If you're moving from Mumbai, the first thing you'll notice is space. Roads feel wider, traffic thins out after peak hours, and nobody is fighting for an inch on a local train. If you're coming from Pune, the pace will feel familiar, with a bit more heat.
Moving from Maharashtra to Ahmedabad is one of the easier city switches in western India. Same region, overlapping food habits and a familiar work culture. But a few things will catch you off guard in the first month. This guide covers both, and how to settle into a PG quickly.
How Ahmedabad Compares on Liveability
Ahmedabad holds its own against Maharashtra's big cities on the government's official liveability ranking. In the Ease of Living Index 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ahmedabad ranked third among cities with over a million people, behind Bengaluru and Pune, with Greater Mumbai tenth (Business Today).
On cost, Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living survey again ranked Mumbai as India's most expensive city, with high costs for housing, transport and utilities (Business Today). Ahmedabad isn't part of Mercer's survey, so compare actual rents and PG prices yourself rather than relying on rankings.
What Feels Familiar
|
From Maharashtra |
In Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
|
Hindi as the shared language |
Hindi works almost everywhere |
|
Business-minded culture |
Ahmedabad is a trading city at heart |
|
Street food culture |
Strong street food scene, mostly vegetarian |
|
Cricket everywhere |
Home to the Narendra Modi Stadium |
|
Monsoon routine |
Monsoon arrives, though lighter than Mumbai's |
What Changes
- Food is mostly vegetarian: Many restaurants and PG kitchens are vegetarian. Non-vegetarian food is available, but you'll look for it rather than stumble on it.
- The heat is drier and harsher: Ahmedabad summers are hot and dry, unlike Mumbai's humid heat. AC rooms matter more here.
- Gujarati replaces Marathi: You'll pick up "kem cho" and "su thayu" within weeks.
- Less public transport, more two-wheelers: The metro covers key corridors, but most people ride scooters or bikes.
- The city sleeps earlier in some areas: Main roads stay busy, but residential lanes get quiet sooner than in Mumbai.
Your First Two Weeks: A Settling-In Plan
|
Days |
Focus |
|---|---|
|
Day 1 to 2 |
Move in, unpack, learn the PG's meal and entry timings |
|
Day 3 to 4 |
Test your commute at real class or office times |
|
Day 5 to 7 |
Open a local bank account if needed, sort your phone plan |
|
Week 2 |
Find your gym, barber, pharmacy and a weekend spot |
|
End of week 2 |
Write down a monthly budget based on real spending |
If you're starting a job, our 30-day plan for freshers covers PF, salary accounts and the first payday.
Why Ambawadi Works for Your First Year
Ambawadi sits close to Navrangpura, CG Road and the Law Garden belt, and is near Vastrapur and Shyamal Cross Road, so colleges and offices across the western city are a manageable ride away.
|
Need |
Ambawadi |
|---|---|
|
Central location |
Between Navrangpura, Vastrapur and Shyamal |
|
Colleges nearby |
CEPT, Gujarat University belt and GLS within reach |
|
Daily essentials |
Markets and shops in the surrounding areas |
|
Calmer evenings |
Residential lanes off the main roads |
Inside Bliss Homes 3
Across Bliss Homes, breakfast, lunch and dinner are part of the monthly rent, and the security deposit is one month's rent, refundable when you move out (Life at Bliss FAQ).
Still deciding between areas? Our Ahmedabad living zones guide compares the main neighbourhoods.
Getting Home to Maharashtra
- Trains: Ahmedabad is well connected to Mumbai and Pune by rail. Booking opens 60 days before travel, so set a reminder before long weekends.
- Kalupur Railway Station: Ahmedabad's main station is on the metro's Blue Line.
- Flights: Ahmedabad's airport has regular flights to Mumbai and Pune, useful for short trips.
- Overnight buses: Common on Maharashtra routes. Share your bus details with family and your PG manager.
FAQs
Is Ahmedabad cheaper than Mumbai for young professionals?
Mumbai ranked as India's most expensive city in Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living survey. Ahmedabad isn't covered by that survey, so compare actual rents and PG prices before deciding.
Is Ambawadi a good area for a boys PG in Ahmedabad?
Ambawadi is central to the western city, close to Navrangpura, CG Road, Vastrapur and Shyamal, with residential lanes that stay calmer in the evening.
Will I find non-vegetarian food in Ahmedabad?
Yes, but much of the city's food culture is vegetarian, and many PG kitchens serve vegetarian meals. Ask your PG about its menu and outside-food rules before booking.
Moving from Maharashtra to Ahmedabad?
Visit Bliss Homes 3, our boys PG in Ambawadi. Call +91-9825093899 to book a visit.
