Khimki, Russia

Capital City

With a population of just 256,684, Khimki is a Moscow suburb that offers little more than a longer commute and higher taxes. The city's aerospace and defense industries have made it off-limits to foreigners for decades, and the persistent bureaucracy is a headache for residents. While the city may have been on the frontlines during World War II, today it seems stuck in the past, offering few draws beyond its proximity to the capital. Khimki is best suited for those willing to overlook its downsides in exchange for a cheaper cost of living near Moscow.