Kirov, Russia

Capital City

The population of Kirov stands at around 471,754, but don't let that fool you – this is a bureaucratic nightmare of a city. Winters are "cold and extremely snowy, with snow falling on most days", while the local government seems hell-bent on demolishing the city's historic architecture. And while Kirov boasts numerous museums and cultural attractions, navigating the labyrinthine red tape to actually see them can be a persistent headache. Overall, this is a city best suited for hardy locals who don't mind the heavy administrative burden in exchange for affordable living and a trove of regional crafts.