Pros and Cons of Moving to Kolkata: Everything You Need to Know

Moving to a new city requires careful consideration of various factors that can impact your quality of life. Kolkata, also known as the "City of Joy", is a vibrant and culturally rich city in India that offers numerous opportunities for those who choose to relocate there. However, like any other city, Kolkata has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that need to be evaluated before making the decision to move.

Also Read: Complete Guide for Moving to Kolkata

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of moving to Kolkata, helping you make an informed decision about relocating to this bustling city.

Pros of moving to Kolkata

Culture and history

Kolkata is a city with a rich cultural heritage and history. It is home to many famous landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the Kalighat Temple, which attract tourists from all over the world.

• Kolkata was the capital of India and the capital was shifted to New Delhi in 1911. 
• Kolkata is said to be the birthplace of artistic thought and modern Indian literature among nationalists.

Food

Kolkata is home to diverse food cuisines, and is known to be one of the best destinations for food in the world. 

• The street food culture of Kolkata is something everyone must try.
• Kolkata has won Times food and nightlife award.

Affordability

Kolkata is among the most affordable metropolitan cities in India. Compared to other major cities in India, Kolkata is known for its low cost of living.

• Not only food Kolkata has a cheap and well connected public transport system which makes it easier to commute within the city.

Education

Kolkata is an ideal destination for students since it is home to several prestigious educational institutes such as Presidency College, Jadavpur University and Indian Institute of Management. 

Nightlife

Kolkata has a vibrant nightlife culture, several restaurants, pubs and bars can be found in the city.

• During festivals the nightlife culture of the city can be experienced at its fullest. 
• Kolkata is one of the safest cities to roam around at night.

Are you planning to move to Kolkata? Let us help you moving.

Cons of Moving to Kolkata 

Overcrowding

Kolkata is one of the most densely populated cities in India. Overcrowding is a major issue in Kolkata, the issue of overcrowding can be experienced in public transport, streets and public administration offices. 

• Due to overcrowding, traffic is a major issue in the city.
• Getting a housing facility has also become very difficult due to the increasing population of the city.  

Poor infrastructure

Kolkata has a reputation of poor infrastructure, which is considered to be a cause of decline in the city.

Weather

Kolkata has an overall hot and humid weather condition prevailing throughout the year. Summers are long and winters are short along with a very active monsoon season. 

• Water logging in various parts of the city can be experienced during the monsoon. 
• Summer temperature ranges from 25-40 degrees with humidity level above 70% most of the time. Winters are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 12-28 degrees. 

Safety Issues

The crime rate in Kolkata is among the lowest compared to other major cities in India, with a rate of 103.4 per 100,000 urban population in 2021, making it the safest metropolitan city according to available data. However, experts have questioned the accuracy of these statistics. Despite the relatively low crime rate, petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing remain a concern for residents and visitors in Kolkata. While Kolkata's crime rate is lower than most other large cities, it still presents a drawback for those considering the city as their home. [1]

Also read this blog to look for the best localities to live in Kolkata (that will be safe too).

Conclusion

Kolkata is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant food and nightlife culture. It is also one of the most affordable metropolitan cities in India and home to prestigious educational institutes.

However, the issue of overcrowding, poor infrastructure, hot and humid weather conditions, and petty crime rate remain areas of concern. Before making a decision to relocate to Kolkata, it is essential to carefully consider these factors and weigh the pros and cons.