“Which city should we move to?”
This is the question I get asked more than any other. More than taxes. More than schools. More than jobs.
And honestly? It’s the hardest one to answer. Because there’s no single “best” city for everyone.
When I moved back from the US in 2017, I chose Bangalore. It made sense for my work, my kids’ schooling, and the community I was building.
But I’ve watched hundreds of families in our WhatsApp groups pick completely different cities – and be very happy with their choices.
A couple from San Jose settled in Hyderabad and said it was the best decision they ever made.
A family from London chose Pune and hasn’t looked back. A retiree from Dubai picked Coimbatore and tells everyone who’ll listen that it’s paradise.
The right city depends on YOUR priorities – job market, kids’ education, cost of living, family proximity, climate, and honestly, just the vibe that feels like home.
Let me walk you through the top cities our community recommends, with honest pros and cons from people who actually live there.
How to Choose: The 6 Factors That Actually Matter
Before we get into specific cities, here’s the framework I share with every NRI in our community calls.
1. Career opportunities – Where are the jobs in your field? Can you work remotely?
2. Cost of living – What’s your monthly budget? Can you maintain your lifestyle?
3. Schools – If you have kids, this is often the deciding factor. International schools vary hugely by city.
4. Healthcare – Access to quality hospitals matters, especially if you have aging parents.
5. Family proximity – Many NRIs return specifically to be closer to parents. How far is your hometown?
6. Lifestyle and adjustment – How cosmopolitan is the city? Will your spouse and kids adjust easily?
Rank these in order of YOUR priority. The city that scores highest across your top 3-4 factors is usually the right choice.
1. Bangalore (Bengaluru) – The Tech Hub
Best for: IT professionals, startup founders, families wanting cosmopolitan lifestyle
I’m biased because I live here. But I’m also honest about the challenges.
Why NRIs love it:
Bangalore is India’s tech capital. If you work in IT, product management, data science, or any tech-adjacent field, the job market here is unmatched. Most global tech companies have offices here – Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, you name it.
The weather is genuinely pleasant. 18-28°C most of the year. No extreme summers like Delhi or Chennai. You’ll rarely need AC.
The food scene is incredible. Global cuisine everywhere. Korean, Japanese, Italian, Mexican – our community members say it’s the one city where they don’t miss eating out abroad.
International schools are abundant. 15+ IB schools. Strong CBSE and ICSE options too. See our best international schools in Bangalore guide.
The startup ecosystem is vibrant. If you’re thinking about starting a business in India, Bangalore has the talent, funding, and network.
The honest downsides:
Traffic. This is not a small problem. It’s a genuine quality-of-life issue. A 10 km commute can take 60-90 minutes during peak hours. Choose where you live very carefully – proximity to work and school is everything.
Rising costs.
Rents have increased sharply. A decent 3BHK in a good area (Whitefield, Sarjapur, HSR Layout) now costs Rs 40,000-60,000/month. Property prices have crossed Rs 1 crore for a 2BHK in most decent neighborhoods.
Water issues.
Some areas face water scarcity, especially in summer. Gated communities generally manage this better.
NRI-friendly neighborhoods: Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, HSR Layout, Koramangala, Indiranagar, JP Nagar, Jayanagar
For our detailed Bangalore guide, see how to settle in Bangalore and best gated communities in Bangalore.
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Job market | Excellent |
| Cost of living | High |
| Schools | Excellent |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Excellent |
| Climate | Very Good |
| NRI community | Very Large |
2. Hyderabad – The Value-for-Money Champion
Best for: Families wanting metro-level amenities at affordable prices, IT professionals
If I were moving back to India today with a tight budget, Hyderabad would be at the top of my list.
Why NRIs love it:
Affordability.
Housing costs are 30-40% lower than Bangalore for comparable neighborhoods. A spacious 3BHK in Gachibowli or Kondapur rents for Rs 25,000-40,000/month. Property prices are significantly more reasonable.
Infrastructure.
The road infrastructure is genuinely impressive. The Outer Ring Road, wide streets in newer areas like Hitech City and Financial District – members who move here from Bangalore consistently comment on how much better the roads are.
