GUIDESMONEY MATTERS
Cost of Living in Indian Cities: A Brief Comparison
5 MIN • 
LAST EDITED BY ULFATH JOAD ON APRIL 25, 2025.
LAST EDITED BY ULFATH JOAD ON APRIL 25, 2025.
GUIDES LAST EDITED BY ULFATH JOAD ON APRIL 25, 2025.
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.
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.
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 - ₹)
Disclaimer: All costs are updated as of August, 2023.
Based on the above comparisons, below is the average cost of living in India minus rent:
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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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.
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.
Some essential expenses include groceries, rent, medical costs, childcare, education and transportation.
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.
Some strategies to reduce the cost of living in India could be:
