Dombivli, India

This Mumbai suburb may be an economic hub, but it's no paradise for residents. Dombivli's population of over 1.2 million swells the city's busiest railway station to over 300,000 commuters daily, creating an "unacceptably over-crowded affair." And the humid, rainy climate is no picnic either.

The city is certainly developing, with a literacy rate of 93% and designation as a satellite and smart city. But the price of progress is a persistent bureaucratic headache. Dombivli's industries have "impacts...on residential matters," suggesting the city's rapid growth has created housing and livability challenges.

If you don't mind the crowds, climate, and red tape, Dombivli may be an affordable option for those seeking economic opportunities in the Mumbai metro area. But for most, the hassles likely outweigh the benefits.