Cainta, Philippines

This municipality of 386,321 people is the richest in the Philippines, but that prosperity comes at a cost. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the town's 1992 election-year fire remains a murky case. Yet Cainta's blend of commercial, industrial, and residential development makes it an attractive option for those seeking opportunity near Manila. Whether the tradeoffs are worth it depends on one's priorities.