Planning to Move to Delhi? Everything You Need to Know First

Delhi is India's capital and its most complex city to navigate as a newcomer. Here's an honest guide to settling in — from finding accommodation to surviving the first summer.

Delhi is not a city that eases you in gently. It's loud, sprawling, and in your face from day one. It's also a city of genuine opportunity — the centre of government, media, finance, defence, and an enormous private sector. Moving here successfully requires preparation. Here's what you need to know.

Finding accommodation in Delhi

Delhi's rental market varies enormously by zone. South Delhi apartments are expensive and move fast. West Delhi (Dwarka, Janakpuri) is planned and more accessible. East Delhi is the most affordable but less desirable for most professionals. Deposits are typically 2–3 months' rent. Broker fees are 1 month's rent standard. Always negotiate — Delhi landlords, especially in standalone properties, often quote above market. Platforms like 99acres, MagicBricks, and NoBroker are all active here.

First two weeks checklist

1. Get a Delhi Metro Smart Card immediately — it's cheaper than tokens and saves time at every journey
2. Download the Delhi Metro Rail app and DMRC's official fare calculator
3. Get an Ola/Uber account with UPI linked — Delhi auto drivers negotiate aggressively; app autos are fixed
4. Register your address with the local police station if you're from another state (legally required)
5. Get a HEPA air purifier ordered before October — Delhi air becomes dangerous Oct–Jan
6. Identify your nearest government hospital and private clinic — healthcare access varies significantly by area
7. Join your building or colony's RWA WhatsApp group — Delhi RWAs are active and useful

The metro is your lifeline

Delhi Metro has 11 lines covering 390+ km. It is the single most important infrastructure asset for new residents. Before choosing where to live, map your office to the nearest metro station and work backwards. A commute involving one metro line is acceptable. Requiring two line changes is manageable. More than two is a daily ordeal. The Yellow Line (HUDA City Centre–Samaypur Badli) is the busiest and most useful for most professionals.

Cost of living: what to budget

Delhi's seasons: what to prepare for

Delhi has four distinct and extreme seasons. Summer (April–June) hits 44–48°C — a good AC and stable power supply are non-negotiable. Monsoon (July–September) is pleasant but some areas flood. Winter (November–February) brings smog — Oct–Jan AQI regularly exceeds 300, which is genuinely hazardous. A HEPA air purifier (Dyson, Philips, or Xiaomi) is not a luxury in Delhi; it's a health necessity. Budget ₹6,000–25,000 for a decent unit.

Common mistakes new Delhi residents make

• Not accounting for air quality costs — purifier purchase plus filter replacement is a real ongoing expense
• Trusting Google Maps peak-hour timing without adding 30–50% buffer for Delhi traffic variability
• Renting in an area without checking its RWA responsiveness — Delhi's property maintenance is RWA-dependent
• Ignoring the summer power situation — ask if the building has generator backup before signing
• Underestimating how large Delhi is — a "short" cross-city trip can take 2 hours in traffic
• Not registering at the local police station — it's legally required for outstation residents and practically useful

Delhi is India's most complex relocation but also one of its most rewarding. The city has the country's best metro network, the most diverse cultural and culinary scene, and enormous professional opportunity. The air quality issue is real and must be budgeted for. Choose your neighbourhood by metro line proximity to your office, invest in a good air purifier, and join your RWA group on day one. Use KnowThePlace to run a livability report on your shortlisted neighbourhoods before committing.