Mashhad, Iran

Capital City

The population of Mashhad may be over 3 million, but that doesn't make it an easy place to live. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the Astan Quds Razavi religious foundation controlling much of the city's real estate and economy. And while the climate offers cool winters and mild summers, the lack of rainfall means the place can get quite dry. Safety is also a concern, with the city ranking second in the country for violence in 2013. Overall, Mashhad seems better suited for devout pilgrims than practical-minded expats.