Bangalore, India’s tech and startup hub, is witnessing a steady exodus of residents seeking relief from skyrocketing property prices and worsening urban infrastructure. For many, Mysore is emerging as the preferred alternative, offering a balance of affordability, convenience, and strong real estate potential.
Traffic congestion in Bangalore has become a daily struggle. Ranked as the third worst globally for congestion, residents reportedly spend an average of 134 hours annually stuck in traffic, according to investment banker Sarthak Ahuja. This, coupled with rising air pollution, water scarcity, and outdated civic systems, has made urban living increasingly challenging. Meanwhile, property prices have surged beyond the reach of many buyers, with apartments in prime areas growing costlier than wage increases, while rental yields fail to match investment costs.
Mysore, in contrast, offers a more manageable and attractive alternative. Real estate prices remain 30-50% lower than Bangalore, yet the city has seen property values rise by more than 50% in the past year, signaling strong investment potential. Popular neighborhoods such as Kuvempu Nagar and Vijayanagar offer homes starting at around Rs 60 lakhs, while premium areas like Saraswatipuram and Jayalakshmipuram begin at approximately Rs 1 crore. Investors are drawn by higher rental yields and the chance to secure properties before prices rise further.
Cost of living adds another layer of appeal. Expenses in Mysore are estimated to be 10-20% lower than Bangalore, making daily life more affordable. Essential services, groceries, and housing are all comparatively cheaper, easing financial pressure on families and individuals moving from the metro.
Connectivity has also improved dramatically, thanks to the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway, completed in 2023. Residents can now travel across the city in roughly 15 minutes, making Mysore not only livable but highly accessible. This convenience encourages both professionals working in Bangalore and those seeking quieter lifestyles to consider the city seriously.
Developers have taken notice of this migration trend. Larger construction companies are acquiring land for long-term projects expected to reshape Mysore’s skyline over the next decade. The city’s growing infrastructure, combined with affordability and lifestyle advantages, positions it as an attractive choice for homebuyers and investors alike.
“This is not just a Bangalore issue,” says Ahuja. “Metros across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Pune, are experiencing similar pressures. While the past decade saw real estate growth concentrated in major cities, the next decade will likely see tier-2 cities emerge as primary growth engines.”
Indeed, Mysore, along with other tier-2 cities such as Coimbatore and Pune’s satellite towns, is attracting attention from both residents seeking better living conditions and investors hunting higher returns with lower entry costs. These cities combine livable environments, lower expenses, and investment potential, creating opportunities that metro markets increasingly struggle to offer.
For many Bangalore residents, moving to Mysore is no longer just about affordability—it’s about quality of life. Lower congestion, cleaner air, better access to amenities, and growing real estate prospects are redefining how people view the city. Families, working professionals, and investors see Mysore as a chance to secure homes without compromising on convenience or lifestyle.
As India’s urban landscape evolves, tier-2 cities are poised to play a central role in housing and real estate growth. Mysore’s rise reflects a broader trend of urban decentralization, where affordability, accessibility, and sustainable living are becoming critical factors in deciding where people choose to live.
For those priced out of Bangalore, Mysore is emerging as a promising destination—one that blends opportunity, comfort, and a brighter future in the heart of Karnataka.