In India, you can find cities that combine low living costs with vibrant cultural experiences. More often than not, we want to live in a pocket-friendly place. Thus, various factors affect a city’s cost of living and determine its affordability. Whether it’s Jaipur’s historical charm, Indore’s cleanliness, Kochi’s scenic beauty, or Kolkata’s rich culture, these cities offer a mix of history, aesthetics, and affordability. Let’s learn more about some of the cheapest cities in India, uncovering affordable destinations where the cost of living aligns perfectly with the diverse essence of India’s locales.
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Top 10 Cheapest Cities in India
This overview explores the Top 10 Cheapest Cities in India, revealing places where your budget goes further without missing out on local charm.
Thiruvananthapuram
At the top of our list is Thiruvananthapuram, commonly known as Trivandrum. The capital of Kerala offers the residents a good quality of life, blending tradition and modernity in a captivating way. Located on the south-west coast, the city is rich in history, showcased by its intricate temples, including the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This city in South Kerala, framed by the Western Ghats, has scenic beaches and green forests.
Beyond being a cultural hub, Thiruvananthapuram is home to renowned academic institutions, research centres, and a growing IT sector, thus providing several career opportunities to many. Being one of the cheapest places in India, the city’s unhurried lifestyle and strong focus on arts and education make it a distinctive and charming destination. Hence, those looking to relocate for better career growth can opt for Thiruvananthapuram.
Nagpur
In central India, Nagpur is known for its rich history and rapid urban growth. As the winter capital of Maharashtra, it’s nicknamed the “Orange City” due to its vibrant orange orchards. Home to health and educational institutions, Nagpur offers a comfortable lifestyle. With a thriving industrial sector, Nagpur is a key player in trade and commerce, boasting a strong infrastructure for logistics and transportation. The city is cost-effective, with lower living expenses, affordable housing and dining options, and convenient public transport. Its stable economy allows for a comfortable standard of living without straining budgets, making it one of the best and cheapest cities in India. The city appeals to those seeking financial balance and a good quality of life.
Bhopal
Bhopal has a friendly atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and historical landmarks. The capital city of Madhya Pradesh ranks as one of the cheapest cities in India. Regarding transportation, Bhopal has a well-developed network of trains, buses, and flights. Additionally, the city offers plenty of job opportunities to the citizens. It attracts many people and is known for its presence in tourist attractions, such as Taj-ul-Masajid, Chowk Bazaar, and Upper Lake. Well, not just from a tourist point of view, this city provides a high standard of living compared to other metropolitan cities. One can easily find affordable housing options in this city and live comfortably.
Hyderabad
Renowned for its biryani and bazaars, Hyderabad is also one of the cheapest places in India. Another IT hotspot, Hyderabad, also known as the city of pearls, is an inexpensive place to live in. This city has a low crime rate and many employment opportunities. The majority of the startups prefer Hyderabad as it offers affordable office spaces. When it comes to food, it has some of the best street food in India. Chowmohallah, Falaknuma Palace Hussain, and Sagar Lake are key attractions in Hyderabad. Additionally, it has a rich culture, which makes it a vibrant city.
Indore
You may be familiar with Indore’s reputation for being the cleanest city. Interestingly, it’s also recognised as one of the cheapest cities in India. With good infrastructure and well-kept surroundings, it solidifies its position as one of the top cities in the country. With a diverse culture and amazing culinary options, Indore offers a comfortable lifestyle. It earns high praise for being among the best in ensuring the safety of its residents. If you are convinced and are planning to relocate to Indore, visit places like Sarafa Bazaar, Lal Bagh Palace, and Kanch Mandir.
Kolkata
Next up on the list of the cheapest cities in India is Kolkata. Known as the cultural capital of India, it boasts one of the best transportation systems in the country. Housing, food, and education are easily accessible amenities in this city. Residents appreciate the slower pace of life, which brings a sense of peace. Moreover, iconic places like Howrah Bridge, Marble Palace, and the Indian Museum make it an attractive destination. Kolkata offers a high standard of living at an affordable cost.
Vadodara
Vadodara is a small city with large corporations. This city in Gujarat is close to many metropolitan centres. Due to this, the residents have access to many modern amenities at affordable rates. Vadodara has one of the lowest crime rates and highest employment rates. The housing units in this region are also affordable and spacious. It has many renowned schools and hospitals. Some key tourist attractions of this place are Lakshmi Vilas Palace and Sayaji Baug. Hence, with multiple factors, Vadodara is one of the cheapest cities in India.
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Coimbatore
Coimbatore is a great city with clean air, pleasant weather, and excellent infrastructure. The city features well-maintained roads and spacious homes. Coimbatore stands out in the education and healthcare sectors with top-notch schools and hospitals. Many individuals consider settling down here, especially after retirement. Even the rented apartments in this city are extremely affordable. Overall, it offers a high standard of living at reasonable rates, making it an economical choice. Its affordability makes it one of the cheapest places in India.
Lucknow
Lucknow, a.k .a. the city of Nawabs, also has a rich heritage. However, it is not exclusive only to rich people. Yes, you can easily live comfortably in Uttar Pradesh, even on a tight budget. Those planning to move here can discover budget-friendly PG and hostel choices. Basic amenities like food, water, and electricity are also available at affordable prices. These factors collectively make Lucknow one of the cheapest cities in India. And if you need more than that to persuade you, you can always enjoy delicious street food at pocket-friendly prices.
Jaipur
Last but not least, on our list of the cheapest cities in India is ‘Jaipur’. The capital city of Rajasthan ranks highly when it comes to tourism. The tourism sector employs thousands of people and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to make a livelihood. Hailed as the Pink City, it surely wouldn’t require much of the pink currency, pun intended. With a good infrastructure and affordable housing, people can easily find employment opportunities in this city and lead a comfortable life.
Conclusion
Most people think that only people who’ve either started their careers or are struggling to make ends meet are looking for affordable cities. However, that is not the case; nowadays, people doing well or about to retire also want to figure out an economical place. It saves money and allows them to get the best facilities at low rates, which saves some cash for uncertain times. Hence, if you are also in the same boat, the cities mentioned above might greatly help. You can either fully relocate to these cities or spend some period of your life here.
FAQ’s about Top 10 Cheapest Cities in India
Q1. Which city is good to settle in India?
It depends on your choice, although if you want to live in an affordable city, then Thiruvantharampuram in the south, Lucknow in the north, Kolkata in the east, and Jaipur in the west are good options.
Q2. Which is the fastest developing city in India?
Hyderabad is the fastest developing city in India.
Q3. Which city is known as the future city of India?
Coimbatore is an upcoming smart city known as one of India’s future cities.