Cost of Living in India – A Straight‑Forward Guide

If you’re thinking about moving to India or just want to understand how far your money goes, you’ve landed in the right spot. We’ll break down the biggest expense categories, give you realistic numbers, and share a few tricks to keep your wallet happy. No fluff, just what matters day‑to‑day.

Housing: Rent, Buy, or Share?

Housing eats up the biggest chunk of most budgets. In Tier‑1 cities like Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru, a one‑bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood can cost anywhere from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 a month. If you’re okay with a little extra space or a quieter area, moving a few kilometers out can shave 30‑40% off that rent.

In Tier‑2 or Tier‑3 cities, the same apartment might be ₹10,000‑₹20,000. Many people opt for shared accommodation – a room in a house or a co‑living space – which can bring the cost down to ₹5,000‑₹12,000 per month. Buying a property is a long‑term play; prices vary wildly by city and location, but a modest two‑bedroom flat in a mid‑range area might start around ₹30‑₹50 lakhs.

Food: Eating Out vs. Cooking at Home

Food is where you can either splurge or save big. Street food and local eateries serve a tasty plate for ₹30‑₹80, making daily meals under ₹500 realistic if you stick to regional dishes. Groceries for a month of home‑cooked meals for a single person average ₹3,000‑₹5,000, depending on how much fresh produce versus packaged items you buy.

Dining at upscale restaurants will push the bill to ₹1,500‑₹3,000 for two people, so treat those as occasional splurges. A quick tip: shop at local markets early in the morning; you’ll get better prices and fresher produce.

Transport: Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank

Public transport is cheap and fairly reliable. A monthly metro pass in major cities costs around ₹1,000‑₹2,000. Buses are even cheaper, often under ₹500 a month for regular commuters. Auto‑rickshaws and ride‑hailing apps like Uber or Ola can add up; a short city ride typically runs ₹80‑₹150.

If you own a two‑wheeler, fuel costs are about ₹80‑₹100 per litre, so a daily commute of 15 km will cost roughly ₹30‑₹40 in fuel. Many people choose a mix: use public transit for long rides and a bike for short hops.

Health & Education: What to Expect

Public hospitals provide free or low‑cost treatment, but for quicker service many opt for private clinics. A general doctor’s visit in a private setup costs ₹300‑₹600. Health insurance plans start at ₹4,000‑₹7,000 per year for basic coverage.

Education costs vary a lot. Government schools are free, while private schools can range from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year. Colleges in public universities charge nominal fees, often under ₹10,000, whereas private engineering or management colleges can be ₹2‑₹5 lakhs per year.

Comparing Life Abroad

Living abroad usually means higher salaries but also higher costs for rent, groceries and health insurance. For example, a similar one‑bedroom apartment in a European city often costs double or triple what you’d pay in a Tier‑2 Indian city. Food and transport can also be pricier, but the disposable income may offset that if you earn in a stronger currency.

Bottom line: India offers a low‑cost lifestyle if you adjust your expectations and use local services. Knowing where to splurge (like a safe neighborhood or quality healthcare) and where to cut back (street food, public transport) lets you enjoy a comfortable life without feeling strapped.

Use this guide as a starting point, plug in your own numbers, and you’ll get a clear picture of what the cost of living looks like for you in India.