Cost of Living in India

Updated:

NovoExpat

If you've ever considered moving to India, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in India?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in India and whether the reported $749 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $515.86.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries

India

restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2.44 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

12.22 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

3.66 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.83 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.66 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.67 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.42 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.18 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.66 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.47 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

0.68 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

0.91 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

5.09 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.23 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

--

Apples (1 lb)

2.12 $

Banana (1 lb)

0.64 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.06 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.53 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.36 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.41 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.53 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.35 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

8.55 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.82 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.01 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

4.28 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.31 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

9.16 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.61 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.24 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

1.22 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.28 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

12216.52 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

22253.52 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

35.17 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.01 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

9.01 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

18.72 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

7.13 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

3.66 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

64.34 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

1546.58 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

27.81 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

28.08 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

44.2 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

33.78 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

182.99 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

116.88 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

419.56 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

255.68 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1352.41 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

676.97 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

515.86 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

8.28 %

Cost of Living in India Overview

Welcome! Here’s a guide to understanding the typical costs of living in India, from dining out and groceries to housing and utilities. Use this overview to help plan your budget and make informed decisions about living expenses.

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 2.44 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 12.22 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.66 USD, a loaf of bread 0.47 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 0.91 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.31 USD and a monthly pass around 9.16 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 35.17 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 18.72 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 7.13 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 64.34 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 1546.58 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 27.81 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 44.2 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 182.99 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 116.88 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1352.41 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 676.97 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 515.86 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 8.28% annually.

India

How Safe Is India for Travel?

Warnings & Dangers in India

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Though India is considered a generally safe country, due to its size, there are more dangerous areas and less dangerous ones. It is necessary that you remain vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

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 and don't accept any food or drinks as they might be spiked. Keep in mind that driving is dangerous because of poor road conditions and the fact that India follows the left-hand driving system.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets operate literally everywhere in India. 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.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

The main threats to India when it comes to natural disasters are earthquakes, floods and severe storms that commonly hit this beautiful country causing great damage.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings aren't at all common in India.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

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.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

This is a serious issue in India. If you're a first-time traveler to India, 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 charge literally everything.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Sexual assaults are on the rise in India, 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.

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

Most countries need a visa in order 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 visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Indian rupee is the official currency in India. ATMs are widespread in most towns 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.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Indian climate is mostly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. Since it is so large, the climate in India vastly varies, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalayan north. The elevated areas in the north commonly receive sustained winter snowfall.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary civilian hub for the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. It is located in Palam, 15 km south-west of the New Delhi railway station and 16 km from New Delhi city centre.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to India, since it covers not only the costs medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in India with other countries

Cost of living in countries