Pros and Cons of Living in India

Last updated on Feb 12, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in India include the rich cultural heritage, the diverse range of languages and religions, the vibrant cities, and the delicious cuisine. On the other hand, the cons of living in India include the high levels of poverty, the lack of access to basic amenities in some areas, the pollution, and the overcrowding in some cities.

What are the pros and cons of living in India?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in India responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people of India. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. Additionally, the country offers a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Indian dishes to international fare. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the heat and humidity of India difficult to adjust to, as well as the language barrier. Additionally, the infrastructure in some parts of the country can be lacking, making it difficult to access certain services," remarked one expat in India.

"Pondicherry is a wonderful city.. you can do as much or as little as you like.. the French institute offers activities and social events and the city is easy to get around.. White Town is the nicer area to live and many home and apartments have a sea view.. keep in mind it is very hot and humid in their summers.," explained one expat in Pondicherry.

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What do expats in India appreciate most about the local culture?

"The food. The food. The food. The amazing things you can get in the markets/shops from scarves to carvings to jewelry. People are very friendly if you smile when asking for help. My friends who helped us adjust that became the closest we've ever had. Oh, and Bollywood. Its absurdity/dancing is just a lot of fun and I bought a few movies and will keep up with the celebrities," explained one expat living in Mumbai.

What do expats find most challenging?

"how cheap it is, lack of respect for others, extreme inefficiencies, lack of cleanliness," said one person in Mumbai.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.