Top Cities in Tamil Nadu: Amenities, Connectivities, Cost of Living and Real Estate Trends in 2025

Tamil Nadu is one of the southernmost states known as the Temple City of India. The state is famous for its art culture, popular temples, and cultural festivities. Besides sharing its border with Karnataka and Kerala, the eastern and southern parts of the state are covered by the Indian Ocean. Due to rapid urbanisation and the IT boom, many people are migrating to some of its cities. Here are some of the top cities in Tamil Nadu. 

The state has a strong economy with many industries, such as IT, tourism, healthcare, textiles, etc. In addition to these industries, the state also has a diverse culture, cuisine, and architecture. This post will introduce you to the top cities in Tamil Nadu by Area. 

List of Top 10 Cities in Tamil Nadu by Population, Area and GDP - Quick Info

Tamil Nadu is a destination that caters to the soul. The state has various cities which has a lot to offer. Here are the top cities in Tamil Nadu.  

Cities	Population (in Lakhs)	Area (km2)	GDP (Crores)
Chennai	53.78	426	7,56,055
Coimbatore	31.59	246.8	1,52,044.27
Madurai	10.17	148	72,300
Tiruchirappalli	27.22	167.2	10,493.93
Salem	34.82	124	12,134.10
Erode	22.51	109.5	44,424.20
Tirunelveli	30.77	189.9	77,671
Vellore	39.36	87.92	31,600
Thanjavur	28.08	128	-
Thoothukudi	4.12	353	1,72,300

*The details mentioned here are subject to change.

Top 10 Cities in Tamil Nadu - Detailed Information

Over the years, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a powerhouse of economic and infrastructure development in the country. The state offers diverse options to homebuyers and investors alike across all its states. Here are some of the top cities under Tamil Nadu. 

1.Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a major metropolitan city known for its strong industrial base, IT sector, healthcare services, and cultural heritage. With excellent education and infrastructure, it offers diverse employment and lifestyle options, making it one of India’s most liveable cities.

Key Information about Chennai

• Connectivity: Chennai International Airport, Metro, Suburban trains, MTC buses.
• Major Industries: Information Technology Companies, Automobile, Healthcare, Education, Electronics, Port-based Trade.
• Popular Residential Areas: Adyar, Velachery, Anna Nagar, OMR, Porur, T. Nagar, Tambaram.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles: 
  • Families: ₹63,000–₹1,25,000/month
  • Singles: ₹19,000–₹32,000/month
• Rental Range:
  • 1BHK: Around ₹20,000
  • 2BHK: ₹15,000–₹25,000
  • 3BHK: ₹50,000–₹1,40,000
• Average Property Prices: ₹5,300–₹17,150 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities:
  • Real estate
  • Business ventures such as seafood exports, coaching centres, etc.

2. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Coimbatore is one of the top cities in Tamil Nadu by GDP. Besides being known as the Manchester of South India, it’s also a fast-growing industrial and educational city. This city is famous for textiles, manufacturing, and its emerging IT sector. It has pleasant weather and great healthcare facilities.

Key Information about Coimbatore

• Connectivity: Coimbatore International Airport, Rail network, NH-544.
• Major Industries: Textiles, Manufacturing, IT Services, Education, Healthcare.
• Popular Residential Areas: Peelamedu, RS Puram, Saibaba Colony, Saravanampatti, Race Course Road.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles: 
  • Families: ₹40,000–₹1,00,000/month
  • Singles: ₹12,000–₹40,000/month
• Rental Range: 
  • 1BHK: ₹7,000–₹15,000
  • 2BHK: ₹10,000–₹25,000
  • 3BHK: ₹15,000–₹35,000

• Average Property Prices: ₹1,600–₹24,550 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Real estate, Textiles, Technology startups.

3. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Madurai is one of the best cities in Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its temples, growing trade, textiles, and education hub. It is located in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest inhabited cities, which has a mix of history and modern development. 

