The 10 Best Place to Live in Kerala: Lifestyle, Jobs, Safety & Cost
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Top 10 Best Places to Live in Kerala

6 AUG 2025

Nestled along the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is a tropical paradise renowned for its lush landscape, serene backwaters and rich cultural heritage. This enchanting “God’s own country” seamlessly blends natural beauty with vibrant traditions, offering an unforgettable experience for travellers and locals alike. With one of the highest literacy rates in India and a deep-rooted respect for art, Ayurveda, and nature, Kerala stands as a shining example of sustainable tourism and cultural pride. Interested in discovering the best place to live in Kerala? Read on as we delve into this topic further!

top 10 cities kerala

Why Kerala Is a Great Place to Live

The southern gem offers more than just postcard-worthy landscapes; it delivers a lifestyle that blends tradition, wellness, and modern living like few other places in India. The lifestyle of people of Kerala is one of balance and intention. Here, life doesn’t rush by in a blur. Instead, people enjoy a slower pace surrounded by greenery, clean air, fresh food, and age-old traditions like Ayurveda and yoga. Add to that a strong sense of community, high literacy rates, and a deep respect for education, and you’ve got a recipe for a truly fulfilling life.

What makes Kerala stand out is that almost every district has something unique to offer. Whether it’s the cultural richness of Thrissur, the career opportunities in Kochi, or the serene beauty of Wayanad, choosing the Kerala best district depends entirely on individual preferences. No matter where you land, you’ll find solid infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a safe environment. In short, Kerala isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to thrive! Whether you’re raising a family, building a career, or planning your golden years, Kerala offers a perfect setting to call home.

Top 10 Best Places to Live in Kerala 2025

Planning to settle down in one of India’s most scenic and culturally rich states? Then Kerala should be at the top of your list. Wondering which is the best district in Kerala? In this guide, we will explore the top 10 cities Kerala has to offer, each known for its unique advantages such as infrastructure, job opportunities, climate, and community life. Whether you’re seeking modern urban convenience or peaceful surroundings, you’ll discover the best place to live in Kerala based on your lifestyle and preferences. Let’s dive into the most liveable cities in Kerala in 2025!

1. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, offers a balanced lifestyle rooted in culture, tradition, and modern development. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, the city’s infrastructure, amenities, and serene atmosphere make it a top contender to live in the best district in Kerala.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹9,000 to ₹14,000/month (2BHK flats in Trivandrum)
  • Employment: Strong public sector presence and growing IT opportunities through Technopark.
  • Education: St Thomas Residential School, Loyola School, University College, Mar Ivanois College
  • Healthcare: Ananthapuri Hospital, KIMS Hospital, SUT
  • Connectivity: Airport, railways, buses, taxis
  • Investment Potential: Demand for the best apartments in Trivandrum makes it a smart real estate investment.

best district in kerala

2. Kochi (Ernakulam)

Kochi offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and coastal charm, featuring a modern lifestyle, diverse culture, and expanding job opportunities. Its strong infrastructure, metro connectivity, and access to quality healthcare and education make it the best city in Kerala for families and professionals.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹10,000 to ₹15,000/month (2BHK flats in Kochi)
  • Employment: Thriving IT sector (Infopark), shipping, tourism, and startup ecosystem.
  • Education: Rajagiri Public School, Sacred Heart CMI Public School, Cochin University, Maharaja’s College
  • Healthcare: Aster Medcity, Amrita, and Medical Trust
  • Connectivity: Airport, metro, buses, taxis, and railways
  • Investment Potential: Tourism-driven properties, commercial real estate, port and trade development.

Further Reading: Top 10 Advantages of Living in Villas in Kochi

best city in kerala

3. Thrissur

Thrissur is Kerala’s cultural heart, famous for its vibrant festivals and rich traditions. It offers a balanced Kerala traditional lifestyle with good education, healthcare, and growing job opportunities, making it an attractive city for residents and investors alike.

  • Cost of Living:  Average ₹7,000 to ₹12,000/month (2BHK flats in Thrissur)
  • Employment: Opportunities in agriculture, education, small industries, and emerging IT parks.
  • Education: Devamatha CMI Public School, Nirmalamatha Central School, Kerala Agricultural University, St. Thomas College
  • Healthcare: Jubilee Mission Hospital, Amala Medical College Hospital, Westfort Hospital
  • Connectivity: Road, rail; nearest airport is Cochin International Airport
  • Investment Potential: Investing in real estate in Thrissur and cultural tourism.

kerala traditional lifestyle

4. Kozhikode (Calicut)

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a historic city famous for its rich trade heritage and scenic beaches. With a blend of cultural charm and growing urban infrastructure, it offers a comfortable lifestyle for residents and attractive opportunities for investors.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹8,000 to ₹13,000/month (2BHK flats in Kozhikode
  • Employment: Opportunities in trade, education, healthcare, and emerging IT sectors.
  • Education: Oxford School, Silver Hills School, Government Medical College, Farook College
  • Healthcare: Baby Memorial, Kozhikode Medical College, Aster MIMS
  • Connectivity: Airport, railways, roads, buses
  • Investment Potential: Real estate, retail and commercial growth.

