Are you considering a move to Kolkata, India, and wondering about the cost of living? Kolkata 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 Kolkata and help you understand whether $723 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $438.93.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
2.4 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
14.4 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
3.6 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.6 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.65 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.39 $ |
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|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.18 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.68 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.4 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.71 $ |
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|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
0.91 $ |
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|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
5.42 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
2.83 $ |
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|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
-- |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.65 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
1.38 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
0.66 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.27 $ |
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|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.38 $ |
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|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.48 $ |
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|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.33 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.6 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.8 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.08 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.18 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.6 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.3 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.27 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
17997.71 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21738.41 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
31.84 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
7.02 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
19.01 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
8.14 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.6 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
44.18 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
1644.99 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
24.37 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
22.59 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
39.59 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
30.58 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
161.42 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
91.86 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
399.32 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
239.59 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1230.86 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
605.31 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
438.93 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.85 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Kolkata come to a total of approximately $723. This includes an average monthly rent of around $161 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $35 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $206 per month.
Living in Kolkata appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $438.93. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Kolkata, you would likely need an income exceeding $438.93.
In Kolkata, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $438.93, 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 Kolkata is approximately $161. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $91.86 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Kolkata can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $171 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.
Muggings and kidnappings aren't at all common in Kolkata so you can relax.
Though Kolkata is considered a generally safe city, there are more dangerous areas and less dangerous ones. You must remain vigilant at all times while spending time in Kolkata.
Be wary of pickpockets in public transport, and taxi drivers (as well as tuk-tuk drivers) trying to rip you off. Be especially careful in the overnight buses or trains. Keep in mind that driving is dangerous because of poor road conditions and the fact that India follows the left-hand driving system.
Pickpockets operate everywhere in Kolkata. Be careful not to get your pockets picked and bag snatching is another very common form of petty theft. Pickpockets are especially common in public transport.
The main threats to Kolkata when it comes to natural disasters are earthquakes, floods and severe storms that commonly hit this beautiful country causing great damage.
India keeps being targeted by terrorists so there is a great risk of them trying to carry out an attack again. Anti-Western terrorist groups sometimes operate in India, including Islamist extremist groups.
This is a serious issue in Kolkata, India in general. If you're a first-time traveler here, you will most certainly get scammed as this country is notorious for scams performed on tourists. Taxi scams with taxi drivers convincing you to take other accommodation are very common, as are those where vendors give you less change than they should. Whatever service anyone offers you - you find out how much it costs first, because they will try to sell everything.
Sexual assaults are on the rise in Kolkata, and it is dangerous for women to travel alone in this country, whether by day or night. Always strive to be accompanied by someone when outside. Move-in groups and avoid poorly lit and deserted streets.
Most countries need a visa to enter India. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, it is best to contact your local Indian embassy for further information.
The Indian rupee is the official currency in Kolkata. ATMs are widespread throughout the city and as for credit cards, it is advised to always carry cash as a backup. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards.
Kolkata has a tropical wet-and-dry climate. The annual mean temperature is 24.8 °C and during winter, there is much less rainfall in Kolkata than in summer.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is an international airport located in Dum Dum, West Bengal, India, serving the Kolkata metropolitan area. It is located some 17 km from the city center.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kolkata, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 77°F | 83°F | 91°F | 95°F | 95°F | 92°F | 89°F | 89°F | 90°F | 88°F | 84°F | 79°F |
| Temp | 66°F | 73°F | 81°F | 86°F | 87°F | 86°F | 84°F | 84°F | 84°F | 82°F | 75°F | 67°F |
| Low | 56°F | 63°F | 72°F | 77°F | 79°F | 80°F | 80°F | 80°F | 79°F | 75°F | 66°F | 58°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 25°C | 28°C | 32°C | 35°C | 35°C | 33°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C | 31°C | 28°C | 26°C |
| Temp | 18°C | 22°C | 27°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 23°C | 19°C |
| Low | 13°C | 17°C | 22°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 23°C | 18°C | 14°C |