Living in Ahmedabad: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad, India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, offers a compelling blend of rich history, modern infrastructure, and economic opportunity. As Gujarat's largest city with a population exceeding 7.6 million, it serves as the judicial capital and a major commercial hub in western India. The city seamlessly merges its 600-year-old walled heritage with contemporary developments like GIFT City, India's first operational smart city.
Why Choose Ahmedabad?
Ahmedabad stands out as a destination for professionals and families seeking an affordable yet vibrant Indian city experience. The city's strategic location, thriving business ecosystem, and welcoming culture make it an attractive choice for those looking to establish themselves in India.
5 Good Reasons to Move to Ahmedabad
- Affordable cost of living – significantly lower than Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore while offering comparable amenities.
- Booming economy – GIFT City and the Sanand Industrial Area drive job creation in finance, IT, and manufacturing.
- Rich cultural heritage – UNESCO-listed monuments, Sabarmati Ashram, and vibrant festivals like Navratri and Uttarayan.
- Modern infrastructure – metro rail, award-winning BRTS, and well-planned urban development.
- Excellent connectivity – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport connects to major global destinations.
Working in Ahmedabad: Career Opportunities and Employment
Ahmedabad's job market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by significant government and private investment. The city offers diverse employment opportunities across traditional industries and emerging sectors, making it an increasingly attractive destination for skilled professionals.
Key Industries and Employment Sectors
The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has become a major employment engine, currently hosting over 25,000 jobs with plans to expand to 150,000 positions in the coming years. The Gujarat GCC Policy (2025-30) aims to create 50,000 new high-skill jobs in IT, FinTech, and R&D. Traditional strengths in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals continue to provide stable employment, while the Sanand Industrial Area serves as a hub for automotive manufacturing.
Salary Expectations and Work Permits
Fresh graduates in tech roles can expect salaries ranging from INR 450,000 to INR 600,000 per annum. Experienced professionals in IT, finance, and consulting command significantly higher packages. Foreign nationals require an Employment Visa, which mandates a minimum annual salary of USD 25,000 (approximately INR 2,100,000). The visa is initially granted for one year and can be extended up to five years. Registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is mandatory within 14 days of arrival.
The table below shows key employment indicators for Ahmedabad:
Average Fresher Salary (Tech) | INR 488,000/year |
Jobs in GIFT City (2025) | 25,000+ |
Key Sectors | IT, FinTech, Pharma, Textiles, Automotive |
Sources: Unstop, Ministry of Home Affairs India
Working in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is located in Gujarat and it's the fifth-largest city of India by population. A prominent city in the western region of India, ...
Higher Education and Universities in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is home to some of India's most prestigious educational institutions, offering world-class programs across management, engineering, design, and sciences. The city attracts students and researchers from around the globe, contributing to its dynamic intellectual environment.
Top Universities and Institutions
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), established in 1961, consistently ranks as India's top business school and among the best globally. It holds NAAC A++ accreditation and offers flagship programs including the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). The average placement package reaches INR 3.4 million per annum, with top packages exceeding INR 14.6 million.
Gujarat University, founded in the 1920s, is one of India's oldest and largest institutions with over 300,000 students across 350+ affiliated colleges. It holds NAAC B++ accreditation and offers programs in arts, sciences, commerce, law, and more.
Admission and International Programs
Ahmedabad University, established in 2009, emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research. It holds NAAC A accreditation and offers programs in engineering, management, arts, and life sciences. The university's VentureStudio has supported over 150 startups since 2011. International students typically apply through entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, or GRE for management programs, with tuition fees varying by program and institution.
Sources: IIM Ahmedabad, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad University
Schools and Education for Expatriate Children
Ahmedabad offers several quality schooling options for expatriate families, including international schools following globally recognized curricula. While the city has fewer international schools than Mumbai or Delhi, the available options provide excellent standards of education.
International and Private Schools
Ahmedabad International School (AIS) in Bodakdev offers Cambridge International (IGCSE, AS & A Levels) and IB Diploma programs for grades 1-12. The school focuses on 21st-century learning with technology-integrated classrooms and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
Global Indian International School (GIIS), located near Nirma University, offers CBSE curriculum from pre-school through grade 12. Annual fees range from approximately INR 85,000 to INR 111,000 depending on grade level. The school provides transport services covering over 100 locations in Ahmedabad.
Enrollment and Considerations
Mahatma Gandhi International School and Calorx Olive International School offer IB programs with emphasis on values-based education. Admission typically requires previous academic records, age-appropriate assessments, and parent interviews. The academic year runs from June to March, with applications accepted throughout the year subject to availability. Most international schools offer ESL support for non-native English speakers.
Sources: Ahmedabad International School, GIIS Ahmedabad
Housing and Neighborhoods in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad offers diverse housing options ranging from modern high-rise apartments in gated communities to independent villas. The rental market is significantly more affordable than India's metro cities, making it accessible for expatriates across various budgets.
Popular Neighborhoods for Expatriates
Prahlad Nagar and Satellite are upscale areas with modern amenities, international restaurants, and proximity to corporate offices. Vastrapur and Thaltej offer a mix of residential complexes near educational institutions and IT parks. Bodakdev and Jodhpur are well-established residential areas with good infrastructure. South Bopal and Shela are rapidly developing with new gated communities and excellent value.
