Chennai, formerly known as 'Madras', is the fourth most famous city in India. Packed with renowned schools, colleges and job opportunities, Chennai attracts numerous students as well as job seekers across India to settle here due to its huge spectrum of affordability.

So, if you are seeking the best places to live in Chennai, here is a detailed list. Keep reading to get details on average rent, safety, connectivity, and more.

With the development of several IT parks, business, and industrial hubs, Chennai offers affordable, and budget stays for those requiring the same. Here is a list of some of the best places that you might reside.

1. Kotturpuram

Bordered by Adyar, Guindy, Little Mount and Nandanam, Kotturpuram has proximity to the metro stations. Teynampet metro station and the Guindy metro station are located nearby. Moreover, you will also find Anna University located here, thus allowing many students to seek staying options around this locality.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 32,000 to ₹ 50,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Cabs, Local Bus
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Aakash Multispecialty Hospital, Apollo Medical Centre, Fortis Malar Hospital 
  • Medical Clinic - Apollo Medical Centre, Saira Clinic, Shiva Shree Clinic
  • Medical Store - Apollo Pharmacy, Shri Seethala Devi Medicals, M.S.Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College -  Patrician College Of Arts And Science
  • School - Unity Public School, Anna Gem Science Park School 
• Major Landmarks: Kotturpuram Tree Park, BM Birla Planetarium

2. Injambakkam

This place is famous due to its scenic beauty. Injambakkam has become one of the best places to stay in Chennai as it has excellent connectivity to major areas of Chennai. This has allowed a lot of projects to be built in this area.

Additionally, you will find several schools, healthcare units, shopping complexes, eateries, and entertainment hubs here. This makes the place lively and safe if you plan to reside here.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 62,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Taxi
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Government Hospital, Sankaran Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Metro Medicals, Shakti Medicals
  • Medical Store - Medplus, Aks Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Madras Arabic College, Poonga College of Arts and Science
  • School - St. John’s School, Vaels International School, Ravindra Bharathi Global School
• Major Landmarks: Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple, Akkarai Beach

3. Adyar

Adyar is considered one of the largest neighbourhoods in Chennai as it encompasses schools, hospitals, colleges, marketplaces, and shopping malls. With the Adyar river flowing by, you will find a lot of greenery and a pleasant climate to enjoy. Although a costly place, you can also find a reliable stay within your budget here.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 30,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Fortis Malar Hospital, Sri Padmapriya Hospital, Government Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Swiss Health and Care, Dakshin Medical Clinic, JM Clinic
  • Medical Store - Om Pharmacy, Apollo Pharmacy, Ganga Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Patrician Arts College, Kumararani Meena Muthiah College Of Arts
  • School - St. Michael’s Academy, Sishya School, St. Patrik’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Broken Bridge, Ganesh Karthick Temple, Jalakandeswarar Temple

4. Thoraipakkam

Thoraipakkam is strategically located alongside OMR Road, the IT Expressway of Chennai. Hence, it is wonderfully connected to the preferred residential areas of the city as well. Thoraipakkam is known for its wide and developed roads. Moreover, you will find several schools, colleges, and other amenities allowing it to be one of the preferred places to reside here.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 28,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Nanthini Hospitals, Homeocare International Pvt Ltd, Deepam Medfirst Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Sabari Clinic, 12 Hours IT Clinic, Rasi Clinic
  • Medical Store - Kalpana Medicals, Health Pharmacy, Apollo Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Dhanraj Baid Jain College, Metha College, Jain College
  • School - Shri Sankara Global Academy, Sri Chaitanya Techno School, Orchid’s International School
• Major Landmarks: Sai Sagar Park, Edward Elliot’s Beach

