Tired of high rents and no savings? These 8 Indian cities offer a better life

You have a decent job, a reliable income, and plans for living a good life. Over the course of the month, your pay checks flow through the necessities of life like rent, food, getting to and from work, and an occasional drink. But at the very end of the month, with all that said, you ask yourself:

Where is all my money going?

The major metros in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore may have opportunities, but at a steep cost. Rent is high, there are long commutes, and lifestyle pressures lead you to buy more than you would like. All of this works against your ability to save, regardless of whether you are a 20-something fresher, a freelancer trying to establish a balance, or a young family with long-term goals; your location has a significant influence on your financial health and general quality of life.

But what if you did not have to make the choice between affordability and opportunity? What if you could have good infrastructure, healthcare and education, and even a vibrant social life, and not have to burn through your income? Well, you can. All over India, there are cities with a surprisingly good quality of life at a decent cost—allocating less of your income to living expenses. This article identifies some of the very best Indian cities and regions to live smart, spend smarter, and thrive.

What Does “Quality of Life on a Budget” Mean?

Before we can explore some of the best cities, we need to define “quality of life on a budget” which is more than just finding inexpensive rent or cheaper grocery stores. It’s living in a city that embodies the best, reasonable, and comfortable aspect of “life” without breaking the bank. It extends beyond housing and utilities that may be cheap and average public goods and services.

Of course, it’s also very important that the city is relatively clean, and typically safe, with low pollution, because those aspects are important to helping you feel better every day. If a city happens to allow access to green parks and recreational opportunities without being required to pay out of your pocket then that has extreme value to an ordinary day-to-day living experience. To have a city with “quality of life on a budget” also does not mean it allows a lower eventual spend turning it into a spend, but rather a city that provokes you to spend less and save more and plan better for the future in a way to ease achieving for long-term financial goals while living well.

Top Indian Cities for Living Well on a Budget

#1. Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore is often referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka, justifiably so. With its pleasant, tree-lined avenues, heritage-style architecture and sense of community, life moves a little slower, more reflective, providing a culture-rich spectacle for those after a peaceful setting. It has a low cost of living, with access to locally sourced food and transport services that are generally very well-priced. Most families could expect to live comfortably on ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month.

Mysore has good civic amenities, good schools, and reasonable attention to wellness services. The major public transport here is buses and auto-rickshaws, along with two-wheelers, which are the most common form of transport for local journeys. Most people who live in Mysore would agree that the city enjoys better air quality than most urban centres, as well as a cleaner environment, thereby making it a healthy lifestyle option.

#2. Pune, Maharashtra

Pune is where the old-world charm meets the vibrancy of a young and modern workforce. Originally regarded as primarily a university town, Pune, also called the Oxford of the East, has developed into one of India’s most liveable and balanced cities. The key benefit of Pune is the whole spectrum of offerings to the consumer looking for everything from the traditional family life, to the modern conveniences, to the availability of both consideration and costs. A family can live a decent life in Pune with a monthly outlay of ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 depending on the family lifestyle, and location.

Pune has a balance of good value everyday living and community living. Pune’s residential communities are well developed, the road networks are good and developing metro lines are in process to improve everyday commuting. The locally grown culture of Pune helps promote community living, and everyday activities like local vegetable markets and food outlets, community events to offer to keep costs down, while feeling part of a community when living in Pune. Many people in Pune embrace a lifestyle that is more liveable due mainly to the climate (much cooler on average compared to Mumbai), and the air quality is also considerable better.

#3. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Often called the “Manchester of South India”, Coimbatore is a blend of industry and residential life. One of Tamil Nadu’s cleanest and best-organised cities. Coimbatore is notable for its nice weather and greenery. A small family can live comfortably in Coimbatore on ₹27,000 – ₹37,000 per month (which includes groceries, transport, health care costs, and spending money).

The city has reliable public services, good schools, and less congestion, therefore travelling within the city is easy. Coimbatore also is a major location for alternative health and wellness giving appeal for an overall approach to living. Someone looking for an easier pace of life that is safe and contains affordable housing, Coimbatore is a good option for urban living on a budget.

#4. Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bhubaneswar has smoothly transitioned into a smart city while remaining true to its cultural and spiritual character. The growing infrastructure base and road management present low levels of traffic congestion and a good quality of living for a fraction of the cost. A simple household may budget between ₹28,000 to ₹40,000 per month.

Bhubaneswar is a safe, clean, pleasant city, suitable for both working professionals and families. Public transport is improving, and daily essential supplies can be located at reasonable prices. While the job market is developing, the money saved and relaxed lifestyle make it a suitable option for people that can work remotely or are self-employed. There is enough presence of temples, lakes, and historical sites to enjoy without too much impact on your lifestyle budget.

#5. Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Indore has received the designation of “cleanest city in India” for many years in a row and for good reason. It is a vibrant commercial city and continues to afford you a comfortable standard of living. A typical middle-class family can live very well for ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 per month. Groceries, schooling, transportation, and leisure activities are available at affordable prices.

The city features modern urban planning, generally clean streets, and its infrastructure is improving every day. Indore is a very food-centric city, and eating out is affordable too. It is also well-connected to other cities, and its industrial/service infrastructure is developing for jobs. The city’s safety, walkability, and quality of its residents’ civic decision making are very evident in Indore.

#6. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Ahmedabad is a well-established city with a thriving industrial base and ingrained entrepreneurial culture. It has considerable size as one of Gujarat’s largest cities, yet it is still considerably cheaper than India’s Tier-1 metros. A house hold budget of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 a month will allow you to survive comfortably.

The city provides good infrastructure – roads in decent condition, a decent supply of clean drinking water and public transportation also. It has a high score on healthcare access, availability of schools, safety and security. Traditional markets co-exist alongside modern retail and all the choices have made to manage your spending. Ahmedabad has considerable culture and community feel as social life is built around festivals, food and family.

#7. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur is not only a tourist city, it is also an inexpensive and beautiful city to live in. Jaipur has wide roads, historical buildings, and is growing in tourism and service jobs, all to help sustain a quality of life possible on a modest budget. Monthly family expenditures you would expect to spend in total would generally be ₹30,000 to ₹40,000.

You will have access to a number of decent school, hospital and roads that are well connected. Jaipur’s local markets have affordable producer and every day essentials to our everyday life. It’s easy to get around too with public transport still growing, buses and metros make it easier to commute. Jaipur offers cultural richness in forms of art, craft and music while making daily life more engaging. In terms of climate, which is majorly dry and humid, except for sometimes extreme winters.

#8. Chandigarh (Tricity: Mohali, Panchkula)

Chandigarh, and the adjacent towns of Mohali and Panchkula, are one of the best planned urban cities in India. The core city of Chandigarh may be expensive, but the suburbs in Tricity are affordable. Most working-class families live on ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per month based on the location.

The city, itself is clean, tidy, has great public services, schools and parks. Public transit is easy and safe to use. It is much less stressful to commute in the area than it is in most metropolitan city. The mix of urban amenities, with much of the beauty of places is good for families, retirees and professionals. The low crime rates, wide roads and the small town community feel allows for great planning for finances and a peaceful lifestyle.