Brandon, Canada

The population of 51,313 makes Brandon the second-largest city in Manitoba, but that hardly means it's a thriving metropolis. The weather is brutally cold, with temperatures plunging below -46°C in winter, and the city's economy remains firmly rooted in agriculture and manufacturing - hardly the glitz and glamor of Canada's major hubs. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, too, with residents relying on a patchwork of utilities from the city, province, and private companies. Still, Brandon's affordable housing and lower cost of living may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to pricey Vancouver or Toronto.