Dinajpur, Bangladesh

This northern Bangladeshi district capital feels more like an overgrown market town than a proper city. The 400km haul from Dhaka means you're trading convenience for ultra-low costs – that $16 monthly rent isn't a typo, though expect basic concrete rooms with bucket showers. Summers hit 95°F with oppressive humidity, while winter mornings dip into the 50s with thick fog that delays buses.

English speakers are rare outside university circles, and the lack of international healthcare means evacuating to Dhaka for serious issues. But if you're a self-sufficient FIRE tester or researcher at the science university, Dinajpur offers raw Bangladesh at its cheapest. Just don't expect coworking spaces or expat communities.