Cost of living in Kolkata
Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is known for its rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in this bustling city is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kolkata, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.96 on average, with a range between $1.18 and $5.92.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $14.21, with prices ranging from $9.47 to $35.52.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.74, with a range between $3.55 and $5.92.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.18 to $3.55, imported beer $2.13 to $7.1, cappuccino $0.59 to $2.96, and Coke/Pepsi $0.24 to $0.59.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.47 and $0.88 per liter, averaging $0.69.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.19 and $0.59, with an average price of $0.4.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.71 to $1.14, averaging $0.97.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.71 to $2.96 per kg, while oranges range from $0.71 to $2.96 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.21 and $0.47 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 $0.12 and $0.36, with a monthly pass priced between $1.78 and $5.92.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.36 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.59, with a cost of $0.18 to $0.59 per km and $1.18 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 $94.71 to $295.96, averaging $152.13.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $47.35 to $118.39, averaging $83.82.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $236.77 to $591.93, averaging $328.4.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $142.06 to $295.96, averaging $186.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $637.15 to $1911.44, averaging $1148.12.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $382.29 to $892.01, averaging $548.23.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $17.76 and $71.03, averaging $34.61.
- Internet - Internet services range from $5.68 to $11.84, with an average cost of $7.31.
Cost of Living Rankings
Kolkata ranks 12th 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"
Kolkata offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many global cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is inexpensive, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets.
Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, providing good value for money.
Public transportation is very economical, although private vehicle costs such as gasoline are higher.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kolkata presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While utilities and internet costs are reasonable, potential residents should consider the higher costs of private vehicle ownership.
Overall, Kolkata is a vibrant city that balances cultural richness with economic living, making it an appealing choice for many.