Vasai, India

Vasai-Virar feels like Mumbai's overlooked cousin—close enough to the action but without the price tag. The local trains get packed during rush hour, and you'll need patience for the monsoon floods that swamp low-lying areas near the creek. This is where Mumbai's middle class actually lives, not where tourists go.

Healthcare is decent for basic needs, but serious conditions mean a haul into Mumbai proper. The expats here are almost exclusively budget-conscious remote workers or retirees who've traded convenience for space. Don't expect English to get you far once you're off the main roads.