7,201 cities covered · Currency: INR (₹) · Capital: Delhi
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ₹305 ($3.66) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ₹1,221 ($14.63) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ₹91.61 ($1.10) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ₹6,921 ($82.89) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ₹1,120 ($13.41) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ₹2,952 ($35.35) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ₹855 ($10.24) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ₹855 ($10.24) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ₹224 ($2.68) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₹11,361 ($136) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ₹7,903 ($94.65) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₹23,710 ($284) | per month |
Delhi · pop. 32,226,000
Mahārāshtra · pop. 24,973,000
West Bengal · pop. 21,747,000
Tamil Nādu · pop. 12,395,000
Telangāna · pop. 10,494,000
Karnātaka · pop. 8,443,675
Mahārāshtra · pop. 8,231,000
Gujarāt · pop. 8,009,000
Gujarāt · pop. 6,538,000
Uttar Pradesh · pop. 5,954,391
Gujarāt · pop. 5,230,000
Uttar Pradesh · pop. 4,581,268
Bihār · pop. 4,487,379
Gujarāt · pop. 3,500,000
Tamil Nādu · pop. 3,458,045
Uttar Pradesh · pop. 3,382,000
Kerala · pop. 3,243,170
Uttarākhand · pop. 3,198,982
Uttarākhand · pop. 3,198,982
Rājasthān · pop. 3,073,350
Kerala · pop. 2,952,254
Chhattīsgarh · pop. 2,500,000
Mahārāshtra · pop. 2,405,665
Assam · pop. 2,376,654
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in India
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in India
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in India
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in India
Living costs in India vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ₹28,260 ($338) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.