5. Besant Nagar

One of the preferred residential stays in the southern region of Chennai, Besant Nagar, has some prominent locations nearby.  They include Adyar, Taramani, Palavakkam, Guindy, Velachery and Madipakkam.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 12,000 to ₹ 30,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Santosh Hospitals, Urban Primary Health Centre, M.N. Eye Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Akshaya Poly Clinic, Valli Clinic, Meera Clinic
  • Medical Store - Apollo Pharmacy, Annai Medicals, Alamu Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Sharmila College of Nursing, Apollo Group of Colleges
  • School - St. John’s English School, The Hindu Senior Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Sri Astalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar Beach, Aarupadai Veedu Temple, Annai Vailankanni Church, Ratnagirishwarar Temple

6. Urapakkam

Located in the Kancheepuram district of southern Chennai, Urapakkam is the fastest-growing suburb that houses several IT parks and large industries. Therefore many people seek affordable stays around this area. If you are also one of them, working in these IT parks and seeking an affordable stay option, you can go for Urapakkam.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 11,000 to ₹ 30,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Cabs, Local Bus
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Max Hospital, Deepam Hospitals, Meenakshi Medical Hospital & Research
  • Medical Clinic - Srilekha Clinic, Yash Health Clinic
  • Medical Store - Apollo Pharmacy, Shri Lakshmi Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Shri Andal Alagar College Of Engineering, Sri Sakthi Polytechnic College, Jubilee Memorial Bible College
  • School - Sri Sankara Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Holy Sai International School
• Major Landmarks: Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum, Arignar Anna Zoological Park

7. Siruseri

If you are looking for a reasonably priced area to live in Chennai, Siruseri can be an ideal choice. With a plethora of educational hubs, universities, hospitals, colleges and marketplaces, Siruseri is an IT centre that offers excellent connectivity to the rest of the areas of the city.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 15,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Hygeia Healthcare, Government Child Care Centre, Sri Isari Velan Mission Hospital, Sri Venkateswara Dental College & Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Six Dots Health Enhancement Centre
  • Medical Store - Jo Pharmacy and Clinic, Family Medical Centre
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Nursing - [MSAJ], Chennai Mathematical Institute 
  • School - Vruksha International School, Little Musketeers Pre School, HLC International School, Parent Choice International School
• Major Landmarks: Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Shri Lakshmi Kuberar Temple

8. Velachery

Velachery has recently emerged as a new area with developed amenities and infrastructure, allowing you to seek properties to stay here. If you work in the industrial hubs near this place, choosing Velachery is ideal. In terms of safety, Velachery, though a very new place, is safe to live in.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 9,500 to ₹ 19,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Cabs, Local Bus
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Velachery KS Hospital, Athipathi Hospital, Xcellent Care Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Annai Clinic, Nidhana Clinic, Apollo Clinic
    
  • Medical Store - Jaya Medicals and Generals, Sri Kumaran Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Guru Nanak College, Patrician College Of Arts & Science
  • School - D.A.V Public School, St. Britto’s Academy, AGR Global School
• Major Landmarks: Velachery Lake, Dhandeeswaram Temple

9. Madipakkam

Madipakkam is a suburban area located in the south of Chennai. Recently added under Greater Chennai Corporation, Madipakkam offers excellent infrastructure and better amenities to the area's residents. Moreover, due to its proximity to neighbourhoods such as Velachery, Namganallur, etc., it has become one of the best areas to live in Chennai. 

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 8,500 to ₹ 12,500 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Anitha Hospital, Saraswathy Multispecialty Hospital, Deepam Medfirst Hospital 
  • Medical Clinic - Arokya Clinic, KK Clinic
  • Medical Store - Shri Krishna Medicals, Vinayaka Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Apollo Group of Colleges, Shri Sankara Institute of Engineering and Technology
  • School - Sunshine Senior Secondary School, Shikshaa Public School, D A V Senior Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Madipakkam Lake, Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple

10. Iyyappanthangal

If you are looking for an affordable stay in the metropolitan area of Chennai, you will find one in Iyyappanthangal. Moreover, this area houses significant technology centres such as ESPEE IT Park, Indiabulls and DLF. Therefore, if you are an employee of any of these organisations, choose to stay in Iyyappanthangal.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 21,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Kedar Hospital, Mahalakshmi Multispecialty Hospital, Srushti Fertility Centre & Women's Hospital.
  • Medical Clinic - Ashmitha Clinic, Annai Clinic, Ayyanar Clinic
  • Medical Store - Sri Raja Medicals, Apollo Pharmacy, Medi Health Plus Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Alpha Arts and Science College
  • School - Sri Chaitanya School, Cambridge School, KVM Vidhyalaya Nursery And Primary School
• Major Landmarks: Kapaleeswarar Temple, Marina Beach

