Shifting to Vadodara

Cost of living

The cost of living in Vadodara is considered moderate and quite affordable. The rental price for a house is relatively lower than in other major cities. And if you want to buy a house, you can easily find affordable options. All other expenses including food, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment are affordable. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Vadodara –

Job Market & Economy

Vadodara has a diverse economy and a growing job market. The economy of the city is driven by several industries including petrochemicals, textiles, engineering, IT, manufacturing, ITES, pharmaceuticals, education, healthcare, and more. These industries make the job market more diverse and there has been growth in some sectors such as engineering, IT, and more.

Education system

Vadodara has a well-established education system and offers a wide range of academic opportunities at all levels. Vadodara has primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools in the city. These schools are affiliated with different boards like the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Most government schools have Gujarati as their primary language.

Here is the list of some of the top schools in Vadodara –

• Delhi Public School (DPS)- Kalali & Harni
• Vibgyor High School
• Podar International School
• Bright Day School
• D R Amin Memorial School
• American School of Baroda
• Nalanda International School
• Billabong High International School
• Gujarat Public School

Several colleges and universities in Vadodara offer an extensive range of higher educational programs. Here is a list of some good universities and colleges –

• Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU)
• Parul University
• Navrachana University
• GSFC University
• Faculty of Technology and Engineering, MSU
• Government Medical College Baroda
• SBKS Medical College and Research Centre
• Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Vadodara (Gandhinagar Campus)
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya

Healthcare facilities

In Vadodara, you can find hospitals and clinics that offer medical services in various specialties including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and more. There are designated centres for diagnosis including labs and imaging centres. Many hospitals provide good quality care, however, the medical services in private hospitals can be expensive.

Here is the list of good private and government hospitals in the city –

• Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSG Hospital)
• Vadodara Medical College Hospital
• HCG Cancer Centre
• Sterling Hospital
• Aadicura Superspeciality Hospital
• Viroc Super Speciality Orthopaedic Hospital
• Jupiter Hospital

Top Locations to Live in Vadodara

Before shifting to a new city, it is better to research the top locations where you can make your home. Here, we have compiled some details about the best locations in the city –

• Alkapuri – This is one of the prime locations in the city and is a hub of activity with shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment zones, and more. It is considered to be the best location for families and professionals.
• Gotri – If you prefer a quieter environment with greenery, find your house in Gotri. This location has residential complexes offering gardens, jogging tracks, and other open areas. This location has become a preferred location by families who want to live in suburban areas within the city limits.
• Karelibaug – This is a well-established area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It is the perfect location for families as there are good schools, parks, and a vibrant environment.
• Waghodia Road – This is one of the fastest-developing areas in Vadodara and offers luxury options with basic amenities. It is known for its affordable housing options and good connectivity.
• Vasna-Bhayli Road – This area has a mix of modern apartments and independent houses. It has a quieter environment, good schools, supermarkets, and healthcare facilities.
• Akota – It is located on the banks of the Vishwamitri River and is a prime residential neighbourhood with a mix of apartments and independent houses.
• Chhani Road – This location is known for its affordable housing options and decent connectivity. This is a good choice for options in budget.

Traffic and Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in the city is developing and it also has its share of traffic challenges. There are several options for public transportation including city buses (operated by Vadodara Municipal Transport Services (VMTS)), auto-rickshaws, and ride-sharing apps (Uber, Ola, and more). Vadodara has a network of major roads connecting different areas and some ring roads that help in diverting traffic. There are several underpasses and flyovers to improve traffic conditions. Traffic congestion is common during peak hours. Some parts of the city face challenges in parking.

Climate and Weather

Vadodara has a tropical savanna climate with distinct seasons with significant temperature variation. Summers are very hot and dry in the city, and the temperature can go above 40 degrees Celsius. Humidity is relatively low during summers and can be too high during monsoon. The city receives heavy showers during monsoon that sometimes leads to localized flooding. Winters are mild and pleasant and temperature can drop down around 10 degrees Celsius.

Things to do in Vadodara

The city has historical grandeur, cultural richness, and modern attractions. Here are some of the things you can do to connect with the city –

• Admire the architectural beauty of Laxmi Vilas Palace which is one of India’s largest private residences.
• Indulge in historical and cultural explorations at places like Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, and Kirti Mandir.
• Stroll through the Sayaji Baug and explore a planetarium, a zoo, and a toy train.
• Enjoy a serene boat ride on Sursagar Lake.
• Witness the unique architecture and serene atmosphere of EME Temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, and ISKCON Baroda, Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundar Mandir.
• You can attend a Garba Night during Navratri and enjoy colourful Garba celebrations.
• Explore local markets like Mandvi, Raopura, and Alkapuri.

Pros and Cons of Living in Vadodara

Explore pros and cons of living in Vadodara to prepare for the upcoming challenges.