Top 10 Cities to Live in India
Executive Summary
Top cities to live in India refers to a comparative overview of urban locations evaluated for residential suitability based on factors such as infrastructure, employment opportunities, cost of living, and quality of life. Choosing a city involves complex trade-offs between lifestyle needs, economic prospects, and urban development conditions. The information is most relevant for individuals, families, professionals, and relocation decision-makers considering moving within India.
Why Choosing the Right City in India Often Involves Balancing Opportunity, Affordability, and Urban Living Challenges
One of the most beautiful countries in the world, India is the perfect blend of people who come from different cultural backgrounds. There are 28 different states and 8 Union Territories in India (as on 2nd Nov 2019), and each state has its unique cultural significance.
Living in India can be a new and exciting experience for someone new to this country. The colors, sounds, smells, and population can be overwhelming at times, but never boring. There is always something new to explore and see. In the past few years, India has seen a boost in its economy and this has led to the development of mega-cities with some of the best infrastructures.
Given the geographic and cultural diversity of this country, it is difficult to choose which is the best city to live in India. However, we have compiled a list of 10 cities based on their infrastructure, quality of life, and cultural significance that can be considered some of the best cities to live in India.
1. Delhi
As the capital of India, Delhi is one of the best places to live and work in India. Historically, Delhi has always been the center of attention in India. Home to the Indian Parliament and all major embassies of the world. The perfect destination for tourists with numerous historical monuments, delicious food, shopping areas, museums, specialty restaurants, and open gardens, among others. It also has come of the best colleges and institutes, making it the perfect center of education.
Delhi is not just popular with tourists, but people from all over India come here to seek employment. Delhi and its surrounding cities such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad (known as NCR) have many IT parks with big multinational companies and offices that provide lucrative employment options, thereby making it one of the best cities in India to live and work.
2. Kolkata
Nicknamed the тАЬCity of Joy,тАЭ Kolkata is often referred to as the тАЬCultural CapitalтАЭ of India. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, this Indian city is the hub of education, culture, and commerce in East India. Kolkata was the capital of India under British rule until 1911, and its influence can be seen in the cityтАЩs architecture, historical sites, and culture.
This city is famous for its food, especially the different varieties of sweets. Compared to other big cities in India, the cost of living in Kolkata is low. Everything in this city is reasonably priced, whether itтАЩs food, accommodation, transportation, or shopping. Kolkata is also emerging as an employment hub with its expansion toward the south. Many new companies are coming up with good employment options, making it a good city to live in India.
3. Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital city of the state of Maharashtra in western India. This city is also known as the financial and entertainment capital of India. It is one of the most populous cities in India with good infrastructure, amenities, and business opportunities.
This city is quite lively and is famous for its nightlife. It has some of the best street shopping venues and is popular for its street food such as vada pav, pav bhaji, dabeli, etc. Mumbai also has some of the best educational institutes of India that attract students from different corners of the country. With pretty beaches, easy transport, lively atmosphere, and various work opportunities, Mumbai is definitely a city of choice to live in India.
4. Chennai
This southern Indian city is famous for its beaches, temples, music, and extremely hot weather. A popular tourist destination, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu and is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the biggest economic, cultural, and educational centers of southern India.
Chennai hosts a large chunk of the expatriate population in India. It is also an IT hub, attracting many people from different parts of India. Chennai is popular for its food, which is quite different from the northern regions of India. Its unique food and culture often attract many tourists, both domestic and foreign. Compared to other major cities in India, Chennai is less crowded. This peaceful city is considered to be one of the safest places to live and work in India.
5. Bangalore
Bangalore or Bengaluru is one of the most beautiful cities in India. Dotted with beautiful lakes and serene parks, Bangalore is one of the best places to live in India. It is the capital city of the state of Karnataka and is located on the Deccan Plateau. One of the major factors that make Bangalore attractive to dwellers is its climate. Situated at a height of about 900 meters above sea-level, it is one of the highest urban cities in India.
Bangalore is most famous for job opportunities and is known as the тАЬIT CapitalтАЭ or тАЬSilicon ValleyтАЭ of India. It is home to almost all multinational companies and has the largest number of startups in India. But Bangalore is not all work. There are many options for entertainment, shopping, art and culture, and food and drinks to balance oneтАЩs work-life. With its rapid growth, Bangalore is witnessing the emergence of eclectic demography that makes it a popular choice for people to work and live in India.
Read this guide on How to adjust and settle quickly in India.
6. Chandigarh
A Union Territory and a city, Chandigarh serves as the capital for the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab. It is one of the planned cities in India with modern architecture and infrastructure. There are many places to see in this city such as the famous Rock Garden and the majestic Suhkhna Lake. It is one of the peaceful and serene cities in India where one can lead a healthy lifestyle. As the capital city of two states, Chandigarh also has plenty of business and job opportunities. It is definitely one of the preferred cities to live in India.