11. Sholinganallur

Located amidst several IT and business parks, Sholinganallur is a residential area with excellent infrastructure and modern civic amenities. There are several shopping malls, hospitals, educational institutes, and eateries. Since there are a lot of IT companies here, the suburb is bustling with people, thus ensuring safety in this area.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 6,500 to ₹ 25,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Cabs, Local Bus, Auto-rickshaw
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Sri Sugam Hospital, Swaram Hospital and Speciality Clinic, Astra Speciality Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Sri Balaji Clinic, Prime Family Clinic, Pearl Medical Centre
  • Medical Store - Pearl Pharmacy, Swasti Pharmacy, Nandhi Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby: 
  • College - Apollo Group of Colleges, Mohammad Sathak College of Arts and Science
  • School - Narayana E Techno School, Babaji Vidhyashram School, Amethyst International
• Major Landmarks: Marina Beach, Shri Prathyangira Devi Temple, Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Chennai High Court

1. Anna Nagar

Anna Nagar is located in the northwestern part of Chennai. Anna Nagar boasts excellent infrastructure, a thick green canopy, and a wonderful blend of modernity and old-world charm. Additionally, it is connected to the rest of the city, and you can easily travel from one place to another. You will find a lot of schools and institutions, restaurants and eateries and healthcare centres.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 35,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Be Well Hospitals, Sundaram Medical Foundation, Sri Devi Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Lakshmi Medical Centre, Zenmed Clinic
  • Medical Store - Apollo Pharmacy, Vinayaka Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Shri Krishnaswamy College for Women, Apollo College of Education, Anna Adarsh College For Women 
  • School - Kendriya Vidyalaya School,  Bharatha Vidyalaya Matric Higher Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Anna Tower, St. Luke’s Church, Tirupathi Perumal Temple

2. Avadi

One of the ideal places to stay in Chennai, Avadi, is an old neighbourhood in the city. It is most preferred by working professionals due to its robust infrastructure. This includes renowned healthcare centres and educational hubs, allowing an array of career opportunities and affordable stays nearby. 

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 20,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Cabs, Local Bus
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Sri Sudharsanam Hospital, Meenakshi Hospital, Avadhi Government Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Vishnu Clinic, VRM Clinic, AVS Clinic
  • Medical Store - Apollo Pharmacy, Sangeetha Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Chennai National Science and Arts College
  • School - Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Little Milleniuem School, Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya 
• Major Landmarks: Avadi Lake, Arulmigu Devi Karumariamman Temple

1. Nungambakkam

Housing several educational hubs, government offices, commercial centres and renowned hotels, Nungambakkam is one of the best areas in Chennai to live. Due to its central location in the city, this neighbourhood is always bustling with crowds. Moreover, you will find a lot of affordable stays around this area.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 50,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Med India Hospitals, BRS Hospital Private Limited, Sterling Hospitals, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Balaji Clinic, Medik Care, Dr. N. Sushama Clinic
  • Medical Store - Apollo Pharmacy, Perfect Medicals, Vignesh Medical
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - VDS Arts Academy, M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, Siva Bharathi Athai College Of Sports Academy
  • School - Chennai Boys Higher Secondary School, Sharanalaya Montessori School, Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School, John Milton English School 
• Major Landmarks: Mahalingapuram Sree Ayyappa Temple, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Shri Ayyapan Guruvayurappan Temple

2. Vadapalani

Vadapalani, in west Chennai, is one of the busy residential hubs. However, it is well connected to major areas such as Kodambakkam, KK Nagar, Koyambedu and Nungambakkam. 

