Belgaum, India

Capital City

At over 488,000 residents, Belgaum is a sprawling city in Karnataka with a diverse population. The climate is pleasant year-round, but the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the state government has even proposed making the city a second capital, adding an extra layer of red tape. With a high literacy rate of 88.92%, Belgaum draws students from across the region to its prestigious universities. However, the long-running border dispute with Maharashtra casts a shadow over the city's future. If you can navigate the bureaucracy, Belgaum offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to India's megacities.