Iasi, Romania

Capital City

Moving to Iasi, Romania is not for the faint of heart. With a population of just 271,692, this former capital of Moldavia can feel like a bureaucratic headache, plagued by heavy taxes and a dizzying array of regulations. The winters are notoriously harsh, with temperatures plunging below -15°C and substantial snowfall. And while the city is steeped in history - home to centuries-old churches, monasteries, and the oldest Romanian university - its air quality ranks among the worst in the country. Iasi is best suited for hardy souls drawn to its rich cultural heritage and academic pedigree, who don't mind braving a little red tape and blustery weather.