Cost of living in Kollam
Kollam, a coastal city in the southern part of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Kollam is crucial for both residents and newcomers to manage their finances effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses in Kollam, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you plan your budget efficiently.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.18 on average, with a range between $0.95 and $2.37.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $7.10, with prices ranging from $5.92 to $23.68.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.14, with a range between $3.55 and $5.33.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.07 to $3.31, imported beer $1.89 to $5.68, cappuccino $0.95 to $2.37, and Coke/Pepsi $0.30 to $1.07.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.50 and $0.77 per liter, averaging $0.64.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.24 and $0.59, with an average price of $0.47.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.57 to $1.07, averaging $0.84.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.42 to $3.55 per kg, while oranges range from $0.59 to $2.96 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.18 and $1.18 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.12 to $0.95 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.11 and $0.18.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.27 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.71, with a cost of $0.14 to $0.59 per km and $0.59 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 $71.03 to $106.55, averaging $88.79.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $29.60 to $59.19, averaging $44.39.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $142.06 to $295.96, averaging $219.01.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $118.39.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $955.72.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $509.72.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $15.89 and $82.87, averaging $27.52.
- Internet - Internet services range from $2.96 to $11.84, with an average cost of $5.19.
Cost of Living Rankings
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
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Rent Per Month
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Kollam offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an affordable option for residents.
Dining out is inexpensive, with a variety of options available at different price points.
Housing costs are notably low, especially outside the city centre, providing affordable living spaces.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel.
Utilities and internet services are affordable, contributing to the overall low cost of living in Kollam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kollam presents an affordable living environment with low costs across various categories such as dining, housing, and transportation.
This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively while enjoying the cultural and natural beauty of the region.