Rental Prices and Procedures
Rental agreements typically run for 11 months with a security deposit of 2-3 months' rent. Most landlords prefer families, though many properties now accept working professionals.
The table below shows typical monthly rental costs in Ahmedabad:
1 BHK (City Center) | INR 15,000 – 25,000 |
1 BHK (Suburbs) | INR 9,500 – 18,000 |
3 BHK (City Center) | INR 35,000 – 65,000 |
3 BHK (Suburbs) | INR 22,000 – 40,000 |
Sources: 99acres, Square Yards
Accommodation in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, located in the north-west region of India, is the state of Gujarat's largest city. Erstwhile capital of Gujarat, the city is also one ...
Leisure, Culture and Things to Do in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from UNESCO heritage sites to modern entertainment venues. The city's unique blend of history and contemporary life provides diverse options for leisure and exploration.
Heritage and Museums
Sabarmati Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi's former residence, spans 36 acres along the Sabarmati River and served as the launch point for the historic Dandi March. The Calico Museum of Textiles houses one of the world's finest collections of Indian textiles dating back to the 17th century. Adalaj Stepwell, built in 1499, showcases stunning Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate carvings across five stories. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum displays over 110 classic vehicles from brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes.
Recreation and Entertainment
Kankaria Lake offers a 2.5 km promenade with a zoo, toy train, and evening light shows. Sabarmati Riverfront provides a modern waterfront space for walking, cycling, and events. Science City features interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. For shopping and street food, Manek Chowk transforms from a jewelry market by day to a bustling food haven at night. Law Garden hosts evening markets selling traditional crafts and clothing. The city celebrates Navratri with nine nights of Garba dancing, and the International Kite Festival on January 14 draws enthusiasts worldwide.
Sources: Incredible India, Ahmedabad Tourism
Daily Life in Ahmedabad: Getting Around and Local Culture
Daily life in Ahmedabad combines traditional Gujarati culture with modern conveniences. The city is predominantly vegetarian, reflecting local customs, though non-vegetarian options are available in select areas. Gujarat is a dry state, meaning alcohol sales are prohibited.
Transportation Options
The Ahmedabad Metro, operational since 2022, covers 60 km with 47 stations across North-South and East-West corridors. Daily ridership exceeds 100,000 passengers. The award-winning Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), known as Janmarg, spans 160 km with dedicated lanes and serves 349,000 passengers daily. AMTS buses provide extensive city coverage at economical rates. Auto-rickshaws and app-based services like Ola and Uber offer convenient point-to-point transport.
Lifestyle and Cultural Considerations
Ahmedabad experiences hot summers (April-June) with temperatures reaching 45°C, while winters (November-February) are pleasant at 12-28°C. The best time to explore is October to March. Local markets like Law Garden and Manek Chowk offer shopping and street food experiences. English is widely understood in business and urban areas, though learning basic Gujarati phrases enhances daily interactions. The city celebrates major festivals including Navratri (9-night dance festival), Uttarayan (International Kite Festival in January), and Rath Yatra.
Sources: Ahmedabad Metro, Ahmedabad Janmarg
Cost of Living in Ahmedabad: Budget Planning
Ahmedabad offers one of the most affordable cost-of-living profiles among major Indian cities. Monthly expenses vary significantly based on lifestyle choices, accommodation location, and family size. The following estimates help plan your budget effectively.
Monthly Budget for a Single Person
A single professional can live comfortably on INR 40,000 to INR 60,000 per month including accommodation. Students and budget-conscious individuals can manage with INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 monthly.
Rent (1 BHK, mid-range area) | INR 15,000 – 20,000 |
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | INR 3,000 – 5,000 |
Groceries | INR 6,000 – 10,000 |
Transport | INR 2,000 – 4,000 |
Dining and entertainment | INR 5,000 – 10,000 |
Total (Single Person) | INR 31,000 – 49,000 |
Monthly Budget for a Family of Four
Rent (3 BHK, good area) | INR 35,000 – 50,000 |
Utilities | INR 5,000 – 8,000 |
Groceries and household | INR 15,000 – 25,000 |
School fees (international, per child) | INR 8,000 – 15,000 |
Transport | INR 5,000 – 10,000 |
Health insurance (family) | INR 3,000 – 6,000 |
Total (Family of 4) | INR 79,000 – 129,000 |
In Short
Ahmedabad presents a compelling opportunity for expatriates seeking an affordable, culturally rich, and economically dynamic destination in India. As a UNESCO World Heritage City with modern infrastructure, it offers the unique experience of living amid 600 years of history while benefiting from cutting-edge developments like GIFT City. The city's lower cost of living compared to Mumbai or Delhi, combined with growing job opportunities in IT, finance, and manufacturing, makes it particularly attractive for professionals and families. Whether you're drawn by career prospects, educational institutions like IIM-A, or the warmth of Gujarati hospitality, Ahmedabad welcomes newcomers with open arms. Connect with fellow expatriates and get answers to your questions on the Expat.com Ahmedabad forum.
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