If you plan to move to Vishakhapatnam, you should learn about several things to start a new chapter of life smoothly. The city is known as “City of Destiny” or “Goa of the East Coast”. It offers a laid-back lifestyle with beautiful beaches and a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles. The city experiences hot and humid most of the year, and only winters are pleasant and comfortable. The city celebrates several festivals, including Vishaka Utsav, Navy Day Celebration, and other local religious festivals. The cost of living in Vishakhapatnam is generally affordable. It is a popular tourist place with various options for exploring. Before you move here, learn some essential details about the city –

Cost of living
The cost of living in Vishakhapatnam is generally considered quiet and affordable. The housing cost is considerably lower than in major cities in India. All other expenses, including groceries, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, are affordable. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Vishakhapatnam –
Category | Approximate Monthly Cost (INR) |
---|---|
Rent (1BHK/2BHK/3BHK) | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 per month |
Groceries | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per month |
Transportation | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per month |
Utilities | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per month |
Eating Out | ₹100 – ₹500 per month |
Entertainment | ₹100 – ₹300 per month |
Education | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 per month |
Job Market & Economy
Vishakhapatnam has a diverse and growing economy and has become an attractive destination for job seekers in Andhra Pradesh. The city has a booming economy with several thriving sectors, including shipbuilding, petrochemicals, IT, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, trade and logistics, and tourism. The city has several major employers, including Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Tech Mahindra, Coromandel International, Wipro, Hindustan Shipyard, and more.
Education system
The city has a diverse education system with a range of options, from traditional government schools to modern international institutions. The government schools are run by the state government, and they offer education at affordable cost. The city has several private schools affiliated with various curricula, including CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. Some schools follow international curricula.
Here is the list of some of the top schools in Vishakhapatnam –
- Vishakha Valley School
- Timpany School
- Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar
- Navy Children School
- Oakridge International School
- Delhi Public School, Vishakhapatnam
- The Presidential School
- Samsidh International School
- Sanskruti Global School
The city is home to renowned colleges and universities offering an extensive range of higher education programs. Here is the list of some of the top colleges and universities in Vishakhapatnam –
- Andhra University
- Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering (GVPCE)
- GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
- Indian Institute of Management Vishakhapatnam (IIMV)
- Andhra University College of Engineering
- Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University
- Anil Neerukonda Institute of Technology and Science (ANITS)
- Andhra Medical College
Healthcare facilities
Vishakhapatnam’s healthcare system is a developing healthcare system with a mix of private and government facilities. Hospitals in the city are offering specialized care for various health conditions. There are hospitals that offer medical services to those who cannot afford private healthcare services. There are primary health centres in the city providing basic healthcare to the community.
Here is the list of good private and government hospitals in the city –
- Apollo Hospitals
- Medicover Hospitals
- CARE Hospitals
- Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute
- Queen Mary Hospital
- Dr. Ramana Raju’s Vision Tree Super Speciality Eye Care Centre
- HCG Cancer Centre
Top Locations to Live in Vishakhapatnam
A safe, secure, and friendly neighbourhood is the prime requirement when you move to a new city. So, before you move to Vishakhapatnam, explore some of the best neighbourhoods online and make your transition easy and smooth –
- Gajuwaka – This is an affordable but busy commercial and residential hub with good connectivity. It is a popular choice for families and professionals in the industrial sector.
- Madhurawada – It is a popular location for IT professionals due to its proximity to tech parks. This location has good infrastructure, with schools, malls, and hospitals. There are plenty of options for apartments and villas.
- Yendada – This is a fast-growing residential area with a mix of independent houses and apartments. This location is highly preferred by young families and IT professionals.
- MVP Colony – This is one the largest and most well-developed townships in Asia offering an infrastructure with good schools, shopping centers, and hospitals. It is a popular destination for young families.
- Lawson’s Bay Colony – This is an upscale area with a peaceful environment and luxurious homes. If you are looking for a high-end lifestyle, move here.
- Maharani Peta – This is a coastal area with a mix of apartments, independent houses, and plots. This is in proximity to the beach and green spaces.
Traffic and Transportation
Before you relocate to a new city, learn about the traffic and transportation. The traffic in Vishakhapatnam is generally more manageable but as the city grows traffic congestion becomes common. There are several areas like Dwarka Nagar, Jagdamba Junction, etc. that experience traffic bottlenecks. There are several options for public transportation in the city including city buses (operated by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC)), auto-rickshaws, taxis, etc. However, most residents rely on cars and motorcycles to commute to their work.
Climate and Weather
The city has a tropical climate with, warm humid weather for most of the year. During summer, the temperature can reach mid-30 degrees Celsius, and during winter it drops below 20 degrees Celsius. The city receives a significant amount of rainfall during the monsoon season.
Things to do in Vishakhapatnam
There are many places to explore in Vishakhapatnam that will help you learn about the city and connect with the locals. Here are some ideas –
- The city is full of beaches, you can explore these beaches in the city- Rushikonda Beach, RK Beach, Yarada Beach, and Bheemili Beach.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and coastline at Kailasagiri.
- Visit VUDA Park and stroll along a musical fountain and pleasant promenade.
- Take your children to meet a good variety of animals and birds at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park.
- Explore a museum inside a real submarine at INS Kurusra Submarine Museum.
- Visit TU 142 Aircraft Museum to explore a decommissioned naval aircraft.
- CMR Central is the right destination for shopping and entertainment.
Pros and Cons of Living in Vishakhapatnam
Before moving to Vishakhapatnam, explore the pros and cons of living in the city –
Pros of living in Vishakhapatnam | Cons of living in Vishakhapatnam |
---|---|
The city enjoys a lower cost of living compared to other metro cities | There is high humidity throughout the year in the city |
City has a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle | There are limited options for nightlife in Vishakhapatnam |
The city has diverse economy with developing infrastructure | The city has limited options for public transportation |
There are beautiful beaches, hills and options for outdoor activities | Competition is high in job market |
The city has decent schools and universities | Monsoon can bring heavy rains causing disruptions |
The locals of the city are warm and welcoming | Traffic congestion is an issue especially during rush hours |
FAQs about Vishakhapatnam
What are the best neighbourhoods in Vishakhapatnam?
The popular neighbourhoods in Vishakhapatnam include – Seethammadhara, MVP Colony, Lawson’s Bay Colony, Yendada, Siripuram, Dwaraka Nagar, and Maharani Peta. Rushikonda, and more.
Is it safe to live in Vishakhapatnam?
It is generally safe to live in Vishakhapatnam as the crime rate in the city is lower, and there is an active police force across the city.
What are the challenges of living in Vishakhapatnam?
The challenges of living in Vishakhapatnam include humidity, public transportation, traffic congestion, language barrier, limited nightlife, job market competition, and more.