Trying to figure out the best places to live in India? You’re in the right place!
There is no denying that India boasts one of the most colorful, vibrant cultures in the world, along with stunning nature, rich history, and spirituality.
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India has something for everyone, from spiritual seekers to nature lovers to party animals.
As more than one of the best Indian cities are major tech hubs, it is a surprisingly great place for climbing the career ladder or starting a business.
So what are the best places to live in India? Read on to discover the five most popular towns and cities among expats and digital nomads in this part of Asia.
Mumbai
Mumbai is a bustling cosmopolitan on the west coast and India’s largest city. It boasts the best economy in the nation, nicknamed the ‘city of dreams for its thriving Bollywood industry and many millionaires.
As the country’s financial center, Mumbai is easily one of the best cities in India for expats looking to work. There is a diverse range of opportunities for foreigners, and the wages are significantly higher here than elsewhere.
Moreover, in recent years, Mumbai has seen a huge increase in the number of start-up companies.
When you’re not working, you can enjoy the flavorful life of Mumbai along with the numerous trendy bars, top-class restaurants, and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Of course, as a large city, the lifestyle is fast-paced. Still, if you’re looking for a full and vibrant Indian adventure, Mumbai won’t disappoint.
Of course, like all cities this size, Mumbai is very loud and crowded, and traffic congestion is expected.
However, Mumbai has a fast, stable internet connection, clean water, and decent healthcare, which is not always easy to find in India.
For India’s standards, living in Mumbai is not cheap, though. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $500 a month.
This may not seem too expensive compared to other countries. Still, Mumbai’s rental expenses are more than double the price of some of the other best Indian cities, as you’ll see below.
Pune
The sprawling city of Pune in western India is just a three-hour drive inland from Mumbai. Aside from its proximity to the country’s biggest city, it is one of the best places to live in India because of its meager living costs.
In addition, Pune is quieter and less crowded than Mumbai yet still has all the modern amenities you need, along with good education and healthcare institutions.
Pune is also a thriving IT and tech hub, so it is the best option for expats working in these fields.
What’s more, because of the world-class university here, teaching jobs for foreigners are abundant.
The presence of the city’s famous university has shifted its vibe to a youthful one, with a happening nightlife and a cheap and efficient public transportation system.
Pune also offers a good dose of culture, with numerous palaces, ashrams, and museums.
As well as expats, Pune is a fab place for digital nomads. There are many decent co-working spaces and a great internet connection.
If you work remotely, you’ll be able to quickly build your savings here, as a one-bedroom apartment costs as little as $150 a month!
You can upgrade to something more modern and spacious and still not spend over $500 on accommodation.
Goa
Goa is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in India if you want to spend your free time by the beach.
Located on the southwestern coast, this state is not just a popular tourist destination but also a favored hang-out spot for digital nomads and remote workers.
Goa has a vast coastline with many beautiful beaches and coves. The area also boasts views of tropical spice plantations and is home to many charming fishing villages like Agonda.
Furthermore, Goa is full of culture, with many ancient churches and chapels dotted around.
The pace of life here is slow, which is ideal for remote workers looking to strike a healthier work/life balance. Still, after dark, the vibe changes as the party begins.
Goa is renowned for its wild beach parties, which you can find all along the north coast, particularly at Baga beach.
If you want to get away from the party scene, head to south Goa, where things are more relaxed and low-key. Here you can enjoy scenic drives and wild nature spots.
Or, if you’re a hippy at heart, check out Anjuna or Arambol.
One of the downsides of living and working in Goa as a digital nomad is the unstable internet connection.
While you can find high-speed internet speeds here, particularly in the coworking spaces, the area is prone to blackouts that can last as long as a few hours.
However, if you have a flexible work schedule and an easy-going attitude, you’ll see the blackouts as opportunities for impromptu beach days!
The cost of living in Goa is meager and considerably lower than in Mumbai. Here you can rent a humble one-bedroom house for as little as $200 or upgrade to a larger or nicer place for around $500.
Bangalore
Bangalore (also called Bengaluru), in the southern state of Karnataka, is another big tech hub. Locals nicknamed the Silicon Valley of India as there are many huge IT companies, including IBM and TCS.
In addition, you’ll find an ever-increasing number of start-ups. Thus, if this is your field, Bangalore is, without question, one of the best cities to live in India.
Aside from the thriving IT sector, the city has much to offer. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities with serene lakes, huge parks, and landscaped gardens.
Moreover, you’ll find some majestic historical buildings like Bengaluru Palace and Bengaluru Fort.
Bangalore also has numerous temples and museums to explore, a lively shopping district, and a pumping nightlife scene.
In addition, most people know English, and the city is reasonably safe with CCTV on the streets and a noticeable police presence.
Another pro of choosing Bangalore for living and working in India is the climate. The monsoon season is not so drastic here, and the summers are milder.
Living costs are also low, with basic one-bedroom apartments costing between $150 and $250.
Kerala
The western state of Kerala on India’s tropical Malabar Coast is perfect for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
It boasts 600 km (373 mi) of untouched, palm-lined Arabian Sea shoreline with several seaside cities, small towns, peninsulas, and small islands.
The vast majority of expats living here work remotely, as in-person job opportunities are lacking.
Kochi is one of the most popular cities in Kerala, offering modern amenities with a stunning natural backdrop. This port city is renowned for its shopping and trading industry.
Trivandrum is another fab option, renowned for its British colonial architecture and art culture.
There are plenty of nature spots, such as pristine beaches and green spaces, along with multiple malls, hospitals, and educational institutes.
Lastly, for those who want to get off the beaten track and immersed in nature, Wayanad is ideal. This small, picturesque town is inland, so it does not have beaches on offer.
Nonetheless, it is full of other natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, and lush forests where many native animal species like elephants, tigers, and leopards live.
Another huge plus of choosing Kerala is the meager cost of living. You can rent for as little as $150 a month here (or double that for a nicer, larger house).
Moreover, restaurants and other consumer prices are significantly low compared to Mumbai.
Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Live In India
Despite still being a developing country, these five best places to live in India offer excellent infrastructure, modern amenities, low living costs, and vibrant, colorful culture.
So whether you prefer a large, fast-paced city or a small town surrounded by tropical nature, you’ll find your slice of Indian heaven on this list.
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