Haldia, India

Two hundred thousand people call this industrial port home, but it's no picnic. The tax burden is heavy, and the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Summers are brutally hot and humid, though the monsoon rains provide some relief - if they don't kill you in the process. Despite the challenges, Haldia's petrochemical businesses and major trade port status make it an appealing option for those seeking an affordable industrial hub, but the climate and red tape are not for the faint of heart.