Kochi, India

With a population of 596,473, Kochi is a bustling commercial hub on India's Malabar Coast, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The tropical climate brings heavy monsoons that regularly flood the low-lying city. And while Kochi has one of the highest crime rates in Kerala, the police commissioner insists the high reporting rate is just a statistical anomaly. Overall, Kochi is best suited for those drawn to its thriving trade, tourism, and tech industries, though the challenges of urban life in a rapidly developing city should not be overlooked.