Best Cities to Live In India for 2024

Popularly known for its rich history, culture, and heritage, India is a beautiful country with an amalgamation of people belonging to different cultures, religions, and social backgrounds. Uncover the allure of the best cities to live in India, where tradition harmoniously meets modernity, creating vibrant environments for residents. Despite the diverse nature of people and changing social structure, today, India has become one of the fastest developing countries in the world. Over the past few years, India has seen rapid growth in terms of economy, education, technology, per-capita income (PCI), employment opportunities, and geographical conditions and has become a top destination for tourism, education, and commerce. 

If you are thinking of relocating to a new city in search of a better life, education, or employment, or just wondering which is the best city in India, it is essential to know the pros and cons of any city. Every city has its significance and, in this blog, we shall take a look at the top 12 best cities to live in, in India in 2024.

Best Cities to Live in India

Discover the best cities in India, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and vibrant experiences for every traveller. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best places to live in India in 2024:

Navi Mumbai

Bengaluru

Pune

Surat

Greater Mumbai

Chennai

Ahmedabad

Kolkata

Coimbatore

Indore

Vadodara

Vishakapatnam

Top 12 Best Cities to Live in India

Navi Mumbai

Formerly known as New Bombay, it is the largest planned city in the whole world with tourist attractions including a Golf course, central park, Pandavkada waterfalls, Parsik hill, wonderful parks, etc. Choosing the best place to live in India depends on your priorities. The Mumbai suburban railway network covers most of the city and the metro is currently under construction. Navi Mumbai is considered one of the most liveable cities in India however, the cost of living is slightly more expensive when compared to some of the cities. 1 BHK, PG’s and shared accommodation can start from Rs.5,000 to 8,000 and can go up to Rs.40,000 for a fully furnished spacious apartment. Rental accommodation will burn the biggest hole in your pockets. The maximum chunk of your budget goes into paying rent. Check out Flats for rent in Navi Mumbai. This city is to watch out for in 2023 because it is still growing and developing and has a lot to offer.
Read: List of Top 10 schools in Kharghar, Mumbai 2024

Best months to visit – October to February

Attractions – Elephanta caves, Gateway of India, Shilp Chowk, Utsav Chowk, etc.

Best places to stay – Holiday Inn, Four Points By Sheraton, Yogi Executive, The Regenza by Tunga

Bengaluru

Despite being known for its traffic, the capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru has emerged as one of the top cities in India to live in. Popularly known as the IT hub of India, Bengaluru has a lot to offer and this Silicon Valley has everything from entertainment, shopping, buzzing nightlife, travel, art and culture, delicious food and not to forget its pleasant weather. The city has beautiful lakes, gardens, and parks where you can spend some leisure time. There are also weekend getaways from Bengaluru perfect for long drives and nature enthusiasts. This is one of the best places to live in India with a family.

Due to it being the IT hub, students and young professionals who are looking for jobs move to Bengaluru for the growing number of opportunities. Moving to a new city can be daunting and scary but Bengaluru is the place that will fulfil all your needs and requirements. 2024 will see a growth of inclusivity as the young people now opt for Bengaluru as their city of priority. Accommodations can range from Rs.5,000-30,000 INR for bachelors and families. A normal 1-bedroom house kitchen (BHK) may start at the rate of Rs.5,000 and can extend up to 12,000 INR depending on the area of living. The city also provides access to other cities through rail and the international airport. Check out 1BHK flats for rent in Bangalore.
Read: The Complete Guide to Renting a Home in India

Best months to visit – All year round

Attractions – Cubbon Park, Church Street, Lal Bagh, Bannerghatta National Park, Wonderla, etc.

Best places to stay – The Oberoi Bengaluru, The Ritz – Carlton, Taj West End, Conrad, etc.

Pune

A city known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra owing to its strong history and heritage, Pune has the best educational institutions and IT companies, thus making it one of the best cities to live in, especially for youngsters. The city has a wide range of restaurants, historical sites, and museums making it an ideal place to live and raise a family. The cost of living in Pune is similar to Bengaluru, and the prices for accommodation, food, transport, and other activities are affordable if spent wisely. Pune like Bengaluru is similar in terms of weather, houses and accessible weekend getaways. Although Pune is Maharashtra’s second-largest city, after Mumbai, housing prices are significantly lower. Several new residential and commercial properties are being built in the city that will meet a salaried person’s budget as well!

Best months to visit – October to February

Attractions – Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Osho Ashram, Katraj Snake Park, etc.
Read: Top 10 Best Schools in Gachibowli, Hyderabad

Best places to stay – Hyatt, The Ritz – Carlton, JW Marriott, etc.

