Housing is a major part of that expense. The median listing price for a single-family home in San Diego was $1.25 million according to June 2026 market data. That’s over 30% higher than the national median slaes price of $393,800.<\/p>\n
California’s property taxes are another considerable expense. San Diego County’s effective property tax rate is around 0.70%, although an individual homeowner’s bill depends on the property’s assessed value and other factors. At a 0.70% effective rate, a $1.25 million home would equate to about $8,750 a year in property taxes.<\/p>\n
For many Americans, life in San Diego is simply untenable. However, if you’re willing to look beyond the borders of the United States, there are overseas destinations where you can find a similar combination of sunshine, beaches, outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace of life\u2014often at a substantially lower cost.<\/p>\n
If you sold a San Diego home and had $1.25 million in equity, you could potentially buy several new homes in places where home prices and property taxes are considerably lower. That could leave more of your budget for travel, dining, recreation, and other activities that add value to your life.<\/p>\n
Here are three places where you can find San Diego-like qualities at a lower cost.<\/p>\n
Playa Venao, Panama![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/forbes_contributor_845\/acd800733c2e977c85276bbdc7e01ff2.jpg\"\/)
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Aerial view of couple carrying surfboard along water’s edge near Playa Venao, Panama<\/p>\n
Playa Venao is one of Panama’s most popular beach towns, made famous by surfers who came in search of its consistent waves. Found 220 miles west of Panama City on the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, the town features a 2-mile crescent of golden-sand beach lapped by Pacific Ocean waters.<\/p>\n
Not long ago, Playa Venao was a place of informal beach bars and palapas, youth hostels, and beach raves. While it still holds that boho beach reputation, it has evolved over the past 15 years as a wave of more sophisticated development has swept in.<\/p>\n
Playa Venao now has high-quality homes, a wider variety of amenities, and a highly acclaimed food scene. On the green hillside that overlooks the ocean, property developers are building luxury homes and well-appointed residential complexes.<\/p>\n
Property Opportunities In Playa Venao<\/p>\n
This modern home<\/a> is located in a gated community near Playa Venao. The development features two-story homes with ocean views, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms across 1,937.5 square feet of living space.<\/p>\n The community has paved roads and sidewalks and underground power and water installed. With direct ocean access, all you have to do to swim, surf, paddleboard, or kayak in the Pacific Ocean is head out your front door.<\/p>\n At $575,000, these homes (being built for 2027) are more expensive than the average home in Panama, yet they’re only a fraction of the median listing price for a single-family home in San Diego.<\/p>\n Panama is also attractive from a tax perspective. As a qualifying primary residence, this home would be taxed at 0.5%, bringing your yearly property tax bill to $2,875.<\/p>\n That’s not to mention the other opportunities that moving to Panama can bring, such as a reduction in your overall cost of living and zero income tax (assuming your income is generated from outside the country).<\/p>\n Set\u00fabal, Portugal S\u00e3o Filipe fort was built in the 16th century and is located in the Arr\u00e1bida Natural Park, overlooking the city of Set\u00fabal, Portugal.<\/p>\n Portugal remains a popular destination for Americans seeking a base in Europe, with warm weather and over 300 days of sunshine per year, Atlantic beaches, excellent local cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle.<\/p>\n The lifestyle is so similar to California that Portugal has become known as “Eurofornia” to some. Lisbon has attracted significant international attention, but a quieter alternative is found in Set\u00fabal, just 40 minutes south.<\/p>\n Set\u00fabal is an attractive, mid-sized coastal city with a charming historic center, a seafront promenade, and easy access to beaches. It’s known for its food scene, with an eclectic array of restaurants and acclaimed seafood dishes.<\/p>\n Best of all, Set\u00fabal affords easy access to nature. It’s situated between two major national parks: Arr\u00e1bida National Park and the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. Both are protected areas with stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and unique wildlife, like dolphins and flamingos.<\/p>\n Set\u00fabal has experienced some of the strongest price growth in Portugal, with 30% year-on-year price growth<\/a>. Yet it remains affordable compared to San Diego, with a price per square foot of about $325. Now could be the ideal time to get in on this market, before prices take off as they have elsewhere in Portugal.<\/p>\n Property Opportunities In Set\u00fabal<\/p>\n This three-bedroom apartment<\/a> in Set\u00fabal is situated on the fourth floor of a building with an elevator in the Azeda neighborhood. It enjoys plenty of natural light and beautiful views of the Serra de Arr\u00e1bida from its two large balconies.<\/p>\n The apartment is a spacious 1,690 square feet, with a fully equipped kitchen and a fluid layout. At about $486,000 (\u20ac420,000), it’s an affordable foothold in a rising Portuguese property market.<\/p>\n Set\u00fabal offers a lower cost of living relative to San Diego as well as high-quality, affordable health care. Property taxes are charged on the home’s taxable patrimonial value rather than purchase price. For urban properties, the general rate is between 0.3% and 0.45%.<\/a><\/p>\n Essaouira, Morocco Aerial view on old city of Essaouira in Morocco<\/p>\n Essaouira is a growing hot spot among visitors and foreign residents in Morocco. Located on the country’s Atlantic Coast, it’s known for its laid-back beach vibe and its mix of history, traditional culture, and bohemian character.<\/p>\n Like San Diego, Essaouira offers an ocean-centered lifestyle. Its long, windswept beach is popular for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Caf\u00e9s, yoga, wellness, and arts add it its appeal. Music is a big attraction, with two major music festivals\u2014Gnaoua World Music Festival 2026 and MOGA Festival 2026\u2014hosted here every year.<\/p>\n The Medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 18th-century white and blue buildings and old stone sea walls. You can wander the medina’s streets, peruse Moroccan handicrafts in the ancient souks, and enjoy the mix of Arabic, French, Jewish, and Berber influences.<\/p>\n Property Opportunities In Essaouira<\/p>\n This beautiful property<\/a> is a riad\u2014a traditional Moroccan home built around a central courtyard or garden. It offers rich colors, tiled floors, a light-filled central courtyard, and a terrace with a pergola and is located in Lalla Amina, a coveted neighborhood just outside the medina.<\/p>\n It has four bedrooms, a large living room and two small lounges, an equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms spread out over two levels and 645 square feet. Sold fully furnished, it’s listed at about $425,205 (\u20ac390,000).<\/p>\n Not only is architecturally rich property like this a bargain, so too is the cost of living in Morocco. It can be as low as $1,000 per month for property owners. Property tax rates are based on the assessed rental value of the property, with a general tax rate of 10%.<\/a><\/p>\n MORE FROM FORBES<\/p>\n How Americans Living Overseas Can Vote In The 2026 Midterm Elections<\/a><\/p>\n This Is Where A Year Of Healthcare Costs Less Than A Month In The U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n How ‘The World Cup Effect’ Could Mean A Tourism Boom For Cape Verde<\/a><\/p>\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/forbes_contributor_845\/01c95c068f45c0acfa17bb745616cc9b.jpg\"\/)
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