Bhubaneswar, India

Capital City

With a population of 837,737, Bhubaneswar may seem like an enticing option for those seeking an Indian city with a lower cost of living. However, the bureaucratic headaches and unrelenting heat are hard to ignore. The city's rapid growth has outpaced infrastructure, leading to frequent flooding and water shortages. And while the literacy rate is an impressive 93.15%, compared to the national average of 74.04%, the persistent traffic and congestion can be a daily frustration. Ultimately, Bhubaneswar is best suited for those who can tolerate a bit of chaos in exchange for lower expenses and greater job opportunities in the booming IT and tourism sectors.