This Indian city has been ranked the most stressful in the country — and the reasons may surprise you

Kolkata has been named the most stressful city in India, with long commutes, rising costs, and urban congestion driving up its stress score.

If you’ve ever felt your stress levels rise while navigating India’s bustling metro cities, you’re not imagining it — and Kolkata tops the list. According to a new global study by Remitly, Kolkata has been ranked the most stressful city in India, scoring 6.89 out of 10. Despite being celebrated for its culture, heritage, literature, and vibrant food scene, the city is now in the spotlight for a very different reason: its increasingly challenging urban lifestyle.

From painfully slow commutes and dense crowds to rising living costs and moderate safety concerns, Kolkata's daily grind places it among the top 10 most stressed cities in the world, making it the only Indian city to appear on the global list.

(Image: Canva)

Why Kolkata Tops the Stress Charts

Stress may be universal, but in Kolkata, daily life comes with challenges that stack up fast. The city’s dense population, infamously long traffic jams, and rising everyday costs all contribute to mounting pressure for residents.

According to the study:

• Average travel time for just 10 km: 34 minutes 33 seconds — making even short commutes a patience test.
• Cost of living index: 19.6, reflecting increasing prices of essentials like food, utilities, and transport (excluding rent).
• Healthcare index: 60, indicating reasonably good quality medical facilities.
• Crime index: 46, suggesting moderate safety concerns.

Together, these factors paint a clear picture of a city stretched thin by congestion, costs, and the constant rush of urban life.

(Image: Canva)

How the Rankings Were Calculated

Researchers analysed over 170 major cities worldwide, scoring them across five real-world stressors:

commute time, cost of living, healthcare quality, crime levels, and annual air pollution. Each factor contributed to an overall stress score out of 10 — the higher the number, the more stressful the lifestyle.

Interestingly, stress looks different across the globe. While Latin American cities struggle with safety concerns, much of Europe and North America are weighed down by soaring living costs.

Kolkata Stands Alone for India

Despite being one of India’s cultural powerhouses — known for its literature, heritage buildings, and legendary street food — Kolkata is the only Indian city to make the global top 10 most stressful cities list. And that ranking isn’t by chance. The urban sprawl, clogged roads, and increasing expenses are pushing stress levels higher year after year.

(Image: Unsplash)

What This Means for Travellers

For visitors, this doesn’t mean Kolkata isn’t worth exploring — far from it. The city’s energy, history, and charm remain unmatched. But it does mean that when you visit, be prepared for slower commutes, bustling streets, and the dynamic chaos that defines everyday life here.

If anything, this ranking shines a spotlight on the resilience of Kolkata’s people — navigating a city full of challenges while keeping its cultural heartbeat alive.