Surat

Popularly known as the diamond capital of the world, Surat is not only the fastest-growing city, it is also the second cleanest city in India. It is the commercial centre for textiles and embodies the history of trade during the Mughal Era. Many people shop for elegant fabrics like silk and brocade, khadi, handloom, and handicrafts here. The city is also well-known for its mouth-watering food, religious places, and beaches.  The economy in Surat is very well established and has registered an annual GDP growth rate of 11.5%. Situated on the banks of the Tapi river, Adjan is a famous residential area that is encapsulated by residential locations such as Vesu, Varachha, Nanpura, Rander, and Palanpur. The locality mainly comprises residential apartments and independent houses. Surat is currently moving towards becoming a smart city. The existing city transport system is mostly road-based consisting of city bus services, private vehicles, and recently introduced BRTS services. Railway stations and Surat Airport are easily accessible too, making it an excellent choice to live in. 

Best months to visit – October to February

Attractions – Amaazia Water Park, Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium, ISKCON Temple, etc.
Read: The Cost of Living in Gurgaon (2024) For Students, Couples, Families, And More

Best places to stay – Courtyard by Marriott Surat, Budget Inn Bellevue, FabHotel Rest Inn, etc

Greater Mumbai

Mumbai being extremely vast is divided into zones, namely Mumbai Greater and Mumbai Suburban, the larger one being Mumbai Suburban. Mumbai is the centre of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the sixth most populous metropolitan area in the world with a population of over 23 million. Mumbai lies on the Konkan coast on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. Mumbai is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and Victorian and Art Deco buildings. It is surrounded on three sides by water, the Arabian Sea to the West and South and Thane creek to the East. To the north, it is bordered by Mumbai (Suburban) District. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. Mumbai is well-connected by the road that leads to all major cities in India. Mumbai visit by bus is the most economical for individual tourists. Public, as well as private buses, operate daily services to this route. Mumbai is the costliest Indian city to live in. The monthly rent for 2 BHKapartments in a good suburb is around 40,000 INR. Check out Flats for rent in Greater Mumbai. 

Best months to visit – October to February

Attractions – Elephanta caves, Gateway of India, Shilp Chowk, Utsav Chowk, etc.

Best places to stay – Holiday Inn, Four Points By Sheraton, Yogi Executive, The Regenza By Tunga

Chennai 

Chennai is one of the cheapest cities in India to live in. This capital city of Tamil Nadu is very well known for its enchanting culture, beautiful temples and churches, passion for classical music, serene beaches, and hot weather. The city is always bustling with activity, with many parks, malls, pubs, and beaches. Marina beach, Kapaleeshwarar temple, Velankanni Church, Guindy National Park, and Valluvar Kottam are some of the places that the city is famous for. The city has excellent connectivity with buses, and auto-rickshaws and boasts a great airport as well. The cost of living in Chennai is very cheap compared to other cities. Students, as well as families, prefer this city, due to the fact that the people are great and the localities are safe.  Check out Flats for rent in Chennai.

Chennai is also one of India’s wealthiest cities, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Rs 59,444 crores. Chennai’s economy revolves around the automobile industry. Tourism is another important industry in this South Indian city, which is known for its white-sand beaches, magnificent temples, turquoise lakes, and colonial architecture.

Best months to visit – November to February

Attractions – Marina Beach, National Art Gallery, Pulicat Lake, Kapaleeswarar Temple, etc.

Best places to stay – ITC Grand Chola, The Leela Palace, Park Hyatt, Hilton, etc.

Ahmedabad

Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad is one of the best and most affordable places to live in India. The city was discovered by king Ahmed shah Badshah and one can see the influence of that era in various architectural monuments of unique styles in and around the city. The main tourist attraction of this capital city of Gujarat is The Sabarmati Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, the place is now converted into a museum and attracts large numbers of tourists every year. Ahmedabad also has many other places to visit such as Manek Chowk, Lal Darwaja Market, and the famous wedding shopping centre at Dhalgarwad. Areas like Satellite, SG Highway, and Prahlad Nagar have the best apartments and residential facilities making them ideal for young students and families as well. The cost of living begins from 3000 INR and varies according to the locality, and how close you are to the main areas of the city. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat, it is easily accessible and connects you to major Indian cities. Ahmedabad, with a GDP of Rs. 51,432 crores is considered a developing city. 

Ahmedabad is known as the ‘Manchester of the East,’ and its textile sector is responsible for a large portion of the city’s income.

Best months to visit – November to February

Attractions – Sabarmati Riverfront, Dada Hari Wav, Statue of Unity, Swaminarayan Temple, etc.

Best places to stay – Artilla Inn, Crowne Plaza, Radisson Blu Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, etc.

Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and is renowned as the “City of Joy.” The city is also called the ‘Cultural Capital’ and is a major cultural centre of India. Kolkata is noted for its literature, music, heritage, sweets, street cuisine, tram, metro train, Durga Puja, and other attractions. It is located on the banks of the Hooghly River making Kolkata a scenic place and the perfect city to live in, in 2023. 

