Miami, Florida USA
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
1st Hand Experience: Live here
Cost of Living - 7
Expensive compared to 2nd World countries, but significantly cheaper than most big cities in the world & cheaper than most major cities (New York, L.A., San Fran, D.C.) in USA.
Real estate has really taken a beating here over the last 3-4 years. Cost of buying a house or condo is down at least 50% from highs. Rental info. here:
http://miami.craigslist.org/apa/
Lots of Europeans & South Americans fly to Miami solely to shop, as clothes, electronics & such are both cheaper here due to lower taxes and currency exchange rates. On average, prices of food & clothes are probably 30-50% cheaper in south Florida than in in France, U.K., Switzerland, etc.
Recreation: 7
South Beach is well known for it's nightlife/party scene, though IMO it's overrated. High end clubs charge $20-$30 cover charge to enter, beers are $8-$12, mixed drinks $10-$20. At average neighborhood bars beers are $4-$6, mixed drinks $6-$8.
Live music scene not so good, much better if you're into electronica, house, trance, hip-hop, etc.
Lots of good beaches & hot women, waves suck so surfing does, too. Scuba diving is so-so. Good kite surfing. Lots of opportunities for golf & tennis. OK fishing.
Public transportation sucks, so a car is an absolute must if you're going to live or spend any significant amount of time in South Florida.
Europeans will probably find summer temperatures oppressively hot & humid. Best weather is from November to March.
How Scary? - 6
Like any big city, if you're drunk, loud, or stupid, &/or walking in the wrong area late at night, trouble will likely find you. South Beach & downtown Miami definitely get very sketchy-looking after 2AM.
Poker Playing - 8
There are six poker rooms within 30 miles of each other. 5% rake up to max $5 plus sometimes another $1 per pot for bad beat jackpots, high hand jackpots. Limit poker is not very popular, but you can play 1/2NL up to 5/10NL at most rooms. Some rooms spread 10/20NL hold'em.
How Easy to Get There and Stay There? 8
Very easy from Central & South America & from anywhere in USA, probably pretty easy from Europe, a bit more difficult & expensive from Asia.
I have no idea about visas.
Girls - 8 to 10
Loads of hot women all around, helps if you're bi-lingual (English & Spanish) & have money.
Food: 6
IMO the restaurants & food here is lacking compared to other big U.S. cities.