7. Ahmedabad
Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is one of the largest cities in the Indian state of Gujarat. Developed as a тАЬSmart CityтАЭ under the Indian governmentтАЩs Smart Cities Mission, Ahmedabad has some of the best infrastructures fused with modern architecture. The old city of Ahmedabad was declared IndiaтАЩs first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017. It is considered to be one of the safest cities in India.
Ahmedabad is famous for its Gujarati cuisine which is quite unique and different from different regions of India. It is famous for various food joints that are found all around the city that serves authentic Gujarati food. It is also an educational hub with prestigious institutes such as IIM-A, GNLU for law, and more. There are many places of interest in Ahmedabad such as Mahatma GandhiтАЩs Sabarmati Ashram and the Akshardham Temple that give a glimpse into GujaratтАЩs history and culture. It is an alcohol-free city and is one of the safe cities to live in India.
8. Hyderabad
Popularly known as the city of Nizams, Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana. Hyderabad is rooted in history and has many museums and monuments that give a glimpse into IndiaтАЩs history and HyderabadтАЩs unique culture. The Golconda Fort and the Charminar are two main iconic symbols of this city.
Hyderabad is also famous for its cuisine, especially the biryani, which is a trademark dish of this city. People from all over India come to Hyderabad to get a taste of its unique cuisine. Hyderabad is also an IT center with various multinational companies, especially in the Hi-Tech City area. It is also a major center for entertainment, and Ramoji Film City is one of the biggest entertainment centers in India. With people coming from all over India, Hyderabad is a popular choice of residence in India.
9. Kochi
One of the major port cities in the south west of India, Kochi is a popular tourist destination. It has been a major hub of trade and commerce since ancient times. This metropolitan city is a perfect blend of old and new. The old city of Kochi, also known as Fort Kochi, has some of the best imperial architecture in the city. It is famous for its food, especially seafood. Kochi has a lot to offer in terms of job and business opportunities. With a fusion of traditional and modern, Kochi is a perfect city to live and work in the south of India.
10. Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneswar is a historically significant town of India that is located in the state of Odisha. Like Chandigarh, Bhubaneshwar is one of the most planned cities in India and has been declared a тАЬSmart City.тАЭ There are many ancient heritage sites in and around Bhubaneswar that dates back to the 3rd century BCE.
Bhubaneswar has a high rate of employment, which makes it suitable for anyone looking for work opportunities. It is also famous for its food, especially seafood and sweet dishes. Though not too popular, it is nevertheless, a great city to live in India.
India is a country with diverse culture, language, geography, and demography. Most of the Indian cities have good infrastructure, basic amenities, and good job opportunities. You can choose to settle in any city you like. These 10 cities are some of the best that India has to offer among so many others.
If you are planning to move to any of these cities call Globe Moving on 1800 103 5455 or email enquiries@globemoving.net for a hassle-free packing, moving and relocation services.
Related Links
Cost of Living in Mumbai
Cost of Living in Ahmedabad
Cost of Living in Hyderabad
FAQтАЩs
1. How were the top cities to live in India selected?
The cities were chosen based on factors such as infrastructure, quality of life, and cultural significance. These elements help determine how comfortable and convenient it is for people to live and work in a city.
2. Why is Delhi considered one of the best cities to live in India?
Delhi is the capital of India and an important political and business center. It has many educational institutions, historical monuments, and job opportunities, especially in nearby areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
3. What makes Kolkata a good city to live in?
Kolkata is often called the тАЬCity of JoyтАЭ and is known for its culture, education, and commerce. The city also has a relatively low cost of living, with affordable food, accommodation, and transportation compared to many other big cities.
4. Why do many people choose Mumbai as a place to live?
Mumbai is known as the financial and entertainment capital of India. The city offers strong business opportunities, good infrastructure, and a lively lifestyle with many food, shopping, and entertainment options.
5. Why is Bangalore popular among professionals?
Bangalore is often called the тАЬIT CapitalтАЭ or тАЬSilicon ValleyтАЭ of India. It has many multinational companies and startups, offering numerous job opportunities along with a mix of entertainment, culture, and lifestyle options.
6. What makes Chennai a comfortable city to live in?
Chennai is an important economic and cultural center in South India. It is also known for being relatively less crowded and one of the safer cities to live and work in India.
7. Why is Chandigarh considered a good city for living?
Chandigarh is one of IndiaтАЩs planned cities with modern architecture and infrastructure. It offers a peaceful environment, healthy lifestyle, and also provides business and job opportunities as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
8. Which other cities are included in the list of top places to live in India?
Other cities mentioned include Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar. These cities are known for factors such as infrastructure, employment opportunities, culture, and quality of life.