Navigating Hyderabad: A Comprehensive Living Guide

Hyderabad is often referred to as the “City of Pearls”. The city is known for its historical heritage and modern lifestyle. Before you move to Hyderabad, make sure you know about the city to make your transition easy. The town has a deep-rooted history, and you can explore several historical landmarks including Charminar, Golconda Fort, and more. Hyderabad has a diverse culture that is a blend of Mughal, Persian, and Telugu traditions. The cost of living in Hyderabad is generally lower, and it is a hub for IT companies. There are ample jobs in the tech sector. The city experiences hot summers and moderate winters. Telugu is the primary language spoken in Hyderabad. There are several details that you must be aware of before you move to Hyderabad.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Hyderabad is generally lower than that of other metropolises. The housing cost is relatively lower and there is a variety of housing options for the residents. The city has an affordable transportation system and the cost of food is also reasonable. All other utilities in the city are also lower than in other cities.

Item Approximate Monthly Cost
Housing
1-bedroom apartment in city center ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
1-bedroom apartment in suburbs ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Utilities
Electricity, Water, and Gas ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
Transportation
Monthly bus pass ₹500 – ₹1,000
Auto-rickshaw rides ₹15 – ₹20 per ride
Food
Eating out (casual) ₹500 – ₹3,000 per meal
Groceries (basic) ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Entertainment
Movies ₹500 – ₹1,000 per ticket
Gym ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per month
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone bill ₹300 – ₹500
Internet ₹500 – ₹1,000

Job Market & Economy

Hyderabad has a strong and growing economy and a major contribution is the IT sector. In recent years, the city has emerged as the major IT hub in India. The government has taken several initiatives to promote the economic growth of the town. There has been infrastructural development, construction of industrial parks, and more. The city has a supportive ecosystem that encourages young professionals and it results in a surge in startups and entrepreneurship.

Major industries in Hyderabad are Information Technology, healthcare, manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and more.

Education system

The city boasts a well-developed education system with an extensive range of educational institutions. In Hyderabad, you can find primary schools, private schools, and international schools. These schools follow a variety of curricula including CBSE, ICSE, state boards, IB, and Cambridge.

The city is home to some of the top schools including –

  • Kendriya Vidyalaya
  • St. Mary’s College
  • St. John’s School
  • HSS School
  • Navy Children School
  • British School Hyderabad
  • International School of Hyderabad
  • American School of Hyderabad

Hyderabad is home to several prestigious universities that offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is also a center for engineering and technology education and medical colleges. Here is the list of top universities and colleges in Hyderabad –

  • University of Hyderabad
  • Osmania University
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU)
  • Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)
  • Gandhi Medical College
  • NIT Warangal
  • IIIT Hyderabad
  • CBIT
  • IIM Hyderabad
  • IBS Hyderabad
  • National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI)

Healthcare facilities

Hyderabad has a strong healthcare system with various hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals. The city has private and public hospitals and specialized hospitals catering to advanced care and treatment. Here is the list of the best hospitals in the city –

  • Gandhi Medical College
  • Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)
  • Apollo Hospitals
  • King Institute of Preventive Medicine
  • Yashoda Hospitals
  • Manipal Hospitals
  • NIMHANS
  • LV Prasad Eye Institute

Top Locations to Live in Hyderabad

Hyderabad offers a variety of locations depending on the preferences and budgets. Here are some of the top areas you can explore before choosing the perfect location-

  • Banjara Hills is an upscale neighbourhood known for its high-end shopping, luxurious villas, malls, and fine dining places.
  • Himayat Nagar is centrally located and offers a variety of housing options with good connectivity across the city and out of the city.
  • Madhapur- This is a perfect location for young professionals and IT employees as it is a bustling area with IT companies, residential apartments, and educational institutions.
  • Narsingi is a peaceful suburb surrounded by green spaces and well-maintained residential colonies.
  • Kukatpally is a popular residential area with a mix of old and new buildings and plenty of affordable options.
  • Kondapur is another suburban area with residential and commercial buildings.
  • Jubilee Hills is an affluent area with spacious apartments, excellent infrastructure, and green spaces.

Traffic and Transportation

Hyderabad has a well-developed transportation system as it has both modern and efficient Hyderabad Metro and traditional buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. All these transportation options make commuting easy and efficient for its residents.

Traffic congestion can be a challenge in the city during peak hours. However, the city is improving its road infrastructure and taking many traffic management measures.

Climate & weather

The city experiences a tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The temperature during summer can reach higher than 40OC with low humidity. Hyderabad experiences occasional heatwaves, so be prepared if moving in summer.

Rainfall is heavy and humidity is also high. Winters are pleasant and temperature can range between 15OC to 30OC. Winters have dry weather and occasional showers.

Things to do in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a vibrant city with a rich history that offers exciting things to do. If you move here, you can do the following things –

  • Explore the iconic monument Charminar which is a symbol of Hyderabad.
  • Plan a day out at a magnificent palace, “Falaknuma Palace”. You can enjoy its stunning interiors and panoramic views.
  • Enjoy the serenity of Birla Mandir and dedicate some moments to Lord Venkateshwara.
  • Visit museums like the Salar Jung Museum and the National Museum of Geology.
  • If you are a fan of films, spend your day at Ramoji Film Industry.
  • Shopping fans can visit Laad Bazaar, Ameerpet, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and Kukatpally.
  • Enjoy the beauty of nature at Botanical Graden, Himayat Sagar Lake, Necklace Road, and Husain Sagar Lake.

Pros and Cons of Living in Hyderabad

When you move to a new city, you only want to learn about the pros of the place. Learning about the cons of living in the city is also essential to be prepared for the challenges.

Pros of living in Hyderabad Cons of living in Hyderabad
The city boasts rich cultural heritage Hyderabad experiences heavy traffic congestion
The city has lower cost of living The city faces challenges related to air and water pollution
Hyderabad is a major IT hub and growing economy There is occasional water shortage
The city has diverse culture reflected in its cuisine Monsoon can be heavy resulting floods in certain areas
The people of Hyderabad are warm, hospitable and welcoming The public transportation is limited

FAQs about Hyderabad

1. What is the cost of living in Hyderabad?

The cost of living in Hyderabad is relatively affordable than other major cities in India. The housing and groceries are affordable.

2. Is it convenient to own a car in Hyderabad?

Owning a car in Hyderabad can be convenient. But, it can be expensive due to traffic congestion and parking charges.

3. Is it safe to live in Hyderabad?

Yes, Hyderabad is generally safe to live, but it is better to be aware of scams, local customs, and safety of your belongings.