Delhi was a city of contrast with ancient history blended with modern life. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over India moving here and calling it home. The city is steeped in history with ancient monuments, forts, and tombs. The city experiences extreme weather conditions like scorching hot summers and chilly winters. Delhi is one of the most expensive cities in India. Housing and food can be expensive in the city, especially in the more upscale areas. There are several transportation options in Delhi like Delhi Metro, DTC buses, auto-rickshaws, and cabs. The city is a foodie paradise and famous for various street foods. There are several accommodation options in the city, but the housing cost depends on the location. The city has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, pubs and clubs. There are several other details about the city that you must learn before you move there –

Cost of living
The cost of living in Delhi is expensive but it generally depends on your lifestyle and priorities. The housing cost is the biggest expense which widely depends on location, size, and amenities. Groceries, public transportation, electricity, water, and entertainment are affordable. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Delhi –
Category | Approximate Monthly Cost (INR) |
---|---|
Rent (1BHK/2BHK/3BHK) | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per month |
Groceries | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per month |
Transportation | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per month |
Utilities | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per month |
Eating Out | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per month |
Entertainment | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per month |
Other Expenses | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per month |
Job Market & Economy
Delhi has a large and diverse economy with a wide range of job opportunities. The economy of Delhi is driven by several sectors like service sectors, manufacturing, construction, trade, and more. Delhi’s economy is growing rapidly and attracting investments. The city is a hub for businesses and it is home to headquarters of various companies. The job market of the city is flourishing with job opportunities and it is highly competitive. The demand for jobs is higher in sectors such as IT, finance, healthcare, education, and sales and marketing. There are numerous government job opportunities in Delhi. It has a thriving ecosystem for innovative and fast-growing companies.
Education system
The education system of Delhi is complex, with a mix of government and private institutions. The government schools in the city are run by the Delhi government and focus on affordability. Private schools offer a wider range of facilities and extracurricular activities. The schools in the city are affiliated with different boards, including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Here is the list of some of the top schools in Delhi –
- Delhi Public School R.K. Puram
- Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan
- Vasant Valley School, Vasant Kunj
- Bal Bharati Public School, Pitampura
- Modern School, Barakhamba Road
- Convent of Jesus and Mary, Bangla Sahib Marg
- The British School, New Delhi
- American Embassy School, New Delhi
Delhi is a hub for higher education with several prestigious universities. Here is the list of some top universities and colleges in Delhi –
- University of Delhi (DU)
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Delhi)
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Healthcare facilities
Delhi has a mixed bag of healthcare systems with world-class facilities however, accessing quality healthcare can be a challenge. The city boasts some of the premier hospitals in India, which are run by government and private sources. These medical institutions provide advanced medical care and attract patients from across the country. The government of Delhi has taken an initiative known as “Mohalla Clinics”. The city has a network of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine centres.
Here is the list of good private and government hospitals in the city –
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
- Safdarjung Hospital
- Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital
Top Locations to Live in Delhi
Moving to a city like Delhi can be challenging and the most challenging is finding an affordable and safe location to rent or buy a house. We have listed some of the good locations in the city –
- Jor Bagh – This is located in South Delhi and it is a quiet and green neighbourhood. It offers affordable homes and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Lutyens’ Delhi – This is an exclusive location in the city with homes to high-profile politicians, diplomats, and business tycoons. It is in proximity to government buildings and is known for its sprawling bungalows.
- Saket – It is a posh locality in South Delhi with upscale malls, residential complexes, and restaurants.
- Vasant Kunj – This is a well-planned location in South Delhi offering a mix of housing options.
- Greater Kailash (GK) – This is a family-friendly location with affordable houses and apartments. It has good access to schools, amenities, and hospitals.
- Defence Colony – This is a popular choice for professionals and families. This location has independent houses and builder floors with good connectivity.
- Dwarka – This is a well-planned sub-city in West Delhi. It is a family-friendly neighbourhood and a popular choice for families due to affordable housing, good schools, and wide green spaces.
- Rohini – This is the largest residential area in North Delhi, it offers apartments and independent houses with amenities and good connectivity.
Traffic and Transportation
The transportation and traffic situation in Delhi is complex and challenging. There are several options for public transportation in the city including Delhi Metro, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), and the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) buses, auto rickshaws, e-rickshaws, taxis, and ride-sharing apps. Delhi has traffic congestion issues, especially during the rush hours.
Climate and Weather
Delhi experiences a continental climate characterized by extreme variations. Winters in Delhi are cold as the temperature drops to as low as 4-5 degrees. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. The city experiences distinct weather that varies several times a year.
Things to do in Delhi
Delhi is a welcoming city; it is easy to connect with people and surroundings. But if you explore it, you will find a connection to the city –
- Explore Red Fort, a Mughal-era Fort, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pay homage to the soldiers at the iconic war memorial and enjoy a stroll around the lush green lawns of India Gate.
- Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance at Akshardham Temple and Lotus Temple.
- Explore rich Indian history at the National Museum.
- Experience the Sufi culture at Nizamuddin Dargah.
- Go for a shopping spree at Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, and more.
- Indulge in local street food and delicacies at Connaught Place, Karim’s Paranthe Wali Gali, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.
Pros and Cons of Living in Delhi
Learn about the pros and cons of living in Delhi to be prepared for any surprises –
Pros of living in Delhi | Cons of living in Delhi |
---|---|
Major hub for various industries, and wide range of job opportunities | Delhi is infamous for high levels of air pollution |
Melting pot of cultures with people from all over India | Roads in the city are notoriously congested especially during rush hours |
Home to top educational institutions including universities, colleges and schools | Densely populated city leading to overcrowding |
City is steeped in history, with several monuments, forts, and historical sites | Not safe for women, as numerous complaints filed for harassment frequently |
Delhi is well-connected to other parts of India and the world | The city experiences extreme weather conditions |
The Delhi Metro is lifeline for many locals as it is cost efficient method to get around | Dealing with government offices and bureaucracy can be challenging |
FAQs about Delhi
What are the best neighbourhoods in Delhi?
The popular neighbourhoods in Delhi include- Lutyens’ Delhi, Golf Links, Shanti Niketan, Hauz Khas, Saket, Dwarka, Rohini, Janakpuri, Connaught Place, Rajendra Nagar, Karol Bagh, Lakshmi Nagar, and more.
Is it safe to live in Delhi?
It is generally safe to live in Delhi, however, several women harassment cases were reported.
What are the challenges of living in Delhi?
The challenges of living in Delhi are air pollution, safety concerns, extreme weather, overcrowding, high cost of living, noise pollution, and traffic congestion.