Aparecida de Goiânia, Brazil

With a population of 178,483, this suburban sprawl outside Goiânia is hardly the quaint Brazilian idyll. Rapid growth has turned Aparecida de Goiânia into an industrial powerhouse, home to major companies like Mabel and Vepeza. But the breakneck development comes at a cost - the city's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the tropical climate means heavy rain and humidity for much of the year. Still, Aparecida's lower housing costs compared to nearby Goiânia may appeal to those seeking an affordable option within reach of Brazil's fourth-largest city.