List of the Biggest Cities in India in 2025
India is a country of rapidly evolving urban centers, where cities continue to grow and adapt to the ever-changing demands of modern life. This blog will explore the biggest cities in India in 2025, focusing on parameters such as area, population, GDP, and livability. Whether you’re planning to move, invest in real estate, or just curious about urban development in India, this guide has you covered.
1. Biggest Cities in India by Area (2025)
In India, the size of a city in terms of area is often underestimated when compared to its population. Some of the largest cities by area in 2025 are:
- Bengaluru: Covering over 700 square kilometers, Bengaluru is one of the largest cities in India by area, expanding rapidly with suburban growth.
- Chennai: The capital city of Tamil Nadu spans approximately 426 square kilometers, including its many suburban areas and tech hubs.
- Hyderabad: Spanning over 650 square kilometers, Hyderabad is growing as a tech and business hub, extending its boundaries into neighboring regions.
- Mumbai: Though known for its population density, Mumbai covers about 603 square kilometers, which includes suburban areas beyond the main island.
- Delhi: The National Capital Territory of Delhi covers over 1,484 square kilometers, encompassing the capital city’s many districts and rural areas.
2. Biggest Cities in India by Population (2025)
India’s population continues to grow, and the largest cities by population in 2025 include:
- Mumbai: With a population of over 20 million people, Mumbai remains the most populated city in India and is the hub of finance, business, and entertainment.
- Delhi: Delhi, the capital city, houses over 19 million people, and its expanding metro network makes it one of the most densely populated cities.
- Kolkata: The cultural capital of India, Kolkata has a population of more than 14 million people.
- Chennai: With over 10 million residents, Chennai is a major hub for industry and commerce.
- Bengaluru: The tech capital of India, Bengaluru’s population continues to grow and is projected to cross 12 million by 2025.
3. Best Cities in India for Real Estate Investment in 2025
As urbanization increases, cities in India are becoming attractive for real estate investment. Here are some of the best cities for real estate investment:
- Mumbai: Despite high costs, Mumbai remains a favorite for high-end residential and commercial real estate investments.
- Bengaluru: With its booming tech sector, Bengaluru’s demand for office spaces and residential properties is at an all-time high.
- Hyderabad: Known for its affordability compared to other metro cities, Hyderabad is becoming a hotspot for real estate developers.
- Chennai: The growing demand for IT infrastructure and residential properties in and around the city makes it a great investment opportunity.
- Pune: Pune offers affordable real estate options and is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in India, making it a great investment for the future.
4. Biggest Cities in India by GDP in 2025
India’s economy is diverse, and cities are ranked according to their contribution to the country’s GDP. These cities lead in 2025:
- Mumbai: As the financial capital, Mumbai contributes a substantial portion of India’s GDP. It is the heart of India’s banking, finance, and entertainment sectors.
- Delhi: With a diversified economy, Delhi ranks second in GDP, contributing to trade, information technology, and government services.
- Bengaluru: Known for its IT and startup ecosystem, Bengaluru plays a critical role in India’s GDP.
- Chennai: As the automobile capital of India, Chennai contributes heavily to the nation’s manufacturing and industrial GDP.
- Hyderabad: With a booming tech industry, Hyderabad’s GDP growth is significant, particularly in the information technology and pharmaceutical sectors.
5. How Are Indian Cities Classified?
Cities in India are classified based on various criteria, such as population size, infrastructure, and economic activities. The primary classifications are:
- Metro Cities: Cities with a population of over 1 million, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
- Tier 1 Cities: Large cities with substantial infrastructure, like Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
- Tier 2 Cities: Cities that are emerging in terms of economy and infrastructure, like Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
- Tier 3 Cities: Smaller cities with growing industrial and residential development, like Indore and Bhopal.
6. Top 10 Cities to Live in India in 2025
When it comes to livability, factors like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities are key. The top 10 cities to live in 2025 include:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Pune
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Ahmedabad
- Kochi
- Jaipur
7. List of Cleanest Cities in India
Cleanliness is a major focus for urban development in India, and several cities stand out in maintaining clean and green spaces. In 2025, these cities are the cleanest:
- Indore
- Surat
- Navi Mumbai
- Ambikapur
- Chandrapur
8. Top 10 Cities with the Cleanest Air Quality in 2025
Air pollution is a growing concern, but several cities in India are making strides toward cleaner air. The cities with the best air quality in 2025 are:
- Coimbatore
- Chennai
- Bhubaneswar
- Shimla
- Mysuru
9. Top 10 Greenest Cities/Union Territories in India in 2025
Green spaces are becoming increasingly important as cities urbanize. These cities are leading in sustainability and green initiatives:
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Mysuru
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Pune
10. Top 10 Safest Cities in India in 2025
Safety is a key aspect when choosing a city to live in. The safest cities in India in 2025 are:
- Chandigarh
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Pune
- Kochi
11. Top 10 Cities in India as Per Ease of Living Index
The Ease of Living Index ranks cities based on factors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and urban planning. Here are the top cities in 2025:
- Pune
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
12. Top 10 Cities in India Based on Affordability
Affordability is a growing concern for many looking to settle in Indian cities. The most affordable cities in India in 2025 are:
- Jaipur
- Bhopal
- Indore
- Chandrapur
- Kolkata
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the biggest city in India in terms of area?
Bengaluru is the largest city in India by area, with its sprawling suburban regions.
2. Which is the most populated city in India?
Mumbai is the most populous city, with over 20 million residents.
3. Which are the three biggest cities in India per area?
The largest cities by area are Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
4. What are the seven metro cities of India?
The seven metro cities of India are Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune.