Cost of living in Delhi
Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living in Delhi is crucial for anyone planning to move or travel to this dynamic metropolis.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.85 on average, with a range between $1.78 and $8.29.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.76, with prices ranging from $12 to $42.62.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.14, with a range between $3.26 and $5.92.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.18 to $5.92, imported beer $2.37 to $5.92, cappuccino $0.95 to $4.74, and Coke/Pepsi $0.36 to $1.18.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.59 and $0.95 per liter, averaging $0.76.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.36 and $0.78, with an average price of $0.55.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.85 to $1.7, averaging $1.16.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.95 to $2.96 per kg, while oranges range from $0.47 to $1.78 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.24 and $0.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.24 to $1.18 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.3 and $0.83, with a monthly pass priced between $5.92 and $29.6.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.24 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.59, with a cost of $0.24 to $0.59 per km and $0.71 to $2.37 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $177.58 to $473.54, averaging $279.31.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $94.71 to $295.96, averaging $159.1.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $473.54 to $1420.63, averaging $726.98.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $260.45 to $710.31, averaging $412.1.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1302.24 to $3822.88, averaging $2281.61.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $887.89 to $2190.14, averaging $1280.38.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $35.52 and $118.39, averaging $63.11.
- Internet - Internet services range from $5.92 to $13.02, with an average cost of $8.55.
Cost of Living Rankings
Delhi ranks 5th on the Cost of Living rankings in India. The cost of living indices for India are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in India, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Delhi offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low prices for dining and groceries.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport options and reasonable fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delhi presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly for those looking to balance quality of life with affordability.
While certain imported goods and luxury items may be priced higher, the overall expenses for essentials remain manageable.
Prospective residents and travelers can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle without incurring high costs, making Delhi a desirable destination for many.