10 Indian Cities Where You Can Fake Being Rich!

Let’s face it—some cities in India drain your wallet faster than a high-end café charges for a “gourmet” filter coffee. If you're tired of paying Mumbai-level rent for a house smaller than a broom closet, here are 10 cities where you can actually afford to breathe, eat, and thrive without having to call your parents for an emergency cash transfer.


With affordable rent and some of the best beaches in the country, Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum, for those struggling to pronounce it) is where you can live like a king on a middle-class budget. The city is an IT hub, so you get job opportunities without the chaos of Bangalore traffic. Plus, Kerala’s food is so good, even your stomach will feel like royalty.

Coimbatore is basically Bangalore without the bad roads and skyrocketing rents. This Tamil Nadu gem has great weather, a growing IT scene, and, best of all, food so cheap that you can eat like a king on a peasant’s budget. And let’s not forget—the city is near hill stations, so weekend getaways are always an option.


Imagine waking up to fresh air and mountains instead of honking autos. Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is one of the most affordable cities to live in, especially if you like a slow, peaceful life. Whether you’re a nature lover or just someone looking for cheaper rent and less traffic, Dehradun is a dream.

Indore is famous for being India’s cleanest city (seriously, it wins awards for it every year). But more importantly, it’s also super affordable. Rents are low, transportation is cheap, and the food? Let’s just say, for the price of a single coffee in Mumbai, you can have an entire street-food feast here.

Kolkata’s cost of living is so low, it feels like a scam—but a good one. The city offers ridiculously cheap transport, rent, and the best street food on the planet (try arguing with a Bengali about this). If you want to live in a big city without big-city expenses, Kolkata is the place.

Chandigarh is one of those cities where everything just makes sense. The roads are straight, the pollution is low, and—most importantly—it’s surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re retiring or just looking for a calm, organized city where rent doesn’t cost your entire salary, this is the place.


Jaipur is not just about palaces and camels; it’s also a place where your wallet won’t cry every month. The city has affordable living costs, cheap local transport, and street food so flavorful that you’ll consider switching careers to become a food blogger.

Nagpur doesn’t get enough credit. It has amazing infrastructure, an international airport, good weather (except for summer, which is basically lava season), and very reasonable living costs. Plus, oranges. Lots of oranges.

Ahmedabad is growing fast, but unlike other fast-growing cities, it hasn’t decided to charge a fortune for rent yet. The average monthly expenses here are around INR 35,000, making it one of the most budget-friendly places to live while still enjoying a metro city lifestyle.


Yes, Chennai is a metro city, but it’s also shockingly affordable compared to its big-city cousins. With reasonable rent, great public transport, and a beach at every corner, Chennai is perfect for those who want an affordable city without sacrificing modern amenities.
If you’re done burning money in over-expensive cities, these 10 places will let you live comfortably without needing a lottery win. Whether you want beaches, mountains, or just a city where the rent doesn’t make you cry, India has a budget-friendly option for you. Now go pack your bags and move somewhere that treats your wallet with respect! 😆