India is a beautiful country that captured the world’s attention way before Alexander the Great tried to defeat it.
It has nearly everything you can think of, from mountains to rivers and beautiful flora and fauna.
India is divided into 29 states, all of which have their own unique culture, styles, and benefits.
So, if you’re contemplating moving to India, you may want to know what the most affordable towns are.
This guide will prepare you to officially settle down in India by listing the cheapest places to live in the country.
13 of the Cheapest Places to Live in India
1. Thiruvananthapuram
First on the list of cities offering an affordable cost of living in India is Thiruvananthapuram.
Thiruvananthapuram has a cost of living index of 21.2, a rent index of 3.8, and a grocery index of 21.5.
Thiruvananthapuram is also known as the capital of Kerala.
It has been ranked consistently as being one of the cheapest places to live in the country.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable lifestyle, this may be an ideal location.
In addition, Thiruvananthapuram offers a very affordable transportation system consisting of taxis, buses, and more.
Top attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include Kovalam Beach, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, and Magic Planet.
2. Coimbatore
Next on the list of cities offering affordable living in India is Coimbatore.
Coimbatore has a cost of living index of 21.3, a rent index of 4.0, and a grocery index of 23.5.
It is known as a rather large city in Tamil Nadu.
It’s also considered an attractive location for both tourists and residents.
Coimbatore offers a low cost of living due to the number of affordable housing options available around the city.
Compared to other major towns in the country, the cost of owning a home or renting an apartment in Coimbatore is significantly lower.
If you’re wondering what Coimbatore has to offer in terms of entertainment, check out the Gedee Car Museum, Brookefields Mall, and Velliangiri Hills.
3. Bhopal
Bhopal is also worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable town in India to live in.
Bhopal’s cost of living index is 21.6.
The city also has a rent index of 2.3 and a grocery index of 16.6.
Bhopal is also known as the capital of Madhya Pradesh and has been ranked consistently as one of the most affordable cities in India.
In addition, Bhopal has an affordable public transportation system consisting of buses and auto rickshaws.
This enables residents to get around the town more easily.
Top attractions in Bhopal include the Taj ul Masjid, the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, and Van Vihar National Park.
4. Kochi
Kochi has a cost of living index of 21.8, a rent index of 5.1, and a grocery index of 23.9, making it one of the most affordable places to live in India.
Kochi is most known for having a rich history and lively culture.
Are you planning on relying on public transportation?
Fortunately, the town has a large network of ferries, buses, and trains at an affordable cost.
Kochi has a lot of entertainment options around the city, including historical landmarks, cultural festivals, and tourist attractions.
Moreover, some of the top attractions in Kochi are LuLu International Shopping Mall, Mattancherry Palace, and Hill Palace Museum.
5. Dehradun
Dehradun is also worth considering as it offers a low cost of living for residents in India.
The cost of living index in Dehradun is 22.1.
The town also has a rent index of 4.4 and a grocery index of 20.7.
Dehradun is also the capital of Uttarakhand.
Dehradun is a popular location for those who love adventure and nature.
So, if you enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures, you are going to fall in love with Dehradun.
Top attractions in Dehradun include the Pacific Mall, Gucchupani Robbers Cave, and the Subir Raha Oil Museum.
6. Indore
Indore is a wonderful town conveniently located in Madhya Pradesh.
It is also known for its affordable cost of living.
The town of Indore has a cost of living index of 22.2, a rent index of 3.8, and a grocery index of 23.3.
Moreover, Indore has consistently been ranked as the cleanest city in India.
If all of this sounds appealing to you, Indore may be the perfect location for you to relocate to.
Entertainment options in Indore include Rajwada Palace, Lak Bagh Palace, and the Phoenix Citadel Mall.
7. Lucknow
Lucknow has a cost of living index of 22.4, a rent index of 3.8, and a grocery index of 21.0, making it yet another one of the cheapest places to live in India.
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and is known for having tasty food, a rich culture, and, most of all, a low cost of living.
You’ll be certain to find plenty of available low-cost housing options ranging from apartments, houses, and shared spaces in Lucknow.
Are you wondering what there is to do in Lucknow?
Consider checking out the Bada Imambara, Janeshwar Mishra Park, and Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden.
8. Ludhiana
Located in northern India, in the state of Punjab, is Ludhiana.
Due to several factors, Ludhiana is also considered to be one of the cheapest places to live in India.
The cost of living index is 22.6.
Ludhiana also has a rent index of 4.4 and a grocery index of 22.6.
Compared to other metropolitan areas in India, Ludhiana is more affordable to live in.
There are also various entertainment options in Ludhiana including, the Pavilion Mall, Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, and Wave Mall.
9. Bhubaneswar
Known as the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar is located in the eastern region of India and is also considered to be one of the cheapest places to live.
Bhubaneswar offers an overall good quality of life, including sufficient greenery, low pollution levels, and excellent infrastructure.
Moreover, Bhubaneswar’s tourism scene is thriving, which has resulted in the development of various guest houses, hotels, and restaurants, all of which are affordable.
There are so many things to do in Bhubaneswar, including the Nandankanan Zoological Park, the Odisha State Museum, and Biju Patnaik Park.
10. Kolkata
Kolkata is also on the list for offering affordability in India and for very good reasons.
Kolkata’s cost of living index is 22.8.
The city also has a rent index of 4.8 and a grocery index of 23.8.
In addition, Kolkata is referred to as the cultural capital of India.
The city has a rich heritage and is known for having delicious street food.
Bus and metro fares are also affordable, making them a cost-effective option for residents using public transportation.
Several attractions to check out in Kolkata include the Victoria Memorial, New Market Kolkata, and the Howrah Bridge.
11. Nagpur
If you’re looking for a cheap place to live in India that is perfect for retirement and is full of healthcare facilities, look no further than Nagpur.
Overall, a family of four can live comfortably in Nagpur for $1,084 per month.
A single person can live off $321 per month.
However, these numbers do not include rent.
Regarding entertainment, Nagpur offers many attractions.
Some of these attractions include the Narrow Gauge Rail Museum, Khindsi Lake, Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tiger Park.
12. Bangalore
Bangalore is also an affordable town in India and is worth considering.
Many people relocate to Bangalore due to the influx of IT jobs present.
Bangalore is sometimes referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India.”
In terms of real estate and food, Bangalore is one of the more affordable options.
Bangalore is 73.7% less expensive than New York, not including rent.
A family of four living in Bangalore costs around $1,460 per month, excluding rent.
A single person living here will spend around $415 per month on living expenses.
Top attractions in Bangalore include Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and Visvesvaraya Industrial Technological Museum.
13. Hyderabad
Last on the list of cities offering affordable living in India is Hyderabad.
Hyderabad is also known as the city of pearls.
Moreover, Hyderabad is also one of the top IT hotspots in all of India.
In addition, you’ll find that Hyderabad has a relatively low crime rate and pleasant weather throughout the year.
A family of four costs around $1,300 per month in expenses.
One person can live comfortably on $374 per month in Hyderabad.
The Salar Jung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, and the Nehru Zoological Park are all worth visiting if you choose Hyderabad as your new hometown.
India Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: India Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
Among the top cheapest cities, which one has the highest safety index score?
Among the top affordable cities listed above in India, Dehradun has the highest safety index score.
The value recorded in Dehradun is 64.39.
What is the cost of living in India?
The average cost of living in India is $2,620 per month.
This amount includes rent.
If you’re interested in lowering your food costs, you should consider purchasing from street vendors and markets.
Is the cost of living in India cheaper compared to the United States?
Yes, India is much cheaper to live in compared to the U.S.
The United States is 239% more expensive compared to India.