Kolkata is home to major firms including ITC Limited, Britannia, Coal India, Allahabad Bank, and National Insurance Company. It is one of India’s top ten wealthiest cities, with an estimated GDP of $150.1 billion. Kolkata is rich in art, architecture, and culture, in addition to its monetary value. As you tour the city’s age-old marvels, you’ll be transported back to the colonial past by its vibrant lifestyle, enormous architecture, and renowned literary sources. Kolkata deserves a spot in the best cities to live in in 2023.

Best months to visit – October to February

Attractions – Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, Howrah Bridge, Sunderbans, Kalighat Kali Temple, etc.

Best places to stay – ITC Royal Bengal, Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences, Kenilworth Hotel, etc.

Coimbatore

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu’s second-largest city, is a friendly place with a 112-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva known as the Adiyogi Shiva Statue. This statue, which is included in the Guinness Book of World Records, is a famous tourist attraction. Many hill stations, such as Ooty, Valparai, and Wayanad, are within driving distance from the city. Temples, modern buildings, scenery, waterfalls, gastronomy, educational institutions, and economic centres are all available in Coimbatore. Coimbatore is less expensive than Chennai in terms of lifestyle and cost of living. A regular 1 BHK would cost roughly 5,000-7000 INR for a decent living. A 2 BHK for a family can cost between 10,000 and 15,000 INR. Buses, automobiles, cabs, metros, and other forms of public transportation are commonly used for commuting.

Best months to visit – September to March

Attractions – Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Monkey Falls, VOC Park and Zoo, etc.

Best places to stay – Vivanta, Fairfield by Marriott, Jenneys Residency, etc.

Indore

Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s commercial centre, is a crossroads for many industries and businesses. The rich cultural past of this city has been conserved over time, which adds to its charm. Indore also boasts several Ayurvedic and allopathic hospitals and training schools, as well as the famed Indian Institute of Management and the Atomic Centre for Advanced Technology (IIM). Rajwada, Lalbagh Palace, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Central Museum of Indore, Patalpani waterfall, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, and other well-known tourist attractions include Rajwada, Lalbagh Palace, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Central Museum of Indore, Patalpani waterfall, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, and others. Indore is the best choice for you if you wish to live in a city that offers both modern and traditional living. The cost of living is lower here than in most other countries since necessities are cheaper. A 1 BHK can cost somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 INR, while a 2 BHK can cost anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 INR. The city is well-connected and has the busiest airport in the state.

Best months to visit – October to March

Attractions – Rajwada, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Sarfara Market, Patalpani Waterfall, etc.

Best places to stay – Radisson Blu Hotel, Indore Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, etc.

Vadodara

Also known as Baroda, Vadodara is the second-largest city in Gujarat and has become the cultural hub due to its continuous contribution to various art forms. Vadodara is home to the memorial of Maratha leader Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III and is also famous for Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the residence of Baroda State’s Maratha royal family, the Gaekwads, of the Gaekwad Dynasty. This city is also considered as a top option for youngsters seeking quality education and has good connectivity with transportation to other cities. The airport is located in the northeast of the city and has flight connections with Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and many tier 2 cities as well. It also has a market, food court, multiplex facilities, and shopping complexes in the city that offer amazing leisure time. Among the many cities, this city is ranked as the most favourable city to live in in India and a 1 BHK apartment in the centre of the city, will cost you around 7,000 INR. 2 BHK apartments or independent houses range from 10,000 to 15,000 INR. 

Best months to visit – October to December, January to March

Attractions – Makarpura Palace, EME Temple, Surya Narayan Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, etc.

Best places to stay – Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Regenta Inn, Hotel Express Residency, etc.

Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is one of the calmest cities, in part because there is less traffic than in other cities such as Telangana, Vijayawada, Bangalore, and other metro areas. The other most important reason for this is that there are fewer people in rural areas than in urban areas, therefore many people arrive on time at college and at work. The nicest element of the city, and the reason why so many people want to visit, stay, and even settle in Visakhapatnam, is the inexpensive cost of living. From food to travel, and from shopping to sharing a pizza at a restaurant, prices are all over the place. The scenic calm vibe of the city makes it to the list of top cities to live in in 2023.

Best months to visit – October to March

Attractions – Submarine Museum, Borra Caves, Kailasagiri, Rishikonda Beach, etc.

Best places to stay – The Gateway Hotel Beach Road, Radisson Blu Resort, Bay View Hotel Vizag, etc.

While India boasts many amazing cities, finding the absolute “India’s best city” depends on your priorities for life there.

All of the above-mentioned best cities to live in 2023 India are great if you want to move to a different city and start a new life. If you are looking to buy or rent a property to stay in any of the top 10 cities, you can check thousands of properties perfectly suitable to your requirements on NoBroker. Need help with a rental agreement and painting services? Our experts are here to help!

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