About this tool
For HRA tax exemption under Section 10(13A)[1], only four cities qualify as Metro: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai (50% of basic). All other cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurgaon use the non-metro 40% rate.
How to use the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro
The HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro is a browser-based tool that runs entirely on your device. Inputs you enter never reach a server - all calculations happen client-side in JavaScript. This means:
- Privacy: nothing is logged, sent, or stored by 3Tej. Inputs disappear when you close the tab.
- Speed: results update as you type. No network round trip.
- Offline use: once the page is cached, it works without internet.
- No signup: no account, no email, no rate limits.
Step by step
- Enter your inputs in the form above. Each field is labeled with its unit (currency, percent, kg, etc.) and the expected range.
- Read the result as it updates. The number reflects the formula commonly accepted in HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro-related calculations.
- Adjust to see sensitivity: change one input at a time and watch how the output moves. This is the fastest way to understand which variable matters most.
- Copy or screenshot the result for later reference. The page state persists for the session if your browser allows it.
When you would use this
- Quick estimates: when you need a number now and don't want to open a spreadsheet.
- Sensitivity analysis: testing how a result changes as inputs vary, before committing to a real-world decision.
- Comparison: running the same calculation with different inputs to compare options side by side.
- Learning: building intuition for how the underlying math behaves.
- Documentation: capturing a snapshot of inputs and outputs at a point in time.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bengaluru not metro for HRA?
The Income Tax Act's metro definition predates Bengaluru's growth as a tech hub. Despite having metro infrastructure (Namma Metro), it remains non-metro for HRA. Same for Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad.
Does it matter for high rents in non-metros?
Yes - non-metros use 40% of basic, not 50%. So even if you pay metro-level rent in Bengaluru, your exemption is capped lower.
Is the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro accurate?
The HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro applies the standard formula for hra - metro vs non-metro. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences, use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional or the relevant official source.
Is the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro free?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads that appear around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved?
No. Inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but does not see what you type into the form.
Can I use the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro on my phone?
Yes. The tool is responsive and tested on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and major desktop browsers. Touch targets meet Apple's 44pt and Google's 48dp minimum guidance.
How do I report a bug or suggest improvement to the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro?
Email hi@3tej.com with the URL of this page and a description of what you saw vs expected. We typically respond within 72 hours and update calculators when rules or formulas change.
How accurate is the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro?
It applies the standard formula. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences (taxes, medical, legal, structural), use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional in the relevant field.
Is the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro free to use?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved anywhere?
No. All inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but the analytics never see what you type into the form.
Does the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it works without internet. The calculation runs in JavaScript on your device.
Can I share results from the HRA - Metro vs Non-Metro?
Take a screenshot or copy the output. The page doesn't generate shareable URLs for specific calculations - inputs stay in your browser only.
Why are the results different from another hra - metro vs non-metro tool?
Most likely: different formula assumptions, different default values, different rounding rules, or different applicable rates. Check the methodology if both tools document it. Both can be valid for different scenarios.