Tech jobs.
Hyderabad is India’s second-largest IT hub. Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple, Meta all have massive campuses here. The job market is strong and growing.
Food.
If you love food (and who doesn’t), Hyderabad’s biryani and food culture are legendary. But beyond that, the city has excellent restaurants across all cuisines.
Airport.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is one of the best in India. Well-connected to major US, UK, and Gulf destinations.
The honest downsides:
Summer heat.
April-May temperatures hit 40-42°C. It’s genuinely brutal. AC is a necessity, not a luxury.
Language.
Telugu and Urdu are dominant. If you don’t speak either, you’ll be fine in IT corridors and upscale areas, but may feel a bit lost in other parts of the city.
International school options are good but slightly fewer than Bangalore. About 10+ IB schools. Growing quickly.
NRI-friendly neighborhoods: Gachibowli, Financial District, Kondapur, Hitech City, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Manikonda
For our Bangalore vs Hyderabad comparison, see Bangalore or Hyderabad.
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Job market | Very Good |
| Cost of living | Very Affordable |
| Schools | Good |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Excellent |
| Climate | Hot summers, pleasant winters |
| NRI community | Large and growing |
3. Pune – The Balanced Choice
Best for: Families with kids, professionals wanting a relaxed metro, retirees wanting proximity to Mumbai
A member from our Boston group told me something that stuck: “Pune gives you 80% of what Bangalore offers at 60% of the cost, with 200% less traffic.”
That’s a pretty good summary.
Why NRIs love it:
Quality of life.
Pune consistently ranks among India’s most livable cities. Good weather (hot summers, pleasant winters), lower pollution than Delhi or Mumbai, and a generally relaxed pace compared to Bangalore.
Education hub.
Pune has some of India’s best educational institutions – from schools to universities. The education ecosystem is deep and diverse. Strong CBSE, ICSE, and IB options.
Proximity to Mumbai.
Just 2-3 hours by road (Expressway). This gives you access to Mumbai’s job market, international airport, and entertainment without living in Mumbai’s chaos.
Cost of living.
Significantly cheaper than Mumbai and slightly cheaper than Bangalore. A 3BHK in a good area (Kharadi, Baner, Hinjewadi) rents for Rs 25,000-40,000/month.
Returnee community.
Pune has a large, active returnee community. Areas like Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar have strong expat and NRI presence.
The honest downsides:
Job market is narrower than Bangalore or Hyderabad for tech roles. It’s growing, but if you’re in a niche field, options may be limited.
Summer heat. April-May can be quite hot (38-42°C). Not as bad as Hyderabad or Delhi, but definitely not Bangalore’s pleasant weather.
Infrastructure is improving but still playing catch-up in some areas. The metro is under development. Traffic in areas like Hinjewadi can be frustrating.
NRI-friendly neighborhoods: Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, Baner, Balewadi, Kharadi, Viman Nagar, Aundh
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Job market | Good |
| Cost of living | Affordable |
| Schools | Excellent |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Very Good |
| Climate | Good (hot summers) |
| NRI community | Large |
4. Chennai – The Steady Performer
Best for: Families wanting traditional values with modern infrastructure, healthcare focus, South Indian NRIs
Chennai doesn’t get as much hype as Bangalore or Hyderabad. But the NRIs who settle here tend to be very loyal to their choice.
Why NRIs love it:
Healthcare.
Chennai is called India’s “Health Capital” for a reason. Apollo, MIOT, Fortis, Sri Ramachandra – the concentration of super-specialty hospitals here is among the highest in India. If healthcare access is your top priority (especially with aging parents), Chennai scores very high.
Stability and safety.
Chennai is generally considered one of India’s safer metros. Lower crime rates. A stable, predictable environment.
Education.
12+ IB schools and excellent CBSE/ICSE options. Strong emphasis on academics.
Cultural richness.
If you value Indian arts, music, temples, and cultural events, Chennai offers a depth that few cities match. The annual December music season is world-famous.
Cost of living.
