Updated Jan 18, 2026
KEY STATS
4.7M
Population
426,830,040 km2
Area
124 Mbps
Internet
UTC+05:30
Timezone
MAA (16km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Chennai's coastal rhythm blends Carnatic music recitals in historic temples with the salty breeze of Marina Beach, where kite-flyers dot the skyline. Digital nomads enjoy its thriving IT sector, solid coworking options, and hot tropical weather that fuels beachside productivity sessions. The city's culinary scene, from filter coffee to Chettinad curries, keeps energy high amid rapid urban growth.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Tamil Nadu
Region
Central and Southern Asia
Population
4.7M
Timezone
UTC+05:30
Airport
MAA
GPS
13.09, 80.28
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Food
565 restaurants mapped in Chennai
Tech
Solid 124 Mbps internet — reliable for remote work and streaming
Economy
79% cheaper than New York City based on overall cost of living index
History
Founded in 1639, with 387 years of history
Connections
Chennai has 8 sister cities worldwide
INFRASTRUCTURE
7,537 total POIs
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
565
Cafes
176
Bars
34
Fast Food
212
Shopping
Supermarkets
152
Convenience
94
Shopping Malls
48
Healthcare
Hospitals
599
Clinics
461
Pharmacies
194
Education
Schools
498
Universities
109
Libraries
85
Recreation
Parks
402
Playgrounds
74
Sports
106
Cinemas
59
Museums
11
Theatres
40
Transport
Bus Stops
741
Train Stations
92
Fuel Stations
148
Services
Banks
327
ATMs
286
Post Offices
48
Police
89
Fire Stations
11
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
124 Mbps
Download
121 Mbps
Upload
7ms
Latency
109,347
Tests
30,532
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jan - Apr
26°
J
26°
F
27°
M
28°
A
29°
M
30°
J
30°
J
30°
A
29°
S
28°
O
27°
N
26°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 27.9 C Range: 26.1 - 29.7 C Rain: 1,610 mm/year Sunshine: 3,353 h/year
CITY SCORES
82.2
Nomad Index
A
Livability
48.5
Culture
67.0
Overall
COST OF LIVING
EIndex relative to New York City (NYC = 100)
20.7
Overall
79% cheaper than NYC
5.0
Rent
95% cheaper than NYC
24.6
Groceries
75% cheaper than NYC
15.5
Restaurants
85% cheaper than NYC
AIRPORT
MAA
Chennai International Airport
16 km from center
~29 min ride
FUN FACTS
Chennai, also known as Madras (its official name until 1996), is the capital and largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India.
Incorporated in 1688, the Greater Chennai Corporation is the oldest municipal corporation in India and the second oldest in the world after London.
Historically, the region was part of the Chola, Pandya, Pallava and Vijayanagara kingdoms during various eras.
The coastal land which then contained the fishing village Madrasapattinam, was purchased by the British East India Company from the Nayak ruler Chennapa Nayaka in the 17th century.
George, the first British fortress in India.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Chennai known for?
Chennai's coastal rhythm blends Carnatic music recitals in historic temples with the salty breeze of Marina Beach, where kite-flyers dot the skyline. Digital nomads enjoy its thriving IT sector, solid coworking options, and hot tropical weather that fuels beachside productivity sessions. The city's culinary scene, from filter coffee to Chettinad curries, keeps energy high amid rapid urban growth.
How fast is the internet in Chennai?
Chennai has an average download speed of 124 Mbps and upload speed of 121 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Chennai?
Chennai has an average year-round temperature of approximately 27.9 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Chennai?
Chennai is served by MAA (Chennai International Airport), approximately 16 km from the city center.
What is the population of Chennai?
The population of Chennai is approximately 4.7M.
What infrastructure does Chennai have?
Chennai has 7,537 mapped points of interest, including 565 restaurants, 599 hospitals, 498 schools.
What country is Chennai in?
Chennai is located in Tamil Nadu.
