Qom, Iran

Capital City

Qom is a challenging place. With a population of over 1.2 million, it's Iran's seventh largest city and a center of Shia scholarship, drawing around 20 million pilgrims annually. However, the tax burden is heavy - the city has seen revolts over excessive levies dating back centuries. And the climate is brutal, with scorching summers and occasional winter frigidity that can plummet below -20°C. This holy city is best suited for devout Shia Muslims drawn to its religious significance, rather than those seeking an easy expat life.