Hauz Khas Neighbourhood: Pros, Cons, and Cost of Living

If Delhi were a book, then Hauz Khas would be one of its most rivetic chapters — rich, evocative, and full of life. Situated in South Delhi, Hauz Khas is a potpourri of opposites. Here, ancient Mughal architecture exists alongside modern art galleries, bohemian cafes hum alongside medieval tombs, and college students share park benches with elderly morning walkers.

To live in Hauz Khas is beyond choosing a neighbourhood to be settled in, but more about being a part of the story it brings along. Yet, just as any great story, Hauz Khas has its twists and turns. So if you are a student, office-going individual, or simply choosing to be a part of South Delhi — this neighbourhood has a lot to offer.

Today join team Neighbrsnook on a walk around the streets of Hauz Khas and learn about the advantages, disadvantages, and what it actually costs to reside here.

A Brush With History

The term ‘Hauz Khas’ means “Royal Water Tank”, and at the heart of the neighbourhood is a 13th-century reservoir constructed by Alauddin Khilji. Around this tank, the Delhi Sultanate built a centre of learning, and centuries later, contemporary Hauz Khas still radiates the wave of culture and creativity.

The Hauz Khas Village (HKV), a quiet urban settlement once, is now a cultural hub. Winding streets here find space for offbeat boutiques, colourful cafés, tattoo shops, and old bookstores. But what binds this place together are the DDA apartments and green environment of Hauz Khas Enclave, Hauz Khas Apartments, and Sarvapriya Vihar.

Pros of Living in Hauz Khas

1. Unmatched Cultural Vibe

There are few places in Delhi where the past and present coexist as gracefully as they do in Hauz Khas. Residents enjoy spontaneous poetry slams, jazz nights, art walks, and heritage strolls. Living here feels like being plugged into the creative pulse of the city.

For students at IIT Delhi, NIFT, or Sri Aurobindo College, it’s the perfect blend of academia and artistry. The proximity to premier institutes makes it a magnet for a younger crowd, infusing the area with vibrancy.

2. Green Spaces Amidst Urban Hustle

Hauz Khas is a rare Delhi locality that has managed to preserve green lungs despite urban development. Deer Park, with its natural walking trails and deer enclosures, is a tranquil escape for joggers, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts. Adjacent to it, the District Park offers ample green cover and a stunning view of the lake — ideal for morning yoga or a quiet sunset.

3. Well-Connected Yet Quiet

Hauz Khas as a neighbourhood is surprisingly well-insulated from the chaos of Delhi traffic. With the Hauz Khas Metro Station serving both the Yellow and Magenta lines, connectivity is seamless — whether you’re heading to Connaught Place, Gurgaon, or Noida.

Despite this, the inner residential pockets such as Block E or G offer a peaceful, leafy atmosphere, making it a win-win for both professionals and families.

4. Eclectic Dining and Nightlife

If you’re a foodie or social butterfly, Hauz Khas Village will feel like your playground. From rooftop cafes overlooking the lake to underground speakeasies, the options are endless. Raasta, Social, Kunzum Travel Café, and Yeti are local legends, each with its own story and loyal clientele.

Even beyond the Village, the neighbourhood is dotted with high-quality bakeries, homegrown coffee roasters, and vegan-friendly outlets.

5. Diverse Housing Options

The housing inventory here is incredibly varied. From luxurious builder floors with terraces to modest 2BHK flats, PG accommodations for students to premium studio apartments — Hauz Khas caters to a wide audience. You could live in a heritage-style home with arches or opt for a modern apartment with smart features. There’s room for choice, depending on your budget and lifestyle.

Cons of Living in Hauz Khas

1. Hauz Khas Village: A Love-Hate Relationship

HKV, while being a cultural gem, can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekends. Parking is scarce, noise levels spike, and if you live too close to the Village lanes, you may find your sleep interrupted by late-night partygoers or the occasional soundcheck from a local bar. Some residents find the influx of tourists disruptive to the sense of community.

2. Rental Inflation

With its rising popularity and strategic location, rentals in Hauz Khas have soared over the past few years. While PGs and shared accommodations are affordable for students, independent flats often command a premium.

Expats, creative professionals, and diplomats have driven up demand, which, while great for landlords, poses challenges for middle-income families or first-time renters.

3. Water and Power Woes in Certain Pockets

Although Hauz Khas is largely developed, there are still infrastructural gaps. During peak summer months, residents in some areas report irregular water supply. Occasional power cuts can also be a problem, particularly in older constructions.

The older DDA flats may not be equipped with the most modern plumbing or wiring unless they’ve been recently renovated.

4. Noise and Pollution in Peripheral Areas

Stretches closer to the Outer Ring Road or near the IIT Gate junction can experience higher noise levels due to traffic congestion. Air quality, like the rest of Delhi, dips during winter, and while green cover helps, it’s not a complete shield.

Living deeper within the enclave reduces this impact but may increase walking distance to main roads and transport hubs.

Cost of Living in Hauz Khas (As of 2025)

Let’s break it down to understand what it realistically costs to live in Hauz Khas:

1. Rental Rates

1BHK: ₹20,000–₹40,000 per month
2BHK: ₹35,000–₹70,000 per month
3BHK and Builder Floors: ₹60,000–₹1.2 Lakh+ per month
PG/Shared Accommodations: ₹8,000–₹20,000 depending on amenities
Flats overlooking Deer Park or close to HKV command higher rents.

2. Utilities and Maintenance

Electricity: ₹1,500–₹5,000/month depending on usage
Water: ₹500–₹1,000/month (or included in maintenance)
Internet (Fibre plans): ₹800–₹1,200/month
Maintenance (if in gated societies): ₹1,000–₹3,000/month

3. Groceries & Essentials

Monthly grocery bills for a small family range between ₹5,000–₹10,000.

The area is well-served by markets like Green Park, SDA Market, and local vendors who deliver fresh produce home.

4. Transport

Metro connectivity is excellent; auto rickshaws and cabs are easily available.

If you own a car, fuel and parking add to the monthly costs. Private parking can be a challenge in older buildings.

Who Should Consider Living in Hauz Khas?

Young Professionals & Startups: Especially those working in South Delhi, Gurugram, or running creative businesses.
Students: With many top colleges nearby, it’s perfect for student life with a side of culture.
Artists & Creatives: If you thrive in boho atmospheres with art cafes and performance spaces, Hauz Khas is ideal.
Families: Certain pockets like Hauz Khas Enclave offer great schools, green areas, and safety, though they come at a higher cost.

Hidden Corners You’ll Fall in Love With

The Hidden Tombs in Deer Park: Few realise that these ruins date back to the Tughlaq dynasty and offer peaceful, shaded corners perfect for reading.
Elma’s Bakery: Tucked in an old building, this quaint café still serves the best red velvet cake and nostalgia.
Kunzum Travel Café: More than just coffee—this space is a storyteller’s haven.
Second-Hand Bookshops: Near the Village entrance, you’ll find tiny shops with rare literary gems.

Is Hauz Khas Worth It?

If you’re seeking a neighbourhood that tells stories at every corner, offers convenience without losing charm, and fuses heritage with modernity then yes, Hauz Khas is worth every rupee and moment. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly alive.

Whether it’s a morning jog around the lake, an evening sketching at a café, or late-night banter with strangers-turned-friends, life in Hauz Khas offers you a palette of experiences unlike any other.

Want to discover more about your neighbourhood before you move? Explore the corners of your city on Neighbrsnook—because every block has a story.