Cruzeiro, Brazil

Cruzeiro sits in a strategic spot between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, making it a practical base for exploring both cities without the chaos of living in either. The town’s elevation at 508 meters keeps things cooler than the coastal heat, but the humidity can still be a grind. You’re close to the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, which means decent hiking and weekend escapes, but don’t expect a bustling expat scene—this is a working-class Brazilian town.

Getting around is straightforward thanks to the President Dutra Highway, but public transport within Cruzeiro itself is limited. You’ll need a car for daily errands. The Paraíba do Sul river valley location gives the area a green feel, though industrial zones nearby remind you this is no tourist haven. Living here is affordable, but the lack of international amenities means you’ll need to adapt quickly to local life.

Cruzeiro works best for expats who want a quiet, low-cost base near major cities but don’t mind trading convenience for affordability. It’s not ideal for those who need cosmopolitan comforts or a ready-made expat community.