You could try Micropolis, which is an open source version of the original SimCity, which is a lot simpler than its sequels. (There's only one resource that you need to provide to every district; no need to worry about supplying every unit with water, for example.)

You didn't mention Caesar 3, so that's an option. It's way simpler than Pharaoh, but not necessarily easier. But it does have its own vibe going which is nice. Reminds me of Asterix and Obelix for some reason, and their frequent trips to Rome.

Compared to Simcity 4, I found Simcity 3000 to be really easy. It's got a lot more of a laid back and lazy style of gameplay for me.

I haven't tried it myself, but Lenthis - Path of Progress seems like it could be fun. I got the vague impression that it is a slightly watered down version of the classic Sierra City Builders.

There's also the Anno series, starting with , though I would start with [url=https://www.gog.com/game/anno_1503_ad]1503. It's not stupid easy by any means, on the contrary, but it might qualify because of its incredibly relaxing gameplay.

Startopia is another very good choice. It's similar to Dungeon Keeper, but with a much smaller focus on combat. In fact most levels do not have any combat. It's an excellent game through and through.

Startopia was already mentioned.

You might also enjoy becoming "El Presidente" of a banana republic. ;-) In other words, have a look at the Tropico series. They are also very good. Tropico 5 is even on sale at the moment at -65%. The series is not quite as daunting as the Sim City series but there is some complexity in it.

Another series you should look out for are the Settlers. Compared to the other games this series is quite casual but don't let the simple gameplay fool you. The Settlers are easy to learn but difficult to master. They are a lot of fun though.

As someone who bought Cities: Skylines on sale hoping to build great, busy, interesting cities, only to every time have it go broke and bankrupt within 15 minutes of getting started Im very interested in this thread.

https://www.gog.com/game/lethis_path_of_progress

Is quite good, but has an odd resource system. People move food, water around.

You know, I used to have this problem with Sim City 2000, until one day I finally decided to not try to do everything right at the start and give the city time to grow before adding services while also tight controlling said services' budgets.

So, I never had a problem with Cities: Skylines, maybe because of this SC2k experience, I think.

Anyway, give Skylines a change, check an online tutorial or two, maybe you'll find out what you're doing wrong.

You dismissed Simcity 4, but you could try the trusty old Simcity 2000.

It's less complicated, but with the same amount of fun.

Have you tried this?

CivCity Rome has got a really flat learning curve , while the campaign still manages to become challenge later on.

All of these are really great suggestions! I appreciate all of your input. I'll take a gander at them when I get home.

Definitely checkout Anno 1404. You can set up a very easy sandbox game and sit back and enjoy some of the most relaxing gameplay there is. It comes with an amazing soundtrack too!

"I'm looking for a simple and relaxing city builder. It's even okay if it's moron-level."
"Well, why don't you try one of the most complex, challenging, and hard-to-learn building/colony survival games ever made?"
XD

You (meaning the OP) sound very much like me a couple months back....[my topic].

I managed to snag Tropico 4 as a freebie, and it was an awesome experience for me. I highly recommend it.