Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria

Capital City

Living in Bordj Bou Arreridj means adapting to a midsize Algerian city with a strong agricultural backbone. The city sits at 916 meters elevation, giving it cooler temperatures than coastal areas, but summers can still get uncomfortably hot. Rent is dirt cheap — you can snag a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for under $80 a month — but don’t expect luxury finishes or reliable maintenance.

The economy revolves around agriculture and forestry, though there’s a surprising tech presence, with companies like Condor Electronics headquartered here. Getting around is straightforward thanks to decent road and rail connections, but public transport can be unreliable. The city feels safe overall, but petty theft isn’t unheard of, especially in crowded markets.

Bordj Bou Arreridj works for expats who want an affordable, low-key base in Algeria, but it’s not for those who crave modern amenities or a bustling urban scene.