Apart from that, you will find it much easier to reach Chennai International Airport via Vadapalani. This has initiated the growth of real estate in this area. Additionally, you will also find some renowned shopping malls here, such as Forum Mall and Acer Mall.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 25,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Taxi
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Vadapalani Multispeciality Hospital, Fortis Hospital, SIMS Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Parent Medicare, Pranav Clinic
  • Medical Store - Archana Medical Store, Rathna Medicals, Om Medical
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - SRM Institute of Science and Technology
  • School - Vadapalani Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Saraswathi Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Vengeeswarar Temple, M.A.Chidambaram Stadium

3. Porur

A preferred location for medical students and working professionals, Porur is an emerging real estate location. In addition, this region offers good transport connectivity to the rest of the areas of Chennai and proximity to the industrial hubs and IT parks.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 9,500 to ₹ 26,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - St. Joseph Hospital, Parvathi Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Porur Child Health Clinic, Ramachandra Medical Clinic, Rajam, Clinic
  • Medical Store - Thulasi Medicals, Apollo Pharmacy, BB Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Alpha Arts and Science College, St.Gonsalo College of Education, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute
  • School - Grace School, St. John’s School, SV High School, Sri Venkateswara Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Porur Lake, Shri Balamurugan Temple, Sree Ramanatheswarar Temple

1. Gopalapuram

Gopalapuram is preferred by most people who live in Chennai due to its proximity to essential utilities and some reasonably priced eateries. You will also find some prestigious educational hubs here, making it a student-friendly area. However, the Easwari library is the oldest in the country, and you will find it in Gopalapuram.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 22,000 to ₹ 38,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - New Lifemed Hospitals, Sakthi Hospital And Research Centre, Apollo Spectra Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - SVEC Clinic, The Family Klinik
  • Medical Store - RV Medicals, Kumaran Medicals
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Stella Maris College, Government Polytechnic College, Sri Kandhan College of Arts and Science
  • School - Gopalapuram Boys Higher Secondary School, National Public School, Sri Sarda Secondary School
• Major Landmarks: Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, Iraichal Parai Falls

2. Mylapore

One of the oldest and most developed places in Central Chennai, Mylapore borders some of the city's major areas. This includes Nungambakkam, Alwarpet, T Nagar, Teynampet and Kodambakkam. 

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 13,500 to ₹ 28,000 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - AVT Hospital, C.S.I. Kalyani Multispeciality Hospital, RSR Trinity Acute Care Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Ashwath Health Care, Akshaya Medical Centre, Gulshan Medicare
  • Medical Store - Balakumar Medicals, RR Pharmacy, Apollo Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Queen Marys College, Stella Maris College, A.M Jain College
  • School - Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Sri Siva Swamy Kalalaya Senior Secondary School, The Children’s Garden School
• Major Landmarks: Sri Sai Baba Temple, Chennai Lighthouse, San Thome Church, Ramakrishna Temple, Mylapore Fine Arts Club

3. Royapetah

Located absolutely in the centre of the city, Royapeth is a fun destination in the city, with several renowned cafes and pubs located right here. A well-constructed area, you will find some well-built apartments that offer reasonably rented stays. Moreover, Royapeth has easy access to significant areas of the city, thus making it one of the best places in Chennai to live.

• Average Rental Cost Per Month: ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 22,500 (2 BHK)
• Travel Connectivity: Metro, Local Bus, Cabs
• Healthcare Connectivity:
  • Hospital - Government Hospital, ARA Hospital for Women, Seethapathy Clinic and Hospital
  • Medical Clinic - Jamal Clinic, Preethi Clinic, SRP Clinic
  • Medical Store - Anandha Medicals, Everest Medicals, Apollo Pharmacy
• Education Facility Nearby:
  • College - Mass College of Autonomous, The New College, Meston College of Education
  • School - Wesley Higher Secondary School, Cambridge Matric Higher Secondary School, Gill Adarsh Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Sri Jadavbai Nathmal Sighvee Jain Vidhyalaya
• Major Landmarks: Clock Tower, St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, Parthasarathy Temple