To be honest, my computer is panting when this city is in full swing. I've already gotten mods that remove some of the AI-intensive gameplay (such as commercial buildings being fully stocked without the need for industry, which means I can eliminate most of my industrial zones), among others.
For me, this game is meant to be a sandbox of creativity. I don't want to be held back by budgets, naysayers, my computer... I have enough problems staying within budgets in real life, this game is my escape!