To be honest, India is not a really expensive country to live in, but considering the wages here in India among other factors, it sure is pretty decent even then. Though, just like anywhere else in the world, we sure have a disparity in how expensive some places are compared to others right here in India. You’d certainly agree that Mumbai is a much more expensive city to live in than your average town in any part of the nation, correct? That’s what we’re talking about. And today, we’re here to take a good look at the top 10 most expensive cities to live in India as of 2025. Alright, here we go then.
1. Mumbai
Sticking to the top spot of this list for quite a while is for sure Mumbai, which in fact is India’s costliest city. You know, as they say, “Sapno Ka Shahar” and it sure deserves the hype. As you may already know, this city is usually called a financial capital where astronomical real estate rates are charged, particularly for areas such as Malabar Hill, Bandra, and Juhu, all ranging beyond ₹59,000 per square foot and even more sometimes. However, it attracts people from all walks of life in pursuit of the city’s robust career opportunities in finance, media, and Bollywood.
2. Delhi
Then, you see, Delhi, being the soul and center of the country, has taken second place in terms of luxury and history. Just the glamorous Golf Links and Greater Kailash zip price fabrication that could range from ₹23,000 to ₹55,000 per sq. ft. Not just glamour, but those high prices are driven by heavy population-as-can-be-and increasing demand. On the other hand, even after such high rents and real estate prices, Delhi still offers the best metro system and has a nice cultural mix that lures families and professionals alike.
3. Bengaluru
Next on the list, you know, as the IT capital of the country, Bengaluru has not escaped the rising costs of living due to the technology boom, that’s for sure. Like, young professionals have chosen neighborhoods like Indira Nagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield, which have property prices ranging between 10,000 rupees to 18,000 rupees per square foot. Its lively nightlife and high dining activities, combined with the growing infrastructure, make living costs even higher, and that’s pretty understandable too actually. On top of just that, the overall vibe is pretty good and it is just nice to live in a city like Bengaluru.
4. Chennai
Claiming the fourth rank is Chennai, which has been known for its culture and industrial upliftment for like FOREVER. Sure enough, just so you know, Adyar and Anna Nagar are among the posh areas in the city where property rates touch ₹15,000 per sq ft, moderate are the transport charges but the increasing housing costs speak of the growing foothold of the city as an IT and educational hub. It is kinda a mix of ancient and modern here, where you see tech kinda being used at its fullest but going alongside culture and history, and that’s really impressive to look at.
5. Pune
You know, from a peaceful educational center, Pune has evolved into a kinda busy IT and industrial city. Today, the city qualifies to be among the most expensive places to live in India. Koregaon Park and Model Colony are two of the prime locations with properties priced up to ₹16,000 per square foot. Sure enough, while groceries and traveling costs remain affordable, housing prices have shot up with many professionals moving here. As for what it is like to live here, well, besides the expenses, there are a lot of things to visit with friends and family, and the vibes are just pure awesome.
6. Hyderabad
Next on the list, you see, the evolution of Hyderabad into a major global IT and pharmaceutical hub has come with a premium cost of living in the city. Having areas like Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills, property rates are alarmingly as high as ₹26,000 per square foot. The modernity of the city, coupled with its historical sites like the Charminar, makes it a sought-after destination, but, unfortunately, so do its kinda super high real estate prices for the newcomers.
7. Kolkata
The City of Joy aka Kolkata is, perhaps, one of the most awesome yet one of the most expensive of all cities. Daily expenses are manageable. However, property rates in some areas, like Park Street and Salt Lake, incur costs of ₹28,000 and ₹10,000 per square foot, respectively. This draws families and aids in the migration of professionals from other cities with its wealth of public transportation, academic legacies, and cultural tourism.
8. Ahmedabad
You know, well known for its industrial growth and vibrant culture, Ahmedabad is marching toward the list of expensive Indian cities. Like, Premium localities, such as SG Highway as well as Satellite City, feature property rates kinda fixed now between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 per square foot. Sure enough, with the mutation of the city into a business hub with modern infrastructure, the demand for luxury housing has further made Ahmedabad a star on this list.
9. Jaipur
Then, sure enough, the Pink City, where history meets modern development, makes it one of the most expensive cities in India. Civil Lines and Malviya Nagar have property rates of ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per square foot. This, combined with the royal charm, has led to growing demand for upscale housing in the city due to an expanding IT sector and educational institutions.
10. Surat
Last on the list, Surat, popularly known as Diamond City, has found a place in the top ten owing to its flourishing textile and diamond industries, you know? Here, though, luxury localities like Vesu and Pal have property rates of ₹5,000- ₹6,000 per square foot. You see, very well-planned Surat city is slowly becoming a residential hub, but increasing housing demand pushes it among the top ten most expensive cities in India.
Conclusion
Arguably, these are by far the most expensive cities to live in India, and we even have many reports and real data to back that up. So, if you’re planning on moving to one of these cities, well, just be prepared for the price high in, well, everything.
