Bengaluru’s meteoric rise: A decade of growth in jobs, connectivity, and lifestyle

Bengaluru is emerging as a formidable rival to Delhi and Mumbai, India’s largest urban centers. Known as the nation’s IT hub, Bengaluru is rapidly closing the gap in economic and social metrics, excelling in salaries, affordability, and connectivity, according to a comprehensive study by Unboxing BLR Foundation.

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Economic Powerhouse

While Delhi has outpaced Mumbai in adding companies, Bengaluru’s growth has been the fastest among major metros in the past decade. Since 2019, it has led the nation in creating EPF-registered jobs. Notably, software engineers in Bengaluru earn 13-33% more than their counterparts in other cities. By 2023, the city also offered the highest monthly salaries to blue-collar workers, overtaking Delhi-NCR.

Affordability and Connectivity

Housing in Bengaluru remains more affordable compared to expensive markets like Gurgaon, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. The city has also surpassed Mumbai in domestic flight connectivity and new car registrations, cementing its position as a transportation hub.

Quality of Life

Bengaluru boasts India’s most pleasant weather, recording 181 days in 2023 with ideal temperatures of 20°C to 30°C. It also has the highest number of days with "satisfactory" air quality among metros.

Challenges Remain

However, Bengaluru’s infamous traffic remains a glaring drawback, with congested roads and long commute times. Despite this, its rapid transformation from a tech hub into a metropolitan powerhouse is a testament to its resilience and potential.

As Bengaluru continues to rise, it challenges the dominance of Delhi and Mumbai, positioning itself as a city of the future.