The 12 Best Places in India to Live Right Now

India flipped my world upside down in the best possible way. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was hit with this electric energy that I’ve never felt anywhere else. Sure, it’s intense and chaotic at times, but that’s exactly what makes it so alive. Within weeks, I found myself settling into a rhythm I never knew I needed.

The best places in India to live opened my eyes to a totally different way of life. In Bangalore, I discovered a city where ancient temples share streets with sleek coffee shops, and tech startups buzz next to spice markets. Down in Goa, my afternoons switched between working from breezy beach cafes and wandering past Portuguese colonial houses painted in sunset colors. Want to know where else you could call this incredible country home? Let me show you.

Top Places to Live in India 

Looking for the best places to live in India? Experience the tech-driven lifestyle of Bengaluru, known for its thriving IT sector and vibrant culture. Enjoy the fast-paced energy of Mumbai, India’s financial hub with endless opportunities. Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Kolkata, a city rich in literature, arts, and colonial architecture. Settle in Chennai, famous for its coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and booming industries. Whether you seek career growth, cultural experiences, or coastal living, these are some of the top places to live in India.

1. Bengaluru

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 – $2,500 (budget to mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Thriving IT sector, vibrant nightlife, lush parks
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to March 🍂 (pleasant weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Tech professionals 💻, students 📚, foodies 🍛

A melting pot of technology, culture, and greenery, Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, drawing professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives alike. Despite its reputation as a global IT hub, the city retains a charming balance of heritage and modernity, with ancient temples coexisting alongside towering office parks.

Lush green spaces like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden offer residents a peaceful escape, while vibrant neighborhoods like Indiranagar and Koramangala are packed with cafés, live music venues, and coworking spaces. The city’s mild climate, thriving nightlife, and excellent educational institutions make it a favorite for families and young professionals.

Although traffic congestion is a challenge, the expanding metro system is making commuting easier. With plenty of job opportunities, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a deep-rooted cultural scene, Bengaluru remains one of India’s most dynamic and livable cities.

• Read next: 12 Stunning Hidden Gems in South India You Need to See

2. Mumbai

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $3,500 (mid-range to upscale lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Bollywood, diverse food scene, financial capital of India
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to February ☀️ (cooler months)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Entrepreneurs 💼, artists 🎭, nightlife lovers 🍸

Mumbai is India’s beating heart, a city where dreams are made and fortunes are built. As the nation’s financial and entertainment capital, it offers limitless job opportunities, cultural diversity, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Skyscrapers stand beside historic landmarks, while bustling street markets share space with luxury shopping malls.

Life here is intense yet exhilarating. From the iconic Marine Drive to the artistic vibe of Kala Ghoda, every corner has a story to tell. The city’s food scene is legendary, serving everything from street-side vada pav to Michelin-starred fine dining. While housing can be expensive, Mumbai’s strong economy and social scene make it worth the price.

The local train network and expanding metro keep the city moving, ensuring accessibility despite the traffic. With its unstoppable energy, endless opportunities, and cultural richness, Mumbai is India’s ultimate city for go-getters.

3. Kolkata

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,000 – $2,200 (budget-friendly lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Colonial architecture, literary heritage, Durga Puja celebrations
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to February 🍁 (pleasant weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Writers ✍️, history buffs 🏛️, food lovers 🍛

A city that thrives on literature, art, and history, Kolkata is often called the cultural capital of India. Colonial-era buildings, bustling bookshops, and vibrant street festivals define its old-world charm, while the booming IT sector brings modern growth.

The streets of Park Street and College Street are lined with historic cafés, bookstores, and theaters, where intellectuals gather to debate ideas over a cup of chai. The city comes alive during Durga Puja, transforming every street into a canvas of art and celebration. Despite its grandeur, Kolkata remains one of the most affordable metro cities in India, offering a high quality of life at a lower cost.

