YOU CAN ONLY LIVE in a place where list prices are expressed in the millions of dollars for so long (in my case, Toronto, Canada) before you start believing it takes mad coin to live anywhere “decent.” Here are 10 places that can be all yours for under $130k. 
(Note: All prices are in USD and are approximations.)
Mandaluyong City, Philippines / $108k / 2 bed, 1 bath
So what if this condo in the Acqua Private Residences is only 444 square feet? It’s in an ultra-modern building in Metro Manila, with tons of common space including landscaped gardens, a country club, a fitness center, pool, basketball court, boxing studio, climbing wall, and a promenade and waterfall. There’s even a juice bar in the lobby.
Krsko, Slovenia / $124k / 3 bed, 2 bath
I can see Croatia from my house! Located overlooking Slovenia’s Sava Valley, this property is only a 20-minute drive from Croatia (2 hours to Austria or Italy, 3 to Hungary). The house is three stories with a self-contained apartment on the first, and is adjacent to an orchard of peach, apricot, cherry, fig, plum, apple, pear, nectarine, walnut, and hazelnut trees.
Rivas, Nicaragua / $99k / 1 bed, 1 bath
This condo is in Nicaragua but it’s been remodeled to look like a New York loft. Unit features ocean and mountain views, a pool and sunbathing area, and a garden with a grotto. Located a 5-minute walk from town, and only 200 yards from the beach.
Intermission
Roatan, Honduras / $100k / 2 bed, 2 bath
A little bit of creative financing gets you this 4,800 square foot, two bedroom, two bathroom solar-powered house for 85% of the year. Partner with the owners for a majority time share. The home, which is built using Honduran pine, has decks on all four sides and is only 600 feet to the bay. Offshore, there are quality diving sites. The building is situated on an 18th-century pirate fort next to a nature preserve.
San Pedro, Belize / $99k / 1 bed, 1 bath
This property has “retirement village” written all over it, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. For under $100k, you can own a condominium just outside of San Pedro with beach access, a pool, and a fitness center.
Luxor, Egypt / $89k / 2 bed, 2 bath
This apartment comes with a housekeeper and overlooks the pool -- which has a bar and a separate toddler area. The facility grounds feature gardens, a promenade, and a golf course and are only 15 minutes from the Colossi of Memnon...which should make giving directions to taxi drivers a cinch.
Languedoc-Roussillon, France / $129k / 2 bed, 2 bath
Located on the French Riviera, this fully-renovated stone townhome has modern fixtures including a washer and dryer, an open fireplace, and exposed stone and beams throughout. BYOB (bring your own baguette).
Intermission
Beykent, Turkey / $128k / 2 bed, 2 bath
You can’t get a cooler address than this: Situated on the slopes of Mount Olympos, this villa is surrounded by gardens and an outdoor pool. There are several Blue Flag (safe to swim) beaches nearby, and it’s on the route of one of the world’s most famous hiking trails, the Lycian Way.
Kampersrus, Limpopo, South Africa / $111k / 2 bed, 2 bath
This home is situated in the mountains near Kruger National Park on a 16,000 square foot parcel of land. In addition to a kitchen and dining area, it has a scullery and staff quarters.
Pattaya, Thailand / $113k / 3 bed, 2 bath
This 5,000 square foot home has a private swimming pool, access to a private club and fitness center, and 24-hour security. It comes fully furnished.