Nova Iguaçu, Brazil

With a population of 1,297,704, this city is no suburban oasis. Nova Iguaçu is a sprawling, working-class suburb of Rio de Janeiro, grappling with the headaches of rapid growth. While the area was once focused on citrus farming, it has since become an industrial hub, with districts like Queimados breaking off to form their own cities. Bureaucracy is a persistent challenge, as the city's population and revenue have shrunk without a corresponding decrease in public spending. Still, Nova Iguaçu offers affordability and proximity to Rio for those willing to deal with the grind.