With its welcoming community, strong educational institutions, and deep-rooted artistic legacy, Kolkata is perfect for those who appreciate heritage and creativity in everyday life.

4. Chennai

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,100 – $2,400 (budget to mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Classical music scene, Marina Beach, South Indian cuisine
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to February 🌤️ (cooler and drier)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Music enthusiasts 🎶, beach lovers 🏖️, expats 🌍

On the Coromandel Coast, Chennai is a blend of rich traditions and modern ambition. As Tamil Nadu’s capital, it is famous for centuries-old temples, classical music, and a thriving IT industry, making it a sought-after city for both culture and career growth.

The city’s coastal charm is undeniable, with Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach offering stunning sunrise views. Chennai’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in Tamil heritage, with idlis, dosas, and spicy Chettinad cuisine being local favorites. The Kollywood film industry thrives here, adding to its artistic appeal. While summers can be hot, the strong infrastructure, affordable living, and expanding metro system make daily life easier.

With its booming job market, vibrant arts scene, and peaceful neighborhoods, Chennai offers a high quality of life for professionals, families, and culture lovers alike.

5. Pune

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 – $2,600 (budget to mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Green spaces, IT sector, historic forts
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to March ☀️ (best outdoor weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Students 📖, young professionals 🏢, nature lovers 🌳

With its renowned universities, booming IT sector, and pleasant climate, Pune offers a balanced urban lifestyle that’s both dynamic and relaxed. Known as the “Oxford of the East”, the city attracts students, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a high quality of life at an affordable cost. Pune’s educational institutions and growing startup ecosystem make it a magnet for young professionals looking to build a career while enjoying a laid-back environment.

The city is surrounded by scenic hill stations like Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, making weekend getaways easy. Its green spaces, historic forts, and laid-back café culture provide the perfect contrast to its fast-growing economy. The emerging nightlife and craft beer scene add to its appeal, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore trekking trails and waterfalls nearby.

With cleaner air, lower living costs, and a strong sense of community, Pune is one of India’s most livable cities.

6. Ahmedabad

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,000 – $2,300 (budget-friendly lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Sabarmati Riverfront, textile industry, vibrant festivals
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to February 🍂 (cool and dry)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Business owners 📈, cultural enthusiasts 🎭, history lovers 🏰

Ahmedabad is where history, business, and modern infrastructure come together. As Gujarat’s largest city, it is a thriving economic and cultural hub, home to booming industries, top universities, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city blends old-world charm with rapid development, making it an attractive place to live.

The Sabarmati Riverfront has transformed Ahmedabad’s landscape, offering scenic walkways, parks, and cycling paths. Meanwhile, the old city’s pols (traditional housing clusters) and centuries-old stepwells showcase its rich heritage. Festivals like Uttarayan (Kite Festival) and Navratri bring the city alive, filling the streets with color, music, and celebration.

With affordable living, excellent public transport, and a growing job market, Ahmedabad offers a high quality of life. Whether you’re drawn to its business-friendly environment, cultural vibrancy, or educational opportunities, this city provides a perfect balance of tradition and progress.

7. Hyderabad

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,100 – $2,500 (budget to mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Charminar, Biryani capital, emerging tech scene
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to March 🌞 (pleasant weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Techies 💻, food lovers 🍲, history buffs 🏛️

Hyderabad is a city of contrasts, where historic palaces and bustling bazaars sit alongside modern skyscrapers and tech hubs. As India’s pharmaceutical and IT capital, it attracts professionals from around the world, especially in areas like HITEC City and Gachibowli.

Beyond business, Hyderabad’s rich history and culinary legacy make it a unique place to live. The Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Chowmahalla Palace reflect its royal past, while the biryani, kebabs, and Irani chai showcase its legendary food culture. The city also has a lower cost of living compared to other major metros, making it an attractive choice for families and young professionals.

With efficient public transport, top-tier schools, and a strong job market, Hyderabad offers a blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re drawn to its tech industry, historical charm, or vibrant street life, this city delivers on all fronts.

