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Cost of Living in Delhi

Delhi, Delhi, India · Population 32,226,000 · National capital

▲ +24% vs India average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₹35,166 ($421)
Couple, monthly₹62,487 ($748)
Family of four, monthly₹80,882 ($969)

Estimated Prices in Delhi

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₹374 ($4.49)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₹1,498 ($17.94)per meal
Cappuccino₹112 ($1.35)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₹8,489 ($102)per month
Monthly public transport pass₹1,373 ($16.45)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₹3,620 ($43.36)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₹1,049 ($12.56)per month
Fitness club membership₹1,049 ($12.56)per month
Cinema ticket₹275 ($3.29)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₹14,662 ($176)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₹10,200 ($122)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₹30,600 ($366)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Delhi is ₹59,703 ($715) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₹35,166 ($421) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₹45,716 ($548) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₹10,200 ($122)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Delhi

Delhi vs MumbaiDelhi vs KolkātaDelhi vs ChennaiDelhi vs HyderābādDelhi vs BangaloreDelhi vs Pune

Nearby Cities

New Delhi

6 km away · Delhi

Murtazābād

7 km away · Uttar Pradesh

Mandoli

9 km away · Delhi

Garhi

9 km away · Uttar Pradesh

Madangir

10 km away · Delhi

Dalūpura

11 km away · Delhi

Bhālswa Jahangirpur

11 km away · Delhi

Loni

11 km away · Uttar Pradesh

Other Major Cities in India

Mumbai

Mahārāshtra · pop. 24,973,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Kolkāta

West Bengal · pop. 21,747,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Chennai

Tamil Nādu · pop. 12,395,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Hyderābād

Telangāna · pop. 10,494,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Bangalore

Karnātaka · pop. 8,443,675

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Pune

Mahārāshtra · pop. 8,231,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Ahmedabad

Gujarāt · pop. 8,009,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Sūrat

Gujarāt · pop. 6,538,000

₹34,587 ($414) / mo

Living in Delhi

Delhi is the capital and one of the key cities in India. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₹35,166 ($421), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₹10,200 ($122) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₹80,882 ($969) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₹62,487 ($748) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Delhi is ₹59,703 ($715). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₹45,716 ($548) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delhi expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₹35,166 ($421) per month in Delhi including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for India.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Delhi?
A net salary of around ₹45,716 ($548) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Delhi with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Delhi is ₹59,703 ($715).
How much is rent in Delhi?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₹14,662 ($176) per month in the city centre and ₹10,200 ($122) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₹30,600 ($366).
Is Delhi cheaper than India on average?
No — Delhi is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the India average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Delhi?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₹8,489 ($102) in Delhi. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₹374 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ₹112 ($1).
How do transport costs in Delhi compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Delhi is estimated at ₹1,373 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Delhi are estimates based on India national averages adjusted for city size (population 32,226,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.