Taubaté, Brazil

With a population of just over 206,000, Taubaté is a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. While its strategic location between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro has fueled industrial growth, the reality for residents is a heavy bureaucracy and a climate that swings between mild and extreme. The city has been ranked 21st out of 645 in the state for quality of life, but persistent headaches like air pollution and uneven public services mean Taubaté is best suited for those seeking a more affordable alternative to Brazil's megacities.