The cost of living in India varies across cities. Comparing the cost of living in different metropolitan cities can help make better decisions based on lifestyle and finances. Here is a guide on the cost of living in India with pros and cons for each city.
How to Calculate Cost of Living?
Cost of living includes all expenses for amenities like food, shelter, medical care, transport, utilities, education and entertainment. The cost of living can again vary depending on your lifestyle and choices, however, the cost of the basic amenities remains moreover the same.
Comparing the Cost of Living in Different Cities in India
Different metropolitan cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai etc. have varying costs of living.
In some cities, you may have to pay higher rent while in others transportation costs might be higher. However, the cost of living must always be assessed alongside one’s monthly income.
Here is a brief scheme to help you compare the cost of living in different cities in India.
(All costs are in Rupees - ₹)
Comparing Dining and Groceries Costs
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Dining
|
Meal at a restaurant
|
350 - 1,500
|
300 - 2,000
|
200-1,200
|
300 - 1,500
|
Regular coffee
|
202.80
|
176.65
|
147.53
|
169.26
|
Soft drinks (0.33 L)
|
41.82
|
41.80
|
32.59
|
39.73
|
Water bottle (0.33 Litre)
|
16.72
|
20.43
|
14.61
|
16.67
|
Groceries
|
Milk (1 Litre)
|
62.64
|
61.60
|
56.00
|
51.70
|
Loaf of white bread
|
41.98
|
43.84
|
34.86
|
48.70
|
Rice (1 Kg)
|
61.93
|
73.54
|
57.04
|
63.49
|
Eggs (12 nos)
|
81.76
|
84.54
|
77.20
|
85.77
|
Chicken (1 Kg)
|
311.23
|
295.04
|
246.51
|
340.09
|
Banana (1 Kg)
|
58.83
|
61.69
|
56.33
|
64.97
|
Apples (1 Kg)
|
188.42
|
162.68
|
164.54
|
210.11
|
Oranges (1 Kg)
|
102.46
|
85.05
|
106.03
|
96.83
|
Tomato (1 Kg)
|
41.82
|
41.11
|
55.24
|
35.43
|
Potato (1 Kg)
|
33.31
|
26.79
|
22.85
|
32.91
|
Comparing Transportation Costs
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Transport
|
Local train (one way)
|
20
|
50
|
15.00
|
43.50
|
Taxi (for 1 Km)
|
29
|
23
|
25
|
30
|
Petrol (1 Litre)
|
106.31
|
96.72
|
106.03
|
101.94
|
Diesel (1 Litre)
|
94.27
|
89.62
|
92.76
|
87.89
|
Comparing Utility Costs
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Utility
|
Electricity bill ( Monthly)
|
4,205.39
|
5,222.58
|
2,646.47
|
2,667.12
|
Mobile phone plans
|
401.65
|
294.59
|
275
|
395.26
|
Internet (Unlimited data)
|
731.64
|
630.37
|
595.86
|
898.06
|
Comparing Entertainment Costs
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Entertainment
|
Movie ticket (1)
|
350
|
400
|
300
|
350
|
Gym membership (1 month)
|
1,900.85
|
1,872.71
|
1,450.47
|
1,794.35
|
Comparing Education & Childcare Costs
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Education and Childcare
|
Kindergarten (monthly cost for 1 child)
|
8,858.33
|
6,604.94
|
3,681.82
|
8,819.71
|
International primary school (yearly cost for 1 child)
|
258,406.25
|
142,268.29
|
130,111.11
|
241,000.00
|
Comparing Renting & Home Buying Costs
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Rent
|
1 BHK in the city centre
|
47,526.25
|
20,290.32
|
12,285.77
|
25,854.55
|
1 BHK in the outskirts
|
27,471.70
|
12,032.79
|
7,264.71
|
13,928.57
|
3 BHK in the city centre
|
140,600.00
|
51,044.78
|
31,857.14
|
68,897.05
|
3 BHK in the outskirts
|
69,244.90
|
28,581.97
|
19,083.33
|
36,920.00
|
Buying a home
|
Per square metre price in the city centre
|
522,329.04
|
212,193.47
|
104,544.13
|
155,131.51
|
Per square metre price in the outskirts
|
242,560.95
|
90,512.70
|
51,569.42
|
71,720.54
|
Comparing Salaries & Earnings
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Salary
|
Average monthly salary for 1 person (post-tax)
|
61,687.07
|
60,021.99
|
38,322.86
|
134,139.75
|
Disclaimer: All costs are updated as of August, 2023.
Average Cost of Living in India
Based on the above comparisons, below is the average cost of living in India minus rent:
Category
|
Sub Category
|
Mumbai
|
New Delhi
|
Kolkata
|
Bengaluru
|
Average cost of living in India minus rent
|
For 1 person
|
31,828.5
|
32,290.9
|
27,012.2
|
31,437.9
|
For family of 4
|
109,377.1
|
110,466.2
|
93,129.4
|
110,213.8
|
Wrapping up
The cost of living varies by city in India. Each city has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget, you can select the ideal city for you and your family. However, it's important to compare costs across cities to determine the best fit for your lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "cost of living" encompass, and how is it calculated?
Cost of living refers to the expenses of living in a particular city. This includes rent, utility bills, groceries, transportation, medical expenses, childcare costs etc.
2. What causes differences in the cost of living across cities or regions?
The monthly cost of living in India varies by city, with differences in rent prices due to land availability. The prices of groceries and other items are also affected by factors such as availability and location.
3. What are some examples of necessary expenses?
Some essential expenses include groceries, rent, medical costs, childcare, education and transportation.
4. How can people evaluate their cost of living and manage their finances effectively?
Individuals can look at their monthly salary and expenditure to assess their personal cost of living. If they can access the basic amenities comfortably and put aside a percentage of their earnings for savings, a city may be deemed suitable to live in.
5. How can people manage their cost of living without sacrificing quality of life?
Some strategies to reduce the cost of living in India could be:
- Use public transport
- Switch off the AC and fan whenever possible
- Eat at home