10 of the Most Expensive Cities in India

Among all the Indian Cities listed out the 10 most expensive cities on the basis of rent and food pricing.

India’s major cities are undergoing massive growth, thanks to a rapidly increasing young workforce. How does this affect the cost of living in these cities? Let’s find out:

Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. It is also one of the world's top ten centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow, generating 6.16% of India's GDP. India’s most expensive city and 57th most expensive city in the world according to the Mercer Cost of Living survey. Its Cost of Living Index stands at 28.84 in 2020. In fact, the living expenses are so expensive that if you were to live with a family of four, it’d cost you Rs 82,000 a month! And that is excluding house rent.

Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. The cost of living in Delhi comes second to Mumbai when it comes to living expenses, eating out, and moving around. Even the city proper population was over 11 million, the second-highest in India after Mumbai. The Cost of Living index here is 28.18 and in recent years, thanks to the rapid development of its satellite cities Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad, Delhi has seen its cost of living rise sharply. Housing in Delhi could cost anywhere between Rs 15,753 and Rs 32,083, while a meal outside could vary between Rs 281 and Rs 465.

Chennai is the biggest cultural, economic and educational centre of south India. The Chennai Metropolitan Area is one of the largest municipal economies of India. Cost of Living index here is 25.32 and the average rent in Chennai is estimated to range between Rs 12,000 and Rs 29,000. There are various beaches and tourist hubs in the city and some of the lavish locations to reside at include areas like Boat Club, Poes Garden, and others.

The centre of India's high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. Bangalore was once known as the ‘Green City of India’ but sadly has lost that title due to the growing levels of traffic and pollution. The cost of living index here 27.22 which is more than Chennai however the overall expenses is relatively lesser. Monthly rent here can be on an average is (480 sq ft) – Rs 13,000 to Rs 21,000 and average lunch cost in commercial areas is Rs 421.

The city nicknamed the "City of Joy" is widely regarded as the "cultural capital" of India. It is India’s least expensive metro city. Here people of every income range can survive easily with less rent and aplenty economical food options. The transportation network is improving and the city is working on expanding its boundaries with the help of its metro-rail system. Depending on where you stay, the cost of living in Kolkata for housing could be anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 a month in the city.

It has been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in India several times. The city has emerged as a major educational hub in recent decades, with nearly half of the total international students in the country studying in Pune. Cost of Living index here is 27.63. and the housing rent in Pune goes from anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs 21,000. The good news is that you get a really high quality of lifestyle when you stay in Pune. Pune has been on a steady growth path and is expected to continue growing steadily in the near future.

Lucknow has always been a multicultural city that flourished as a North Indian cultural and artistic hub, and the seat of power of Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries. As such the city of Lucknow is also known as Lands of Nawabs, and became one of the most expensive cities in the country because of its rich history and food culture. It is a very popular tourist destination and thus the expensive cost of living. The cost of living index here 25.83 and has a huge demand for work and living space.

It was one of the early planned cities in post-independence India and is internationally known for its architecture and urban design. The city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country. The city is the cleanest in India based on a national government study. The cost of living here for a family of four (minus house rent) is Rs 75,000 a month having a cost of living index of 25.18 as per in 2020.

Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings. Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and forms a part of the west Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra. Cost of Living Index as 24.74 and Housing rentals cost between Rs 11,000 to Rs 23,000 a month in Jaipur and it is listed as the 9th most expensive city in India.

Ahmedabad is experiencing a revolutionary growth in its satellite sites scene and townships. Unlike other Indian cities where the cost of utilities and transportation is cheap. Gujarat’s biggest city, Ahmedabad, has consistently ranked better than its peers in terms of cost of living. Though it is the fifth most populated city however due to the overall cost of living comes last in the top ten list of expensive cities. Ahmedabad has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under Government of India's flagship Smart Cities Mission.

Enjoy Reading and Planning the next trip !!!