More affordable than Bangalore and Mumbai. Slightly higher than Hyderabad.
The honest downsides:
Climate.
Hot and humid most of the year. Temperatures regularly hit 35-40°C with high humidity. If you’re used to dry heat or pleasant weather, this takes real adjustment.
Conservatism.
Chennai’s culture is more traditional and conservative than Bangalore or Pune. Nightlife is limited. The social scene is less cosmopolitan.
Language barrier.
Tamil is dominant. If you don’t speak it, daily interactions (auto drivers, shops, government offices) can be challenging outside of IT corridors.
Flooding risk.
Chennai has experienced severe flooding in recent years (2015, 2023). Choose your neighborhood carefully and check flood history.
NRI-friendly neighborhoods: OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), Adyar, Besant Nagar, Nungambakkam, Velachery, Sholinganallur
For healthcare considerations, see our specialized hospitals in India guide.
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Job market | Good |
| Cost of living | Moderate |
| Schools | Very Good |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Excellent (Best in India) |
| Climate | Hot and humid |
| NRI community | Moderate |
5. Mumbai – The Maximum City
Best for: Finance/media professionals, high earners, those who love urban energy
Mumbai is India’s financial capital. If you work in finance, banking, media, entertainment, or consulting, the job market here is hard to beat.
Why NRIs love it:
Career opportunities in finance, consulting, media, and entrepreneurship are unmatched. Most MNC headquarters, financial institutions, and media companies are here.
Energy.
Mumbai has a vibe that no other Indian city matches. The pace, the diversity, the resilience – NRIs who love city life tend to love Mumbai.
Public transport.
The local train network, while crowded, is efficient and extensive. The metro is expanding. Mumbai is one of the few Indian cities where you can genuinely live without a car.
Coastal living.
Marine Drive, Bandra, Juhu – there’s something special about living by the sea.
The honest downsides:
Cost. Cost. Cost.
Mumbai is the most expensive city in India by a wide margin. A 2BHK in a decent area (Bandra, Andheri, Powai) costs Rs 50,000-80,000+/month. A 3BHK can easily cross Rs 1 lakh. Buying is even more painful – property prices in South Mumbai are among the highest in Asia.
Space.
Apartments are smaller. A Rs 2 crore flat in Mumbai would get you something significantly bigger in Hyderabad or Pune.
Humidity.
Mumbai is humid year-round. Monsoon season (June-September) brings genuine flooding and disruption.
Air quality.
Moderate – better than Delhi but worse than Bangalore or Pune.
NRI-friendly neighborhoods: Powai, Bandra, Andheri West, Lower Parel, Worli, Thane, Navi Mumbai
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Job market | Excellent (Finance/Media) |
| Cost of living | Very Expensive |
| Schools | Excellent |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Excellent |
| Climate | Hot and humid |
| NRI community | Very Large |
6. Delhi-NCR (Gurgaon/Noida) – The Power Center
Best for: Professionals in consulting, government, corporate sector, families from North India
Delhi-NCR (which includes Gurgaon, Noida, and Greater Noida) is India’s political and increasingly corporate capital.
Why NRIs love it:
Job market.
Gurgaon alone has offices of most Fortune 500 companies. Consulting firms, banks, FMCG, automotive – the industry mix is diverse.
Infrastructure in newer areas like Gurgaon and Noida is excellent. Wide roads, modern malls, gated communities.
Connectivity.
Delhi’s international airport is India’s best connected, with direct flights to most global cities.
Schools.
NCR has excellent school options across IB, CBSE, and IGCSE boards.
Cost is moderate.
Cheaper than Mumbai but more expensive than Hyderabad. Gurgaon rents for a 3BHK: Rs 35,000-60,000/month depending on location.
The honest downsides:
Air quality.
This is Delhi’s biggest problem by far. Winter AQI routinely hits “severe” levels (400-500+). If you have kids with asthma or respiratory issues, this is a genuine health risk. Many NRIs in our community who initially chose Delhi eventually moved to Bangalore or Pune specifically because of air quality.
Extreme weather.
