The question of which city in India is best for living depends not only on the concentration of job opportunities. It is also determined by a person's current life stage. In an analysis conducted by Sandeep Jathwani, co-founder of Dezerv, Indian cities are examined considering age and various life phases. This analysis takes into account needs ranging from earning and career growth in early stages to ensuring safety, healthcare, and cost of living later on.
For single professionals aged 25 to 35, Hyderabad and Bangalore are optimal options. At this stage, income potential and purchasing power are prioritized over pollution levels, traffic, or long commutes, which are considered acceptable compromises. According to the study, the purchasing power of professionals in both cities is relatively high compared to their income, allowing them to invest and save more actively. The focus at this stage is on career opportunities and asset accumulation, rather than comfort.
When people enter the age bracket of 30 to 40 and begin starting a family, their priorities shift. While income and purchasing power remain important, safety gains equal importance. Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Pune are considered the best choices at this age. Ahmedabad shows good safety metrics with a moderate rise in the cost of living. Meanwhile, Chennai and Pune offer the best balance between safety and purchasing power.
In the period from 35 to 50 years old, when the family has school-aged children, safety, air quality, and healthcare become most important. For this period, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore, Coimbatore, and Jaipur are recommended. These cities show the best results in safety and pollution indicators. Although they may lag behind other cities in terms of income level and purchasing power, families feel that this compromise is justified for clean air and a safe environment.
In the age group of 35 to 50, when professionals are at the peak of their careers and income, the ratio of housing price to income and overall cost of living are critical. In this aspect, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune lead. In Hyderabad, the housing price to income ratio is 4.3, which is the lowest among the mentioned cities, making homeownership relatively affordable. In Ahmedabad and Pune, this ratio is also below eight, whereas in Mumbai it reaches 30.1, and in Delhi it is 16.1.
After completing the most profitable years of their careers, priorities change again. For people aged 48 to 60, approaching retirement, quality of life, safety, and access to medical services become key factors. Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad are recognized as the best options in this age group.
People over 50 who plan to purchase a second home or have recently retired can consider Coimbatore, Jaipur, and Surat. For permanent residence after full retirement, Surat, Indore, Coimbatore, and Jaipur are best suited. These cities provide a balance between safety, low pollution levels, quality healthcare, and relatively low real estate prices.
The main conclusion from Sandeep Jathwani's analysis is that there is no single ideal city for all residents of India. The choice of residence should be based on the individual's current priorities—whether it is career growth, family safety, saving money, improved healthcare, or desired lifestyle. These priorities change with life, and consequently, the choice of a suitable city can also change.