Kolkata

West Bengal, India

Metro City

"City of Joy — cultural capital with colonial charm"

Overview

Population1.5 Crore

Metro Population1.8 Crore

Best For

Artistsintellectualsbudget-conscious families

VibeIntellectual, artistic, nostalgic

Detailed Ratings

Cost of Living

●●●●●

Low - Affordable living with good facilities

Healthcare

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Good - Quality hospitals and medical facilities

Safety

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Moderate - Safe in most areas, vigilance needed

Air Quality

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Poor - AQI 120-200, pollution concerns

ClimateHumid

High humidity levels

Traffic

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Moderate - Peak hour congestion common

Water Availability

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Good - Generally sufficient water

Internet

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Good - Reliable broadband and 4G/5G

Public Transport

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Good - Metro and/or good bus service

Social Scene

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Active - Good food, culture, entertainment

Cost Snapshot

Monthly Expense (Couple)₹ 40k - ₹ 70k

Rent (2BHK, good area)₹ 12k - ₹ 25k / month

Buy (2BHK, good area)₹ 40 Lakhs - ₹ 1.00 Cr

vs Mumbai-25% cheaper

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

Very affordable cost of living
Rich cultural heritage (Durga Puja, literature)
Excellent public transport (metro, trams)
Great food (sweets, Bengali cuisine)
Warm, welcoming people

✗ Cons

Humid and hot climate
Aging infrastructure
Fewer IT/startup jobs
Pollution increasing
Slower economic growth

Next Steps

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Note: All costs and ratings are approximate and based on 2026 data. Actual costs may vary based on lifestyle, specific location within the city, and market conditions. Always verify current costs before making decisions.