India (IN)
India is the world's most populous nation and a fast-rising global power — a vibrant federal republic of extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.
Capital: New Delhi
Region: Asia
Language: Hindi
Currency: INR (₹)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 24)
Emergency: 112
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Cost of Living
Real prices in India — 2026 data in INR.
24
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.
Rent
1BHK apartment — standard area (Bengaluru/Hyderabad) ₹18,000–35,000
2BHK apartment — expat area (Bengaluru Koramangala/Whitefield) ₹35,000–80,000
2BHK apartment — expat area (Mumbai Bandra/Powai) ₹60,000–1,20,000
2BHK apartment — expat area (Delhi Gurgaon/South Delhi) ₹40,000–90,000
3BHK furnished premium apartment ₹80,000–2,50,000
Society maintenance charges ₹2,000–15,000/month
Food & Groceries
Grocery basket for 1 person/week (mid-range) ₹1,500–3,500
Dozen eggs ₹80–120
Chicken (1 kg) ₹200–280
Fresh vegetables (weekly) ₹200–600
Imported cheese (100g) ₹300–600
Dining Out
Meal at local restaurant (thali) ₹80–200
Meal at mid-range restaurant (per person) ₹300–700
Meal at upscale restaurant (per person) ₹1,200–3,500
Chai (tea) from street stall ₹10–30
Coffee at café (Starbucks/Blue Tokai) ₹200–500
Beer (330ml) at restaurant/bar ₹200–500
Bottle of wine (restaurant) ₹1,500–4,000
Zomato/Swiggy food delivery ₹250–800 per order (incl. delivery)
Transport
Ola/Uber Mini (per km) ₹8–12/km
Auto-rickshaw (typical city trip 3–5 km) ₹50–150
Delhi Metro (single trip within zone) ₹10–60
Bengaluru Namma Metro (single trip) ₹10–70
Domestic flight (Delhi to Mumbai, economy) ₹2,500–8,000
Indian Railways (Delhi to Mumbai, 3AC sleeper) ₹1,200–2,500
Vande Bharat Express (Delhi to Varanasi, CC) ₹1,200–1,800
Petrol (per litre, Delhi) ₹95–100
Diesel (per litre) ₹88–94
Health & Insurance
GP consultation (private clinic) ₹500–2,000
Specialist consultation (private hospital) ₹1,000–3,500
MRI scan (private hospital) ₹5,000–15,000
Blood test panel (private lab) ₹500–3,000
Dental checkup and cleaning ₹500–1,200
Dental filling ₹500–2,000
Ambulance (108 government — free) Free
International health insurance (annual, individual) ₹40,000–1,20,000
Utilities
Electricity — 2BHK apartment (AC usage) ₹2,000–6,000
Piped gas (cooking) ₹500–1,500
LPG cylinder (14.2 kg) ₹900–1,000 (subsidised rate)
Water (municipal or tanker supplement) ₹200–1,000
Internet (100 Mbps fibre — Jio/Airtel) ₹500–1,000
Mobile plan (unlimited calls + 2GB/day 4G) ₹200–600
Jio 5G unlimited (premium plan) ₹600–1,500
Childcare
International school annual fees (IB) ₹5,00,000–25,00,000
Private Indian school (CBSE/ICSE) ₹50,000–3,00,000/year
Nursery/playgroup (private) ₹5,000–25,000/month
Tuition/coaching classes ₹3,000–15,000/month
School uniform and supplies ₹3,000–15,000/year
Babysitter/nanny (live-in) ₹12,000–25,000/month
Leisure
Gym membership (standard city gym) ₹1,500–4,000/month
Cult.fit / similar premium fitness (monthly) ₹3,000–6,000
Yoga class (monthly membership) ₹3,000–8,000
Cinema ticket (PVR/INOX multiplex) ₹250–700
Netflix India subscription (monthly) ₹149–649
Cricket match IPL ticket ₹1,500–15,000+
Cost of Living
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