Cost of Living in India – What You Need to Know

Thinking about moving to India or just curious about how far your money can stretch? The cost of living here varies a lot between regions, but the basics are the same everywhere: rent, food, transport, and utilities. Below we break down each part so you can plan a realistic monthly budget.

Housing: Rent vs. Shared Spaces

Rent is the biggest expense for most people. In Tier‑1 cities like Mumbai or Delhi, a one‑bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood can cost ₹30,000–₹55,000 per month. Smaller cities such as Jaipur or Kochi charge about ₹12,000–₹20,000 for similar spaces. If you’re okay sharing, a room in a shared flat drops the price to ₹6,000–₹12,000 in most places. Look for local listings on platforms like OLX or community groups to avoid middle‑man fees.

Food: Cooking at Home Saves Big Money

Eating out every day quickly wipes out any savings. A street‑food snack costs ₹30–₹80, while a mid‑range restaurant meal is ₹300–₹600. Buying groceries and cooking at home can keep your food bill under ₹5,000 for a single person. Staples such as rice, wheat flour, and lentils are cheap across the country, and local markets offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets.

Transport costs differ by city. In metros, a monthly metro pass is around ₹1,000–₹2,000. Auto‑rickshaws and ride‑hailing apps cost ₹10–₹15 per short ride. If you own a scooter, fuel and maintenance average ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month. Many people in smaller towns still rely on bicycles, which is virtually free after the initial purchase.

Utilities—electricity, water, and internet—add another ₹2,000–₹4,000 to the bill, depending on usage and location. Internet plans start at ₹500 for basic speed, but a reliable 100 Mbps connection for work or streaming is around ₹1,200.

Health insurance is a smart addition. Even a basic policy costs ₹1,000–₹2,000 per year and can save you thousands during an emergency. Many employers provide group coverage, so check your job benefits first.

Entertainment and personal care are optional but worth budgeting. A movie ticket is ₹150–₹300, a gym membership is ₹1,000–₹2,500, and a haircut at a local salon costs ₹250–₹500. Adjust these numbers based on your lifestyle.

Putting it all together, a single person living modestly in a Tier‑2 city might spend around ₹20,000–₹30,000 per month, while the same lifestyle in a Tier‑1 city could be ₹40,000–₹60,000. Families naturally need more, especially for schooling and larger housing.

Here are three quick tips to stretch your rupees further:

• Choose a shared accommodation in the city center to cut commuting costs.
• Buy seasonal produce from local markets and cook in bulk.
• Use prepaid mobile data plans and only upgrade when you truly need more speed.

Remember, the cost of living is not just about numbers; it’s about how you shape your daily habits. By keeping an eye on each expense category, you can enjoy India’s vibrant culture without stressing over money.