Migration from the rural areas of Ernakulam district to Kochi is happening due the following reasons.
·         Insecurity in village life
·         Reduced demand for agricultural labor
·         The changing economic structure of rural settlements due to the special emphasis being given to manufacturing industries and services
·         Social and other deficiencies at the local or community level
·         Lack of higher education opportunities in villages
·         Lack of employment opportunities
 
Apart from that, migrants here are attracted to certain irresistible options like higher income opportunities, better employment opportunities, and the chances of getting higher education, which might help to ease out depressed economic condition of the native village.  Due to these factors when considering the demand for Apartments Kochi is in the forefront.
 
The reasons stated by the rural immigrants for moving from their place of origin to Kochi are rather interesting.  It is clear that better employment opportunities is the major cause (38.42%) of migration among male migrants, followed by movement of family (25.77%).  The third important reason cited by migrants as the reason for migration is education.  On the other hand, for female migrants, marriage is the major cause for migration (about 75%) followed by movement of family (15.86%).
 
For the better off households and their migrating members the initial cost involved to find a foothold in the urban areas is high, but it helps other members to migrate easily.  With the necessary knowledge and contacts, opportunities to diversify their income opportunities along with remittances from migrants – there is a widening gap between families with migrating members and their less privileged counterparts in rural areas.  On the other hand, rural to urban migration has significant impact on the economic, social and political developments in Kochi.