food and lifestyle of kerala

5. Kottayam

Kottayam, often called the “City of Letters”, is renowned for its impressive literacy rate and vibrant publishing industry and is among the educational districts in Kerala. Surrounded by lush green plantations and serene landscapes, it offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment and is the best place to live in Kerala.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹7,000 to ₹12,000/month (2BHK flats in Kottayam)
  • Employment: Opportunities in agriculture, such as rubber plantations and spices, and small-scale industries.
  • Education: Sacred Heart School, Girideepam Bethany School, CMS College, St Berchmans College
  • Healthcare: Caritas Hospital, Bharath Hospital, Government Medical College Hospital
  • Connectivity: Road, railways, buses, taxis
  • Investment Potential: Residential properties, eco-friendly tourism

educational districts in kerala

6. Kollam

Kollam is a historic port city known for its scenic backwaters and rich maritime heritage. With its growing tourism industry and development infrastructure, it offers a relaxed lifestyle with increasing opportunities for residents.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹6,000 to ₹11,000/month (2BHK)
  • Employment: Opportunities in fishing, cashew processing, tourism, and emerging industrial sectors.
  • Education: Mount Carmel School, Trinity Lyceum, Infant Jesus School, Fathima Matha National College, TKM College, SN College
  • Healthcare: KIMS Hospital, Bishop Benziger Hospital, Meditrina Hospital
  • Connectivity: Railways, buses, taxis
  • Investment Potential: Growing tourism, real estate

best city in kerala

7. Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Alappuzha, referred to as the “Venice of the East”, is famous for its tranquil backwaters, houseboats and laid-back lifestyle. It’s a perfect place for those seeking scenic beauty, peace and a strong connection to Kerala’s traditional culture.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹6,000 to ₹10,000/month (2BHK)
  • Employment: Primarily driven by tourism, the coir industry, agriculture and small businesses.
  • Education: Carmel International School, Bishop Moore Vidyapith, SD College, St Joseph College
  • Healthcare: KVM Hospital, Providence Hospital, General Hospital
  • Connectivity: Railways, roads, buses, taxis
  • Investment Potential: Tourism-related properties, homestays, waterfront plots

best district in kerala

8. Malappuram

Malappuram is one of the fastest-developing districts, known for its educational institutions, strong community life, and vibrant cultural heritage. With rapid urban growth and a youthful population, it’s becoming an increasingly attractive place to settle.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹6,500 to ₹11,000/month (2BHK)
  • Employment: Strong presence in education, healthcare, retail, construction and remittance-driven businesses.
  • Education: Hill Top Public School, MES Central School, MES College, MCET
  • Healthcare: Al Shifa Hospital, Almas Hospital, Aster Hospital 
  • Connectivity: Railways, roads, buses, taxis
  • Investment Potential: NRI interest in residential and commercial hotspots.

top 10 cities kerala

9. Kannur

Kannur is a coastal place that blends heritage, beaches and modern development, making it one of North Kerala’s fastest-growing urban hubs. It’s known for its calm lifestyle, handloom industry and improving infrastructure.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹7,000 to ₹12,000/month (2BHK)
  • Employment: Opportunities in textiles, construction, education, healthcare and tourism. Moreover, growing IT presence with the Cyberpark extension. 
  • Education: Chinmaya Vidyala, Ursuline School, Government Brennen College, Kannur University
  • Healthcare: Aster MIMS Hospital, Koyili Hospital, Lourde Hospital
  • Connectivity: Airport, railways, roads, buses
  • Investment Potential: Upcoming IT projects, airport-driven growth, perfect for residential and commercial.

food and lifestyle of kerala

10. Palakkad

Palakkad, known as the “Gateway of Kerala”, offers a calm, green environment with strong cultural roots and a growing focus on education and renewable energy. It’s the best place to live in Kerala for those seeking affordable living with access to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

  • Cost of Living: Average ₹6,000 to ₹10,000/month (2BHK)
  • Employment: Opportunities in agriculture, education, renewable energy like solar parks and government services.
  • Education: Mount Seena School, St Raphael’s School, Government Victoria College, Mercy College
  • Healthcare: District Hospital, Lakshmi Hospital, Ahalia Hospital
  • Connectivity: Railways, roads, buses
  • Investment Potential: Residential plots, housing, agro-based industries

kerala traditional lifestyle

Wrapping Up Everything

Finding the best place to live in Kerala is no longer a shot in the dark thanks to the state’s perfect balance of modern infrastructure, natural beauty and cultural depth. Cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode offer urban conveniences while towns like Kottayam, Alappuzha and Palakkad provide a more serene, nature-connected way of life. Each location brings something unique to the table and offers a home for every kind of dreamer.

Beyond infrastructure and development, the speciality of the vibrant culture, welcoming communities, the food and lifestyle of Kerala, from hearty sadhya meals on banana leaves to scenic evenings by the beach, and eating coastal seafood delicacies. It’s about festivals that light up entire towns and traditions that turn houses into homes.

At Confident Group, we understand that a home is where your story begins! Through our experts’ insights, we aim to help you not only to find the right home but also to embrace the Kerala lifestyle that comes with it. So whether you’re investing, relocating or just exploring your options, feel free to use our guide and blogs. Let every sunrise feel like a fresh start!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which place is best to live in Kerala?

The best place to live in Kerala depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget and career goals. Each place in Kerala is unique in its way; however, Kochi, Trivandrum and Kozhikode are the best.

2. Which city in Kerala is best for families?

For families, the best cities to live in Kerala are Thrissur, Kottayam, Trivandrum and Kochi. Better Healthcare, a safe environment, community-friendly and more. However, other districts in Kerala are safe and secure too.

3. Where can I live in Kerala with low cost of living?

You can live in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kollam, or Alappuzha for a low cost without compromising on amenities.

4. Which district in Kerala is best for education?

Kottayam is considered the best district in Kerala for education, known for its highest literacy rate and reputed schools and colleges.

5. Which Kerala city is best for career opportunities?

Kochi and Trivandrum are the best for career opportunities in the IT sector, career institutes, and a strong presence of industries and multinational companies.

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