Skyline of Kozhikode
Cost of Living: 95 2,000,000

Kozhikode, India

A historic Malabar Coast city where Vasco da Gama first landed, known for its beaches, delicious cuisine, and spice trade heritage.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Kozhikode is a city in Kerala with a population of 2,000,000. A historic Malabar Coast city where Vasco da Gama first landed, known for its beaches, delicious cuisine, and spice trade heritage. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The population skews young, with a median age of 28.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs India Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income ₹280,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.3%

Job market health

Kozhikode vs India Average

Cost of Living
Kozhikode: 95
India Avg: 100
Housing Index
Kozhikode: 120
India Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₹280,000
  • Unemployment: 5.3%
  • Population: 2,000,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 68°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: ₹4,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₹10000/mo

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Cost of Living

Kozhikode's cost of living index is 95 (India average = 100).

CategoryKozhikodeNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: MOSPI / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₹4,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₹10000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₹12,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft₹2,666

Data source: Housing.com / MagicBricks / 99acres, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kozhikode:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₹500
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)₹1791Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water₹200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)₹600Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities₹3091Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CEA, Ministry of Power, BSNL 2025

Remote Work Score

Kozhikode scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
₹10000
Sunny Days
200
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.3%
Climate
90°F / 68°F
Safety
3.0 homicides/100k
Population
2,000,000
Internet Speed
60 Mbps

Climate

Kozhikode has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January88°F68°F2.5"
April75°F83°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F86°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Kozhikode faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Monsoon floods.

Heat Wave High Risk

Tropical heat.

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Cyclone High Risk

Significant cyclone risk.

Drought High Risk

Central and western India experience frequent droughts.

Avalanche High Risk

Himalayan region with frequent avalanches.

Landslide Moderate Risk

Hilly terrain with landslides.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Eastern and southern coasts with tsunami risk.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Eastern India experiences tornadoes.

Blizzard Moderate Risk

Northern mountainous regions experience extreme cold.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms in northwestern regions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 18%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year June to March/April
Term System Semester — Summer (Jun-Oct), Winter (Nov-Mar)
Summer Break April to June (6-8 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Holi festival (1 week)

School year varies by state. Southern states follow a different calendar (June-April). Summer break coincides with the hottest months.

Demographics

The population of Kozhikode is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Dravidian
25.0%
Indo-Aryan
72.0%
Other
3.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
20.0%
Less than high school
50.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Buddhist
0.7%
Christian
2.3%
Hindu
79.8%
Jain
0.4%
Muslim
14.2%
Other
0.9%
Sikh
1.7%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner (2011)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kozhikode, India?

The cost of living index in Kozhikode is 95, which is Lower the India national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Kozhikode?

The median home price in Kozhikode is ₹4,000,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kozhikode is approximately ₹10000/mo.

Does Kozhikode, KL have income tax?

Kozhikode is in KL, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Kozhikode?

Kozhikode enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 68°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: MOSPI / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Housing.com / MagicBricks / 99acres, 2026
  • Income & Employment: MOSPI Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities CEA, Ministry of Power, BSNL 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.