Over the past decade, India government has taken several initiatives to promote urban cleanliness through improved waste management, better sanitation, and greater citizen participation. Here’s a look at top 5 cleanest cities in india, ranked by Swachh Survekshan, conducted annually by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and also examine the cost of living in each city.
Top 5 Cleanest Cities in India — Swachh Survekshan 2026
Indore — India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years, Indore has set the benchmark for sanitation, waste management, and civic participation. Despite its world-class cleanliness, the city remains relatively affordable, with a monthly cost of living of around ₹32,900 for a single person and ₹80,500 for a family
- Cost of living One person: ₹32.9K
- Cost of living Family: ₹80.5K
- Rent: ₹19.7K
- Food Expenses: ₹13.5K
- Transport Expenses: ₹3490
Surat: Known for its garbage-free zones and efficient door-to-door waste collection, Surat consistently ranks among India’s cleanest cities. It is relatively more expensive for individuals, with a monthly living cost of around ₹62,500, while a family’s expenses average ₹88,400, benefiting from shared housing costs.
- Cost of living one person: ₹62.5K
- Cost of living Family: ₹88.4K (the expenses for living alone is higher as the rent is much higher for smaller accomodations)
- Rent: ₹26.6K
- Food Expenses: ₹4130
- Transport Expenses: ₹3490
Navi Mumbai: While Navi Mumbai offers a high standard of living, it is among the costlier cities on the list, with monthly expenses of about ₹44,900 for an individual and ₹1.03 lakh for a family.
- Cost of living One person: ₹44.9K
- Cost of living Family: ₹103K
- Rent: ₹39.1K
- Food Expenses: ₹15.4K
- Transport Expenses: ₹2811
Visakhapatnam: Offering a balance of cleanliness and affordability, this city has an estimated monthly cost of living of around ₹31,300 for a single person and ₹77,000 for a family. Rent averages ₹16,000, while food and transport expenses remain relatively moderate, making it budget-friendly.
- Cost of living One person: ₹31.3K
- Cost of living Family: ₹77K
- Rent: ₹16K
- Food Expenses: ₹14.7K
- Transport Expenses: ₹4179
Bhopal: A single person can expect monthly expenses of around ₹31,600 in Bhopal, while a family may spend about ₹81,800. Average rent stands at ₹16,800, with moderate food and transport costs.
- Cost of living One person: ₹31.6K
- Cost of living Family: ₹81.8K
- Rent: ₹16.8K
- Food Expenses: ₹13.5K
- Transport Expenses: ₹3219