Are you considering a move to Chennai, India, and wondering about the cost of living? Chennai is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Chennai and help you understand whether $819 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $705.16.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
10.8 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.35 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.98 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.2 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.69 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.48 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.22 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.65 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.53 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.71 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
0.87 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.72 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.11 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
-- |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.6 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.9 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.51 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.58 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.48 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.46 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.49 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.98 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.45 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.2 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.39 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
12.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.3 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.25 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
14398.16 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24404.31 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
46.33 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
9.02 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
16.19 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.1 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
2.94 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
81.54 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
1743.09 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
24.03 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
23.25 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
40.93 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
30.56 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
201.02 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
116.58 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
492.06 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
279.8 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1803.47 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
760.18 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
705.16 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
9.26 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Chennai come to a total of approximately $819. This includes an average monthly rent of around $201 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $50 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $254 per month.
Living in Chennai appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $705.16. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Chennai, you would likely need an income exceeding $705.16.
In Chennai, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $705.16, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Chennai is approximately $201. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $116.58 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Chennai can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $206 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in India can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout India.
Generally, the city is considered to be the safest one in India. There is no violent crime, but petty crime acts cannot be avoided in such a huge city. If you remain watchful when in crowds, do not display cash in public and respect certain safety rules for big cities, all these kinds of crimes can be prevented.
If you decide to drive in Chennai, which is not advisable at all, keep in mind that the traffic is chaotic, neither rules are respected, nor pedestrians. To cross the street, always use underground crossings, except at night when they can be dangerous. During the motorbike ride, put a helmet on your head.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are very common in India, as well as in Chennai. Crowds in front of monuments, in public transport and on the beaches, especially during weekends, when they are overcrowded, are the hubs of thieves, so tourists must not leave their possessions unattended.
Natural dangers, such as earthquakes, flooding, and storms are frequent in India since it is prone to these due to its location. In case a disaster occurs, tourists just need to follow the instruction of authorities.
Kidnapping and mugging do not happen in Chennai, and if they occur, they are not against tourists. There is no risk of this kind of crime in Chennai.
Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihadi-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen among many others are working on the territory of India. That is why there is a threat of terrorist attacks, especially against British people, due to the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
Distracted tourists are the easiest prey for scammers, and they tend to take advantage of the situation. Pay attention to fast meter scam when in a taxi. The best way to take a taxi is via phone or the Internet. Rickshaw drivers also tend to overcharge foreigners. The possibility of the milk and gems scams on the markets exists.
This is the city where female travelers cannot feel safe if they happen to be alone, neither during the day nor night. The best advice is to dress modestly, not to have deeper communication with local men and, if possible, not to come alone.
A visa is required documentation together with a valid passport when entering India and you need to take it out before coming there. Any necessary information regarding visas can be found on the Internet.
The official currency in India is Rupee and it is available in the form of notes and coins. Once you exchange your money, leave some coins for giving tips and other minor expenses.
Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate and the variation in temperature is constant. Summer is hot and humid and it lasts from April to June. The monsoon season is from October to December. The period from December to March is probably the best time to visit Chennai.
Various airports can be used when coming to India, but when coming to Chennai, you can travel via Chennai International Airport, which is the fourth busiest airport in India or Kempegowda International Airport.
Whichever country you are visiting, injuries, accidents, and problems cannot be predicted. That is why it is advisable to take out a travel insurance policy before starting your journey. It should cover all the possible issues that may ruin your trip.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 84°F | 86°F | 90°F | 93°F | 97°F | 96°F | 94°F | 92°F | 91°F | 88°F | 85°F | 83°F |
| Temp | 77°F | 79°F | 82°F | 86°F | 89°F | 88°F | 86°F | 85°F | 85°F | 82°F | 79°F | 77°F |
| Low | 71°F | 73°F | 76°F | 81°F | 83°F | 82°F | 81°F | 80°F | 79°F | 77°F | 75°F | 72°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 28°C | 30°C | 32°C | 33°C | 36°C | 35°C | 34°C | 33°C | 32°C | 31°C | 29°C | 28°C |
| Temp | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C |
| Low | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C | 27°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 23°C | 22°C |