Top Alternatives To Capital City Living

The cost of capital city living is soaring, even in less developed countries, as high demand outweighs supply. In fact, according to Mercer’s 2015 Cost of Living survey, Angola’s capital remains the most expensive city of expatriates in the world.

Global property portal Lamudi explores the less obvious, but equally vibrant alternatives to living in a capital city.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

According to Mercer’s report, Jeddah is the least expensive city for expatriates in the Middle East. As the Kingdom’s second largest city, Jeddah is an important commercial hub, making it an attractive choice for those looking to escape the capital, while retaining the comforts of urban living. With an abundance of shopping districts, restaurants, traditional souqs and even beaches across the city, Jeddah offers the ultimate cultural experience.

Well connected? Jeddah is home to the biggest airport in the Kingdom - the King Abdulaziz International Airport - with regular flights to international destinations around the world. Taxis are affordable in Jeddah, with higher-end ‘Limousines’ available for those looking to travel around the city in comfort. While boats are not necessarily the best means of transport, you can enjoy stunning views of the Red Sea.

Kumasi, Ghana

Dubbed the ‘Garden City’ for its floral scenery, Kumasi is Ghana’s second biggest city and home to one of Africa’s most influential kingdoms in history. Some of the city’s attractions include the Boti Falls, Lake Bosomtwi and the recently renovated Kumasi Rotary Park, the first theme park in West Africa. The city is also one of the most affordable places in Ghana, with an abundance of highly rated shops, hotels and amusement centers to make your living worthwhile.

Well connected? The Kumasi Airport is the second biggest in Ghana and plays host to incoming flights from around the country. Plans are also underway to upgrade it to international standards in order to receive flights from outside the country. An abundance of taxis are available for commuters in the city, offering prices more affordable than those found in the capital of Ghana. Buses and minibuses are good alternatives for those looking to spend less when traveling in the city.

Kisumu, Kenya

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is the third biggest city in Kenya, and offers an attractive, calmer, alternative to the capital, Nairobi. Not only do you have the benefit of living by the seashore, Kisumu is home to the stunning Impala reserve, a bird park and wildlife sanctuaries. And if being surrounded by beautiful coastlines is not enough, Kisumu also boasts a number of top universities and educational institutes.

Well connected? Kisumu has a regional airport with five daily flights to Nairobi. As a port city, Kisumu is well connected by ferry to other cities on Lake Victoria. Trains and buses will also connect you to Kenya’s capital. The city is relatively small, which means it is possible to travel around easily by bike, taxi, bus or car.

Tangerang, Indonesia

As the third largest urban center in the Jabotabek region, following Jakarta and Bekasi, Tangerang has a lot to offer its residents. Home to a number of international corporations, there are plenty of employment opportunities to be found. The city’s proximity to the capital makes it a haven for those looking to commute into Jakarta for work. Tangerang offers a number of mixed-use developments, including shopping malls.

Well connected? The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is located in Tangerang, acting as the main airport serving Indonesia’s capital. Two highways connect Tangerang with Jakarta, with public and private shuttle buses regularly making the journey between the two cities.

Medellín, Colombia

Recently named as one of the best cities to live in South America, Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia and one of the country’s economic and cultural centers. The city has undergone a drastic urban transformation over the past 20 years, with the evolution of public amenities including schools, museums and over 30 universities, as well as the development of the city’s public transportation system.

Well connected? Medellín is surrounded by eight smaller towns; with frequent international and domestic flights available from Medellín’s domestic and international airports, there is plenty of opportunity for weekend trips to explore the surrounding areas. The city is also home to the Medellín Metro urban train - the only metro system currently in Colombia.

Fez, Morocco

Fez is Morocco’s capital of culture and a stunning alternative to the capital, Rabat. Bringing together traditional Moroccan style with modern urban living, the city is home to architectural masterpieces as well as the world’s oldest university. Rest assured there is something for everyone in Fez; from museums to music festivals, affordable properties to traditional yet luxurious riads.

Well connected? The city is served by Sass Airport, located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center. For domestic travel, the ONCF train station connects Fez to Oujda, Tanger and Casablanca.