11 Best Places to Live in Kerala

Kerala is a tropical paradise blessed with a unique geography. It has the goodness of hill stations, captivating beaches, waterfalls, and tranquil backwaters. Not to mention the well-developed education system, established infrastructure, and fast-paced industry development make it the best place to reside in.

So, if you want to enjoy this state's brilliance by settling here, we have picked the 11 best places to stay in Kerala and retire. These can provide you with a wholesome lifestyle, reasonable cost of living, and safety. So, let's start with it!

Due to the general well-being and high literacy rate, Kerala attracts many people from around the world to raise a family here. Here one can not only enjoy a laid-back vibe during the weekends but also build a progressive future. So, if you are looking for places to stay in Kerala, here are some suggestions for you:

1. Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala, steeped in tradition. It boasts world-class modern facilities, medical amenities, and a high court. It has excellent museums, zoos, and beaches surrounding the city. Also, it houses one of the three international airports in Kerala and provides the best education facilities. Lastly, it is a safe place to live in, but it is best to be careful at night.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 10,000 - ₹ 30,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – KIMS Hospital, Chaithanya Eye Hospital & Research Centre, Cosmopolitan Hospital
  • Medical Clinic – Trivandrum Medical Centre, Apollo Clinic, Spring Garden Medical Specialists, and Family Clinic
  • Medical Store – Statue Medical Store, Neethi Medical Store, Thampy's Medicals 
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Trivandrum University of Colleges, Mar Ivanios College, Mahatma Gandhi College
  • School: The Oxford School, Trivandrum, Loyola School, St. Thomas Residential School
• Major Landmarks: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Dam

2. Kochi

Two of the main reasons that Kochi is the best place to live in Kerala are its serene and cosmopolitan surroundings. However, introducing the metro line and IT growth has also given the shifting a nudge. Additionally, it offers excellent safety, entertainment, and job opportunities to people living here.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 10,000 - ₹ 15,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Rail
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – Medical Trust Hospital, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Lakeshore Hospital & Research Centre
  • Medical Clinic – Prashanthi SuperClinic, Ernakulam Medical Centre, Cochin Health Care
  • Medical Store – Karukapadath Medicals, MG Medicals, Sevana Medicines
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Jain University
  • School: Radcliffe Groups of Schools, Asoka World School, The Indian Public School
• Major Landmarks: Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Barbara

3. Kollam

Kollam is a small part of the state of Kerala, having a small-town vibe. It is a serene, calm, and pollution-free city. Additionally, people are well-mannered and educated here, so they do not find it hard to settle. Not to mention, it is a developing city with lots of potential, as many parks, malls, and fun places are in construction. Lastly, there is no safety issue here.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 8,000 - ₹ 12,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – Upasana Hospital, Shankar's Hospital, Kollam District Hospital
  • Medical Clinic – Karthika Clinic and Laboratory, Dr. Koshy's Clinic, Aash Clinic
  • Medical Store – The Western Medicals Kollam, Karunya Pharmacy and Surgicals, Viswaas Community Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Fatima Mata National College, TKM College of Arts and Science, Sree Narayana College
  • School: Divine Public School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Infant Jesus Higher Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Thangassery Light House, Jatayu Earth's Centre, Sri Mahaganapathi Temple

4. Thrissur

Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, people must move to this city if they are working professionals. This prime city offers many employment opportunities, apartments are explicitly made for raising a family, and temples surround it. Also, IT parks are located at very short distances, and the level of security standards offered to residents is high.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 10,000 - ₹ 30,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – St. Joseph Hospital, Jubilee Mission Hospital, Saroja Multispeciality Hospital, Ansar Hospital 
  • Medical Clinic – Doctors Speciality Centre, Thrissur Corporation Urban Health Centre, Elixir Clinic Thrissur Doctors Clinic in Thrissur
  • Medical Store – CM Medicals, Girija Medical Stores, Kalpaka Medical Shop
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: St Thomas College, St Mary's College, Vimala College
  • School: The International School of Thrissur, Devamatha CMI Public School Thrissur, Chinmaya Vidyalaya
• Major Landmarks: Kerala Kalamandalam, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thiruvambadi Krishna Shrine

5. Kottayam

The level of tranquillity offered by Kottayam makes it one of the best places to stay in Kerala. This area is mainly resided by NRIs and High Net-Worth Individuals. Thus, you can expect it to be a scenic and secure place to live in. For example, you can find beautiful backwaters, rubber plantations, and other beautiful surrounding homes. Lastly, the railway and road connectivity is excellent.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 5,000 - ₹ 20,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Rental Cars
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – Amba Ayurveda Hospital, Kims Kottayam, Kottathil Ayurveda Hospital
  • Medical Clinic – Babu Clinic, Suja Venugopal Doctors Clinic, SH Medical Centre
  • Medical Store – Meenachil Neethi Medical Store, Manarcad Medicals, Udaya Medicals 
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Alphonsa College, Assumption College
  • School: Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Sacred Heart Public School, Lourdes Public School, and Junior College
• Major Landmarks: Illikkal Kallu, Vaikom Mahadevi Temple, Marmala Waterfall, Elaveezhapoonchira

