Brazil is dearly underestimated as a Plan B option – and wrongly so.
While the country as a whole has its problems, the affluent, subtropical south of Brazil – and certainly the state of Santa Catarina – has a high standard of living that is roughly at par with Spain (but at a much lower cost).
Colonized by Germans, Italians and Portuguese, cities like Balneario Camboriu and Florianopolis offer a near-Western infrastructure, great weather, and superb safety.
Plus, as a playground for the richer Brazilians, they offer great infrastructure with world-class real estate, restaurants, malls and designer shopping, all nearly on par with Western standards but with that little degree of messiness and freedom that allows you to live your live like you want.
Santa Catarina is a conservative, hard-working, well organized and safe state with amazing beaches all over, backed by lush green hills. The weather is great subtropical climate – with four distinct season, so you can enjoy hot summers as well as cool sunny falls and winters.
This makes it a magnet for immigration even inside Brazil . Brazil has a very affluent upper class and Santa Catarina – a one hour flight from São Paulo – is one of their favourite destinations. This creates a steady growth of infrastructure and a strong real estate market. Notably, Balneario Camboriu has the highest prices per square meter of Brazil – but still affordable in $ or Euro.