Summers touch 45°C+. Winters drop to 3-4°C with dense smog. You need both AC and heating.
Safety concerns.
Delhi has a reputation for safety issues, particularly for women. While Gurgaon and Noida gated communities are generally safe, the broader safety environment is a concern.
The water in Gurgaon comes with its own challenges. Hard water, inconsistent supply in some areas.
NRI-friendly neighborhoods: Gurgaon (Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1-5, Sohna Road), Noida (Sector 128-150, Greater Noida), South Delhi (Vasant Kunj, Greater Kailash)
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Job market | Excellent |
| Cost of living | Moderate-High |
| Schools | Excellent |
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Very Good |
| Climate | Extreme (hot summers, cold winters, poor air) |
| NRI community | Large |
7. Tier-2 Gems: Kochi, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Goa
Not every returning NRI needs a metro city. Some of the happiest returnees in our community chose smaller cities. Here’s a quick look at the most popular ones.
Kochi (Kerala)
Beautiful coastal city. Excellent healthcare (especially Amrita and Aster hospitals). Growing IT sector (Infopark, SmartCity).
Strong community feel. Great for NRIs with roots in Kerala.
Rs 15,000-25,000/month for a good 3BHK.
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
Often called the “Manchester of the South.”
Pleasant weather year-round. Very low cost of living (Rs 25,000-40,000/month for a family). Excellent healthcare.
Limited job market outside textiles and manufacturing, but growing IT presence. Perfect for remote workers and retirees.
Chandigarh
India’s first planned city. Clean, organized, safe. Excellent infrastructure. Low crime rate. Good schools. Limited job market (mostly government/public sector). Rs 20,000-35,000/month for a 3BHK. Great if your work is remote.
Goa
The dream for many NRIs. Beach lifestyle, relaxed pace, growing co-working culture.
Fantastic if you work remotely or run an online business. Not ideal if you need a traditional job market.
International school options are limited but growing. Cost of living varies wildly by area.
For more options, see our guides on best small towns in India to retire and best cities in India for quality education.
Cost of Living Comparison (Family of 4, Comfortable Lifestyle)
These are approximate monthly expenses for a family of 4 living a comfortable (not luxury, not budget) lifestyle. Includes rent for a 3BHK in a good neighborhood, international school for 2 kids, groceries, transport, and lifestyle.
| City | Monthly Estimate | Biggest Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Rs 2.0-3.0 lakh | Rent and school fees |
| Bangalore | Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh | Rent and school fees |
| Delhi-NCR | Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh | School fees and rent |
| City | Monthly Estimate | Biggest Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Rs 1.2-2.0 lakh | School fees |
| Pune | Rs 1.0-1.8 lakh | School fees |
| Hyderabad | Rs 1.0-1.8 lakh | School fees |
| City | Monthly Estimate | Biggest Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | Rs 0.8-1.5 lakh | School fees |
| Coimbatore | Rs 0.7-1.2 lakh | Rent |
| Chandigarh | Rs 0.8-1.5 lakh | School fees |
Note: These are estimates from community members’ real experiences. International school fees (Rs 5-12 lakh/year per child) are the single biggest variable.
For detailed cost comparisons, see our cost of living India vs USA guide.
What Our Community Says: City Satisfaction Survey
We informally polled members across our WhatsApp groups. Here’s what they said.
“Most satisfied” cities: Hyderabad, Pune, and Bangalore consistently top the satisfaction list. Hyderabad wins on value for money. Pune wins on quality of life. Bangalore wins on career and social life.
“Most regretted” moves: NRIs who moved to Delhi-NCR most commonly cited air quality as their biggest regret. NRIs who chose Mumbai cited cost as their biggest surprise.
“Biggest positive surprise”: Tier-2 cities like Kochi and Coimbatore. Members consistently reported that the quality of life was higher than they expected.
“Most important factor after 1 year”: Across all cities, “quality of neighborhood and community” emerged as the most important factor – more than jobs, more than cost. Pick the right micro-neighborhood within a city, and you’ll be happy almost anywhere.