Key Information about Madurai

• Connectivity: Madurai International Airport, NH-44, NH-85, and Railway services.
• Major Industries: Textiles, Tourism, Education, Agro-processing, Trading.
• Popular Residential Areas: KK Nagar, Anna Nagar, Thiruppalai, Simmakkal, Bypass Road.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles: 
  • Families: ₹35,000–₹60,000/month
  • Singles: ₹15,000–₹25,000/month
• Rental Range: 
  • 1BHK: ₹6,000–₹12,000
  • 2BHK: ₹8,500–₹20,000
  • 3BHK: ₹15,000–₹35,000
• Average Property Prices: ₹1,250–₹4,629 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Real Estate, Manufacturing sectors like textiles and food products.

4. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu

Tiruchirappalli, also known as Trichy, is among the top cities in Tamil Nadu state. It’s a well-developed city with strong infrastructure, great educational institutions and industrial sectors. The city is located in central Tamil Nadu and offers a mix of affordability and growth.

Key Information about Tiruchirappalli

• Connectivity: Trichy International Airport, Rail, NH-38/NH-81.
• Major Industries: Engineering, Education, Cement, IT, Agro-processing.
• Popular Residential Areas: Thillai Nagar, KK Nagar, Cantonment, Srirangam, Edamalaipatti Pudur.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles:
  • Families: ₹40,000–₹60,000/month
  • Singles: ₹20,000–₹30,000/month
• Rental Range:
  • 1BHK: ₹6,500–₹12,000
  • 2BHK: ₹10,000–₹25,000
  • 3BHK: ₹12,000–₹50,000
• Average Property Prices: ₹1,100–₹7,200 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Real estate, Education, Healthcare, Industrial sector.

5. Salem, Tamil Nadu

Salem is a fast-growing city known for its steel, textile, and educational sectors. It is located in the western part of the state and is known to be among the top cities in Tamil Nadu by population. The area has good road connectivity and affordable real estate.

Key Information about Salem

• Connectivity: Salem Airport, NH-44, NH-79, and Railway lines.
• Major Industries: Steel, Textiles, Education, Power, Agriculture.
• Popular Residential Areas: Fairlands, Alagapuram, Seelanaickenpatti, Suramangalam, Yercaud Foothills.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles:
  • Families: Around ₹1,00,000/month
  • Singles: ₹40,000–₹50,000/month
• Rental Range:
  • 1BHK: ₹6,500–₹15,000
  • 2BHK: ₹7,000–₹15,000
  • 3BHK: ₹13,500–₹40,000
• Average Property Prices: ₹850–₹3,900 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Real estate (Residential and Commercial), Textiles, Steel, Agriculture.

6. Erode, Tamil Nadu

Erode has some of the top towns in Tamil Nadu and is a major textile and turmeric trade centre. The city has been developing steadily with expanding residential zones and commercial markets. It also has thriving powerloom and knitwear industries. 

Key Information about Erode

• Connectivity: Rail, NH-544, NH-381, Coimbatore Airport.
• Major Industries: Textiles, Agriculture, Turmeric Trade, Dairy.
• Popular Residential Areas: Perundurai, Karungalpalayam, Bhavani, Thindal, Veerappanchatram.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles:
  • Families: Around ₹1,00,000/month
  • Singles: ₹40,000–₹50,000/month
• Rental Range:
  • 1BHK: ₹4,000–₹8,000
  • 2BHK: ₹7,000–₹18,000
  • 3BHK: ₹10,500–₹25,000
• Average Property Prices: ₹950–₹4,950 per sq. ft
• Investment Opportunities: Textiles, Agriculture (turmeric), Real estate.

7. Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Tirunelveli, one of the oldest cities in South India, has a mix of tradition and progress. The city has a strong agricultural base is witnessing industrial growth, especially in renewable energy and services.

Key Information about Tirunelveli

• Connectivity: NH-44, Rail, Tuticorin Airport, 35 km.
• Major Industries: Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Education, Agro-based Processing.
• Popular Residential Areas: Palayamkottai, Melapalayam, Pettai, Maharaja Nagar, and NGO Colony.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles: 
  • Families: ₹40,000–₹70,000/month
  • Singles: ₹15,000–₹20,000/month
• Rental Range:
  • 1BHK: ₹5,000–₹16,000
  • 2BHK: ₹7,000–₹20,000
  • 3BHK: ₹15,000–₹24,000.
• Average Property Prices: ₹700–₹4,450 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Real estate, Manufacturing, and Infrastructure development.

8. Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Vellore is a healthcare and education-focused hub. The city is known for VIT University and the CMC Hospital. It also has a strong leather industry and growing residential areas.

Key Information about Vellore

• Connectivity: Chennai–Bangalore Highway (NH-48), Railway.
• Major Industries: Healthcare, Leather, Education, Small-scale Industries.
• Popular Residential Areas: Sathuvachari, Katpadi, Gandhi Nagar, Bagayam, Viruthampet.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles:
  • Families: ₹25,000–₹40,000/month
  • Singles: ₹6,000–₹12,000/month
• Rental Range: 
  • 1BHK: ₹3,200–₹10000, 
  • 2BHK: ₹8,000–₹20,000
  • 3BHK: ₹10,000–₹30,000.
• Average Property Prices: ₹1,000–₹7,210 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Real estate, Leather and tannery industries, Manufacturing.

9. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the coolest cities in the country. The city is known for its temples, arts, and rice production. Over the years, it has developed into a tourist and educational centre.

Key Information about Thanjavur

• Connectivity: NH-67, NH-45, Railway station, Trichy airport.
• Major Industries: Tourism, Agriculture, Arts & Crafts, Education.
• Popular Residential Areas: Medical College Road, Vallam, Sakkottai, Palliagraharam, Thiruvaiyaru.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles:
  • Families: ₹25,000–₹40,000/month
  • Singles: ₹10,000–₹15,000/month
• Rental Range: 
  • 1BHK: ₹3,000–₹5,500
  • 2BHK: ₹5,500–₹10,000
  • 3BHK: ₹9,000–₹16,000

• Average Property Prices: Around ₹4,465 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: Tourism, Agriculture, Real Estate.

10. Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu

Thoothukudi is a major port city with robust infrastructure and is among the largest cities in Tamil Nadu by area. This city plays a key role in exports, salt manufacturing, and power generation, and is emerging in logistics and shipping.

Key Information about Thoothukudi

• Connectivity: Domestic airport, Major port, Railways, NH-138.
• Major Industries: Shipping, Salt Production, Thermal Power, Fertilisers, Fishing.
• Popular Residential Areas: Muthiahpuram, Bryant Nagar, Millerpuram, State Bank Colony, Palayamkottai Road.
• Cost of Living for Families and Singles:
  • Families: ₹40,000–₹60,000/month
  • Singles: ₹15,000–₹25,000/month
• Rental Range:
  • 1BHK: ₹5,000–₹15,000
  • 2BHK: ₹10,000–₹20,000
  • 3BHK: ₹12,000–₹30,000.
• Average Property Prices: ₹3,055 - ₹4,545 per sq.ft
• Investment Opportunities: The growing industrial sector, port-related businesses, and real estate. 

Relocation & Property Buying Tips

If you are planning to move to one of the top cities in Tamil Nadu, here are a few relocation & property buying tips that you can follow,

Relocation Tips

• Choose the city that you want to relocate to by assessing the infrastructure, job opportunities, etc. 
• Choose a reputed packers and movers service such as NoBroker Packers and Movers. 
• Visit the location that you will be moving to, to learn about its various amenities. 

Property Buying Tips

• First of all, define what you need by prioritising the essentials, such as location, size, type, etc. 
• Next, hire a property expert such as NoBroker to help you find a property of your choice. 
• Then, set a realistic budget with hidden costs and opt for a home loan. 
• Visit the property to check construction quality, amenities, etc. 

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How NoBroker Can Help?

NoBroker can help you in multiple ways. Here are a few of them,

• NoBroker can connect you with property owners or verified builders, and you won’t need to pay any brokerage. 
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• NoBroker provides document verification, legal support, and home and utility services. 
• They also provide relocation services through NoBroker Packers and Movers at a low cost. 

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