Hubli which is always known with the city of Dharwad shares many common features in terms of culture and lifestyle. Hubli is a major center for trade and commerce in Karnataka whereas Dharwad is known as a center for education, art and culture. In that sense lifestyle in Hubli moves with a fast pace compared to Dharwad. 

The culture in Hubli reflects a blend of Kannada and Marathi culture. People speak Kannada (peculiar to North Karnataka belt), Marathi, Hindi and English. They have exchanged many things with the Marathi culture such as language, food, architecture, music and mannerisms. The population of Hubli consists of Muslims, Gujaratis and also Marwari community. Naturally Hubli reflects a mixed culture. Lingayat community dominates this region. People of Hubli are simple, and straightforward. Most of them are agriculture based and are known to be little rough compared to the people of Bangalore and Mysore. 

The cuisine of Hubli consists of Jower Roti, lentils and rice in a way that is typical of North Karnataka belt. Hubli has witnessed a few communal clashes, and it has been a major center for political activities since Independence. Hubli along with Dharwad has cherished a constant flow of Hindustani classical music. Singers of national and international fame have visited and stayed in this city. Gangubayi Hangal, Basavaraj Rajguru, Pandit Sawai Gandharva, D. R Bendre ( Jnana Peetha award winner), Dr. Mallikarjun Mansur, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi are some of those famous people who have brought fame to Hubli. 

Kundgol, a village near Hubli hosts a Music Festival every year in the memory of Shri Sawai Gandharva. Sawai Gandharva (a famous vocal singer and stage actor of Marathi; a disciple of Abdul Karim Khan) was born in Kundgol.