Gujarat has recently emerged as the most expensive state in India in terms of the cost of living, according to a report by livingcost.org, a crowdsourced database platform.
Despite being touted as a state hospitable for all sections of society, the cost of living in this state surpasses other Indian states, reaching around ₹47,000 ($560) per month.
The study highlights the cost of living in four major cities of Gujarat, with Surat leading the list. Surat, known as the diamond city with a population of 59.4 lakh, has a monthly cost of living pegged at ₹68,000 ($809), making it the most expensive city in the state. Ahmedabad, the largest city with a population of 76.5 lakh, comes second with a monthly cost of ₹42,410 ($505).
Following Ahmedabad is Vadodara, home to 20.7 lakh residents, where the cost of living is estimated to be ₹33,507 ($399) per month. Rajkot, with a population of 13.4 lakh, rounds out the list with a monthly cost of ₹29,650 ($353).
Comparison with National and Global Averages
The report also provides a broader perspective by comparing the cost of living in Gujarat to the national average. While the cost of living in India is approximately ₹37,000 ($441), Gujarat surpasses this average significantly.
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On the global scale, India ranks 191st out of 197 countries by cost of living, making it one of the most affordable countries in the world. This is far below countries like China ($679), Russia ($652), the USA ($2,433), the UK ($2,183), and Australia ($2,293).
The livingcost.org platform derives its data from crowdsourced inputs and over 20 public data sets. Using a predictor algorithm, the platform compiles and processes this information to provide accurate cost-of-living figures for different regions.
While the data is constantly updated, the report reveals that Gujarat has become a costly place to live, particularly in its major cities like Surat and Ahmedabad.
Reasons for Rising Costs in Gujarat
Several factors contribute to Gujarat’s rising cost of living. As the state has rapidly industrialized and become an economic hub, particularly in cities like Surat and Ahmedabad, real estate prices, utilities, and general living expenses have surged.
Surat, a global diamond hub, and Ahmedabad, an industrial and educational center, are attracting more people and businesses, leading to higher demand for housing and services.
Moreover, Gujarat’s infrastructure development, while benefiting its economy, has also pushed up the cost of living in urban areas. The state’s strong industrial growth, along with its large ports, has made it a key player in India’s economic landscape.
However, this economic boom has inadvertently increased the cost of basic living amenities, making it more expensive compared to other states.
The rise in the cost of living in Gujarat presents challenges for its residents, particularly low-income households. With prices for housing, food, transportation, and utilities on the rise, many families are finding it difficult to meet their daily needs.
The widening gap between income and expenses is becoming a concern, especially in cities like Surat, where the cost of living is now higher than many other parts of India.
While Gujarat continues to be a state of economic opportunity and growth, the rising living costs may prompt individuals and businesses to reconsider their long-term plans.
The state’s government may need to address these issues to ensure that Gujarat remains an attractive place to live and work for all sections of society.
Gujarat, once celebrated for its affordability and hospitable environment, has now become India’s most expensive state to live in. The report by livingcost.org highlights the significant disparity between Gujarat’s cities and the national average.
With the cost of living rising in major cities like Surat and Ahmedabad, the state faces new challenges in maintaining its reputation as a business-friendly and livable region. Going forward, it will be crucial to monitor how Gujarat balances its economic growth with the needs of its residents.
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