Last year I quit my job and made the permanent move to Cyprus. Before making this big move, I researched the country thoroughly and came here and lived for 3 months to get an idea of what my actual expenses would be. I find it cheaper than the US in many aspects. The biggest is private health insurance. I pay $2000 a year for excellent private health insurance - if I were to get the same insurance privately in the US, it would cost me over $8000 a year. Property taxes are much lower too. Water is lower, though gas and electricity is higher, but we have solar to heat our water here and I don't drive much because everything I need is within walking distance. I love it here and don't regret the move. It's incredibly safe and the people are so very friendly. Yes, there are a few challenges, but nothing insurmountable.