8. Delhi

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,300 – $3,000 (mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Iconic landmarks, diverse street food, cultural mix
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to March 🍁 (cool and comfortable)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Diplomats 🌍, students 📚, explorers 🗺️

As India’s capital, Delhi is a city where history, politics, and modernity converge. Home to iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar, it offers a deep connection to the past while embracing the future. Its diverse neighborhoods range from the historic charm of Old Delhi to the affluent greenery of South Delhi.

Delhi’s job market is diverse, spanning government, business, media, and technology. The Delhi Metro makes commuting efficient, connecting the city’s many cultural, commercial, and residential hubs. Its culinary scene is unmatched, from street-side chaat to world-class fine dining.

While traffic and air quality can be challenges, Delhi’s top universities, vibrant nightlife, and endless career opportunities make it an attractive place to live. For those seeking a fast-paced, culturally rich, and opportunity-filled city, Delhi remains one of India’s most dynamic urban centers.

9. Chandigarh

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 – $2,700 (budget to mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Rock Garden, clean roads, high quality of life
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to March 🌤️ (cool and pleasant)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Families 🏡, retirees 🌳, architects 🏗️

Chandigarh, India’s first planned city, is a model of urban design and sustainability. Designed by Le Corbusier, it is known for its wide roads, abundant green spaces, and modern infrastructure, making it one of India’s cleanest and most organized cities.

Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with easy access to parks, lakes, and well-maintained public spaces. The Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake provide scenic escapes, while Rose Garden and Leisure Valley add to the city’s charm. Chandigarh’s low pollution levels, excellent healthcare, and strong educational institutions make it a great choice for families.

With a growing business sector, proximity to the Himalayas, and a peaceful atmosphere, Chandigarh offers the perfect mix of city life and tranquility. For those looking for a safe, green, and well-planned city, Chandigarh is one of India’s top places to live.

10. Jaipur

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,100 – $2,500 (budget-friendly lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Pink City, royal palaces, traditional markets
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to February ☀️ (best weather for sightseeing)
• 🏆 Perfect For: History lovers 🏰, photographers 📸, culture enthusiasts 🎨

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a royal blend of history, culture, and modern development. Its majestic palaces, vibrant bazaars, and iconic landmarks like Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort make it one of India’s most enchanting places to live.

Beyond its heritage, Jaipur is rapidly modernizing, with a growing IT sector, top universities, and improved infrastructure. The city’s metro system and expanding business hubs make commuting easier, while its low cost of living appeals to families and young professionals. The food scene is equally enticing, with rich Rajasthani cuisine and bustling markets serving local delicacies.

Jaipur strikes a balance between historic charm and contemporary living, offering a slower, more relaxed pace than major metros. For those who appreciate heritage, affordability, and a growing economy, Jaipur is a top choice in India.

11. Kochi

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,000 – $2,300 (budget to mid-range lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Backwaters, colonial heritage, fresh seafood
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to March 🌞 (cooler months)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Expats 🌍, nature lovers 🌿, seafood enthusiasts 🦐

A coastal paradise in Kerala, Kochi blends history, nature, and modernity. With its colonial architecture, scenic backwaters, and thriving port, the city offers a relaxed yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Indian cultures are visible in landmarks like the Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church.

As Kerala’s economic hub, Kochi has a growing IT sector, strong maritime trade, and a thriving startup culture. The Fort Kochi area is known for its art galleries, cafés, and historic streets, while Marine Drive and Cherai Beach provide scenic coastal escapes. The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

With affordable living, top-tier healthcare, and a high literacy rate, Kochi is one of India’s most livable cities. Its laid-back lifestyle, strong job market, and coastal charm make it an ideal place to call home.