My Personal Advice: The 3-Step Approach
Here’s what I recommend to every NRI in our community.
Step 1: Visit before you commit.
Take a 2-3 week trip to your top 2-3 cities. Stay in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Visit schools. Talk to locals. Experience the traffic, the weather, and the daily rhythm. Don’t decide from 10,000 miles away.
Step 2: Rent first. Buy later.
Many NRIs make the mistake of buying property before they move. Don’t. Rent for at least 6-12 months. You might discover that the neighborhood you loved on a visit isn’t what you want long-term. Or you might decide to switch cities entirely.
See our buying vs renting guide for NRIs.
Step 3: Connect with the community first.
Join our city-specific WhatsApp groups before you move. Talk to NRIs who are already settled in your target city. They’ll give you the real, unfiltered picture – the good neighborhoods, the schools that actually work for returnee kids, the healthcare options, the lifestyle reality.
This is probably the single most valuable thing you can do before choosing a city.
For our comprehensive return planning guide, see our return to India checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which city has the best job market for NRIs?
For IT/tech: Bangalore, then Hyderabad. For finance/consulting: Mumbai, then Gurgaon. For manufacturing/automotive: Pune, then Chennai. For government/policy: Delhi. For startups: Bangalore, followed by Hyderabad and Pune. Check our jobs for returning NRIs guide.
Q: Which city is best for kids’ education?
Bangalore and Pune have the most diverse school options. Chennai and Delhi-NCR are also very strong. For IB curriculum specifically, Bangalore leads. See our CBSE vs IB comparison.
Q: Which city is safest?
Pune, Chandigarh, and Chennai are generally considered among the safer options. Bangalore is moderate. Delhi-NCR ranks lower on safety perception, though gated communities in Gurgaon are well-secured.
Q: Should I move to the same city as my parents?
Many NRIs return specifically for this reason. If your parents are elderly and need regular support, being in the same city is invaluable. If they’re in a tier-2 or tier-3 city, you might consider a nearby metro (e.g., parents in a Karnataka town, you in Bangalore).
Q: We’re working remotely for a US company. Does city choice matter?
Yes, but differently. If you’re working US hours (evening/night shifts in India), you need a quiet, comfortable home with reliable internet. In that case, cities like Pune, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, or Goa become very attractive – great quality of life at lower cost. See our remote work from India guide.
Q: How long does it take to adjust to a new city?
Most NRIs in our community say 6-12 months for adults and 3-6 months for kids. The first 3 months are the hardest – setting up the house, finding your rhythm, building a social circle. It gets significantly better after that. Our guide on adjusting to life in India covers this in detail.
Q: Can I live well in India on a $100K annual income?
Absolutely. $100K (roughly Rs 85 lakh/year) puts you in the top 1-2% of earners in India. You can live extremely comfortably in any city – including Mumbai. In cities like Hyderabad, Pune, or Coimbatore, this income provides a genuinely premium lifestyle.
Q: What about air quality? We have kids with allergies.
Avoid Delhi-NCR if air quality is a concern. Bangalore, Pune, and Coimbatore have the best air among major cities. Chennai is moderate. Mumbai is moderate-poor. You can check real-time AQI (Air Quality Index) data on apps like IQAir before deciding.
The Bottom Line
There is no perfect city. Every option involves trade-offs.
Bangalore gives you career and cosmopolitan life but takes away your commute time. Hyderabad gives you affordability and infrastructure but tests you with summer heat. Pune gives you balance and peace but has a smaller job market. Mumbai gives you energy and opportunity but empties your wallet.
The NRIs who are happiest after returning are not the ones who found the “perfect” city. They’re the ones who chose a city that aligned with their top 2-3 priorities, went in with realistic expectations, and gave themselves time to adjust.
Your city choice is important. But it’s not permanent. Several members in our community moved cities after their first year in India. That’s perfectly okay.
The important thing is to start the journey.
Disclaimer: Cost estimates and ratings are based on community experiences and publicly available data. Individual experiences may vary significantly based on specific neighborhoods, lifestyle choices, and personal circumstances.
If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
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