sun, sea, and a sense of discovery, but want to stay off the tourist trail, Albania is worth exploring before everyone else catches on.

3. Czech Republic

Live well in Czech towns with old-world charm and low costs.
Live well in Czech towns with old-world charm and low costs.|©iStock/Stock Photos 2000

When you think of the Czech Republic, you might picture Prague’s famous Old Town and its castles, but there’s so much more. This is a country where your dollar stretches surprisingly far while giving you that classic European storybook setting.

Beyond Prague, second cities like Brno and Olomouc offer a friendly, university-town vibe, with historic squares, thriving cafés, and lower rents. Groceries, local beer, and dining out are famously affordable — you can enjoy a hearty lunch for under $8.

You’ll find you can stretch your budget surprisingly far; many report living well on $1,800 to $2,500 per month. Well-connected train lines make weekend trips across Central Europe easy, and the country’s excellent healthcare system is another big draw for retirees.

For expats craving a walkable city with a rich cultural calendar, easy travel, and a feeling of safety and stability, all at a price far lower than Western Europe, the Czech Republic is an under-the-radar winner.

4. Peru

From surf towns to Andean valleys, Peru offers beauty and budget living.
From surf towns to Andean valleys, Peru offers beauty and budget living.|©iStock/Meinzahn

Peru remains one of Latin America’s best “hidden gem” options for adventurous expats, and this year, more readers are curious than ever. Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Cusco, the lush Sacred Valley, or coastal surf towns like Huanchaco, there’s something for every budget and taste.

Day-to-day living is refreshingly affordable: fresh produce is local and cheap, meals out won’t break the bank, and long-term rentals in smaller cities can cost far less than you’d expect. Many local couples live on less than $1,000 a month, and most expats say they’re comfortable with $1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on where they settle.

Healthcare is solid and improving, the climate varies, so you can pick your ideal altitude, and you’ll find growing expat groups to share the adventure. If you’re up for cultural immersion, a bit of Spanish practice, and dramatic scenery from mountains to rainforest, Peru offers the good life for far less.

5. Dominican Republic

Caribbean living meets affordability in the Dominican Republic.
Caribbean living meets affordability in the Dominican Republic.|©iStock/aero-pictures.de

Long loved for its beaches, the Dominican Republic is now catching readers’ attention as a serious relocation option, not just a vacation spot. The difference? In the right towns, you get Caribbean beauty plus good infrastructure, reliable healthcare, and a much lower price tag than places like Miami or the Bahamas.

Places like Las Terrenas and Cap Cana stand out: you’ll find beachfront condos, private marinas, golf, and equestrian clubs — all at prices that would be double or triple elsewhere. Many expats live very well on $2,000 to $3,000 per month, enjoying warm breezes, fresh seafood, and the simplicity of island life with a community of like-minded neighbors.

Whether you want to retire in the sun, work remotely by the beach, or invest in a second home for part-time living, the Dominican Republic lets you do it with a touch of luxury that’s still within reach.

Where Will You Go?

Wherever you look next, these up-and-coming destinations prove that there’s still a world of choices beyond the usual expat hotspots, and your dream lifestyle may cost far less than you think.

If you love the idea of discovering the next hidden gem before everyone else does, you’ll love our new Hidden Places Initiative — your personal guide to the best off-the-radar towns and communities our editors have found for expats looking for more adventure, more value, and more peace of mind. Take a look here.

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