12. Surat

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,000 – $2,200 (budget-friendly lifestyle)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Diamond hub, textile industry, growing infrastructure
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to February ☀️ (cool and dry)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Business professionals 💼, traders 📊, entrepreneurs 🚀

Surat, India’s diamond and textile capital, is one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. Known for its booming economy, clean streets, and well-planned infrastructure, Surat consistently ranks among India’s most livable cities. With a low crime rate and efficient public transport, it offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

The city’s business-friendly environment attracts entrepreneurs, while its growing IT sector, textile industry, and financial hubs create diverse job opportunities. Surat is also famous for its culinary scene, offering some of the best Gujarati street food, seafood, and sweets in the country. Residents enjoy riverfront promenades, gardens, and cultural festivals that add vibrancy to daily life.

With affordable housing, a thriving economy, and a strong sense of community, Surat offers a high standard of living. Whether you’re drawn to its economic strength, safety, or cultural vibrancy, Surat is quickly emerging as one of India’s best cities to live in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Places to Live in India

Interested in learning more about ideal living destinations in India? I often receive various questions about the top locations to reside in across this vibrant country. Let’s delve into some of these frequently asked queries to help you find your perfect Indian home. 

Which is the best place in India to live?

The best place to live in India varies based on individual preferences and needs. For those seeking a blend of technology and tradition, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are excellent choices. Mumbai and Delhi offer a vibrant urban lifestyle with rich cultural diversity. For a more serene, culturally rich environment, cities like Jaipur and Kochi are ideal. The choice depends on factors like job opportunities, lifestyle preferences, and cultural affinity. Each city in India offers a unique living experience, making it important to consider personal priorities when deciding the best place to live.

Where do most foreigners live in India?

Foreigners in India often gravitate towards cities that offer a blend of cultural experiences, job opportunities, and expatriate communities. Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are popular choices due to their vibrant expat communities, diverse lifestyle options, and robust job markets in various sectors, including technology and finance. Goa, with its relaxed lifestyle and scenic beauty, attracts those looking for a tranquil living experience. Each of these cities provides different attractions, from metropolitan buzz to serene landscapes, catering to a wide range of preferences among the foreign community.

Which city in India has the best weather?

The city in India often praised for having the best weather is Bengaluru. Known for its moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year, Bengaluru avoids the extreme temperatures seen in many other Indian cities. Its elevation of about 900 meters above sea level contributes to its generally mild and comfortable weather, making it a favorite for those sensitive to harsh climatic conditions.

Where is the best place to start a new life in India?

Starting a new life in India can vary greatly depending on personal and professional goals. For career-oriented individuals, cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad offer thriving job markets, especially in technology and finance. If you’re interested in blending lifestyle and work opportunities, Pune and Chennai are excellent choices, offering cultural richness, educational institutions, and a growing economy. For a more relaxed lifestyle with a strong sense of community, places like Goa and Kochi are ideal. Ultimately, the best place depends on individual preferences for climate, culture, career opportunities, and lifestyle.

Which is the happiest place in India to live?

The happiest place to live in India often varies based on surveys and individual perceptions. However, cities like Chandigarh, Pune, and Bengaluru frequently rank high in happiness indexes due to their quality of life, infrastructure, and green spaces. These cities offer a balance of career opportunities, leisure activities, and community living, contributing to the overall well-being and happiness of their residents.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Live in India

India offers a myriad of options for those seeking a new home. It’s a country rich in diverse cultures and landscapes. You can choose from bustling cities like Mumbai and Delhi or tranquil spots like Kochi and Goa. In this vast nation, there’s a perfect corner for everyone.

India has something for everyone. Tech cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are great for career-focused individuals. For those interested in history and art, culturally rich cities like Jaipur and Kolkata are ideal.

For affordability combined with quality living, cities like Pune and Ahmedabad stand out. And for those prioritizing happiness and community life, Chandigarh and Bangalore are often top choices.

Ultimately, the best place to live in India depends on individual preferences in lifestyle, career opportunities, and cultural tastes. India is not just a country; it’s a canvas for life, offering a spectrum of experiences to shape your personal journey.