The ongoing debate about the advantages of living in a metro city versus a non-metro city is a never-ending one. Many individuals have migrated from non-metro cities to metro cities in search of a better lifestyle, improved job opportunities, superior facilities, and a myriad of other benefits. The distinction between these two types of cities is vast, encompassing factors such as infrastructure, social needs, housing costs, and living expenses. If you're considering a loan of 30,000 or more, or a loan without a PAN card, it's crucial to understand the differences between metro and non-metro personal loans. This article is here to guide you.
Metro Cities
Metro cities, as defined by the census commission, are those with a population exceeding 10 lakhs or a million. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai fall into this category. Over the years, many more cities have been added to this list due to the migration of people. Notably, cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad are rapidly growing in terms of population, job opportunities, facilities, and infrastructure quality.
Non-Metro Cities
Non-metro cities, on the other hand, have a population of less than 10 lakhs.
Key Factors Affecting Personal Loans in Non-Metro vs. Metro
- Infrastructure
In terms of infrastructure, there's a significant contrast between metro and non-metro cities. Metros offer well-furnished homes and modern infrastructure with all necessary amenities. In contrast, non-metro cities often lack proper drainage, roads, electricity, and other essential conveniences.
Housing costs in metro areas are considerably higher than in non-metro areas, and the difference in rent is substantial as well. As a result, individuals in metros may find themselves needing financial assistance to bridge the gap in their finances.
- Transportation
Metro cities offer a wide range of transportation options, including suburban trains, autorickshaws, buses, and metros. In contrast, non-metro cities have fewer transportation choices, with variations in distance covered and travel costs.
Factors like time management and traffic can significantly impact an individual's decision to take out a personal loan. In metro cities, the higher income and limited vehicle choices often lead to more people buying four-wheelers and a greater number of bikes.
- Living Standards
Living standards vary significantly between non-metro and metro cities. Differences in transportation costs, lifestyle, daily expenses, food choices, basic needs, and entertainment options result in a substantial disparity in the overall cost of living in these two types of cities.
The higher living standards in metros, combined with social pressures to display affluence, can occasionally lead to imbalances in monthly financial planning for individuals. Consequently, metro dwellers are more likely to consider personal loans to bridge the gap between expenses and income.
Furthermore, the increasing living costs due to inflation make it challenging to cover personal expenses. With insufficient capital to meet these expenses, personal loans have become an ideal solution. These loans are specialized credit options provided by lenders to individuals seeking funds for various personal expenses, such as education, marriage, home renovation, or vacations. However, the terms and conditions may vary based on your city of residence, making it essential to understand the distinction between metro and non-metro personal loans.
Key Differences in Personal Loans for Metro and Non-Metro Cities
Lenders have tailored their personal loan offerings to meet the capital requirements of borrowers, regardless of their city of residence. They have set specific terms and eligibility criteria to ensure that the loan options suit both non-metro and metro cities. If you're considering applying for a personal loan, whether through offline or online channels, here are some differences you should be aware of:
- Monthly Income
Personal loans typically do not require valuable collateral or security. Instead, your monthly income as a borrower must be sufficient to cover your monthly living expenses and loan repayments. In metro cities, where living costs are higher, lenders may require a higher monthly income compared to non-metro areas. Depending on your city of residence, lenders may adjust the minimum monthly income requirement for loan approval.
- Application Procedure
The application process for a personal loan can be carried out either offline or online. In non-metro areas, lenders tend to invest more in physical branches due to internet connectivity issues and the ease of submitting applications in person. In contrast, applying for a loan through online channels is more straightforward in metros, thanks to faster internet connectivity, leading to quicker approvals.
- Approval
Lenders meticulously review your loan application and physical documents when applying for a personal loan through offline channels. This is done to ensure the accuracy of all personal information provided. However, in most metro areas, where digital applications are the norm, lenders tend to approve loan applications more quickly compared to applications submitted through physical channels.
In conclusion, the choice between metro and non-metro living has a significant impact on your lifestyle and financial decisions. Understanding the differences in personal loans between these two types of cities is essential when seeking financial assistance. Make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and financial goals.
FAQs
- What are the main advantages of living in a metro city?
Metro cities typically offer better job opportunities, higher living standards, and improved infrastructure and facilities.
- Why do housing costs vary between metro and non-metro areas?
Housing costs are higher in metros due to increased demand and limited availability, while non-metro areas have more affordable housing options.
- How do living standards affect the decision to take out a personal loan?
Higher living standards in metros can lead to imbalances in monthly financial planning, making personal loans a common solution to bridge financial gaps.
- What are the primary factors that lenders consider when approving personal loans in different cities?
Lenders typically assess monthly income, application procedures, and approval methods, all of which may vary based on the city of residence.
- Is it better to apply for a personal loan through offline or online channels?
The choice between offline and online application methods depends on your city of residence and the accessibility of these channels. In metros, online applications are often faster and more convenient.