6. Ernakulam

People like to settle in Ernakulam to enjoy a happening life. The rocking city has decent night hours and is a party destination. It is a less congested area blessed with art and antiques. Moreover, the infrastructure contains excellent healthcare facilities, educational institutes, and recreational centres. Lastly, you can expect a high-security standard.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 10,000 - ₹ 25,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – Amritha Hospital, Medical Trust Hospital, Sunrise Hospital
  • Medical Clinic – Ernakulam Medical Centre, Karunya Medical Centre, Balaji Medical Centre
  • Medical Store – Dhanvantari Medical Store, Karukapadath Medicals, Kundanoor Medical Stores
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Maharaja's College, St Alberts College, St Teresa's College
  • School: The Choice School, Greets Public School, Don Bosco Senior Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Edappally Church Complex, Chottanikkara Temple, St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica

7. Kannur

Kannur is a beautiful coastal city situated in North Kerala. It is called God's own country and comes from one of the ancient trading spots of the state. The boundaries of this place are filled with gorgeous beaches. Not to mention, people here are very disciplined and well-mannered, making it a friendly place to settle. Further, the safety level is also high because of the superior civilization.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 13,000 - ₹ 17,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – District Hospital Kannur, Dhanalakshmi Hospital, Fathima Hospital Kannur
  • Medical Clinic – Apollo Clinic, Medicare, Unity Healthcare Clinic Kannur
  • Medical Store – Neethi Medical Store, Madhavi Medicals, Jan Aushadhi Store
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Mahatma Gandhi Arts and Science College, Pariyaram Dental College, Institute of Technology
  • School: Ursuline Senior Secondary School, Army Public School, St. Michael's Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Peralassery Sri Subrahmanya Temple, Rajarajeshwara Temple, Fort St. Angelos

8. Malappuram

In 1969, the Malappuram district was carved out of Kozhikode and Palakkad. It is lined with the Arabia Sea on the west and Nilgiris on the east. Thus, you can enjoy the perfect amalgamation of rivers, brooks, forest lands, and sandy beaches. Speaking of the education system, cuisine options, and infrastructure, it has a lot of things to offer. Lastly, one can expect a convenient lifestyle surrounded by friendly people.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 9,000 - ₹ 15,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – MB Hospital, Orchid Hospital, PMSA Memorial Malappuram District Co-Op Hospital
  • Medical Clinic – Isha Speciality Clinic & Laboratory Malappuram, Family Medical Centre, LifeCare Clinics
  • Medical Store – Malappuram Medicals, Janaseva Medicals, Jan Aushadhi Store
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Government Arts and Science College, MEAS Science College, MES Medical College
  • School: MSPHSS Malappuram, Govt. Boys HSS Malappuram, Ma'din Public School
• Major Landmarks: Kodikuthimala, Mini Ooty, Arya Vidya Sala, Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple

9. Wayanad

If you are looking for a clean and well-maintained city to reside in, Wayanad can top your list. It has a relaxing laid back vibe with well-established living spaces. Moreover, the surroundings of forests, hills, and rivers give the best scenic view from your homes. Not to mention, as the place is so closely attached to nature, there is no shortage of resources here.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 15,000 - ₹ 18,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – Vinayaka Hospital, Aster Wayanad, Leo Hospital
  • Medical Clinic – Dr. Faisal Clinic, Govt Health Centre, Health Centre Karadippara
  • Medical Store – Medical Store, Jeeva Medicals, Harisree Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Oriental School of Hotel Management Lakkidi, Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery, Kerala Veterinary, and Animal Sciences University
  • School: Mount Tabor English School, MCF Public School, WMO English Academy School
• Major Landmarks: Lakkidi View Point, Thirunelli Temple, Kurumbalakotta, Neelimala View Point

10. Kozhikode

Known as the 'City of Spices,' Kozhikode is the second-largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. Moreover, it is also a perfect place to live since it experiences the best tropical climate, has short summers, and is covered in lush greenery. In addition, the site has excellent infrastructure, the finest educational centre, and enough employment opportunities.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 14,000 - ₹ 25,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Busses, Taxis, Auto
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital – Fathima Hospital, PVS Hospital Pvt Ltd, Aster MIMS Calicut
  • Medical Clinic – Abeer Medical Centre, Well Health Medical Centre, Steplite Lifestyle Medicine Clinics
  • Medical Store – Neethi Medical Store, Medimax Medicals Pharmacy, JAS Medi Shop
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College: Farook College, Devagiri College, KMCT College of Engineering
  • School: Silver Hills Public School, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School, Devagiri CMI Public School
• Major Landmarks: HiLite Mall, Tali Temple, Beypore Beach, Saargaalaya