Cost of living in Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India, is known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Shillong is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Shillong, 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 $1.54 on average, with a range between $0.95 and $5.92.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $13.62, with prices ranging from $9.47 to $17.76.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.26, with a range between $2.96 and $5.92.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.07 to $7.11, imported beer $1.66 to $8.88, cappuccino $1.18 to $2.37, and Coke/Pepsi $0.24 to $0.59.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $0.83 per liter, averaging $0.65.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.3 and $0.95, with an average price of $0.36.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.71 to $1.14, averaging $0.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.83 to $2.96 per kg, while oranges range from $0.71 to $2.37 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.24 and $0.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.12 to $0.83 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.11 and $1.23 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.59, with a cost of $0.3 to $0.47 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 $142.1 to $236.84, averaging $205.26.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $118.42 to $165.79, averaging $142.1.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $355.26 to $414.47, averaging $394.73.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $272.37 to $296.05, averaging $284.21.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $17.76 and $71.05, averaging $40.55.
- Internet - Internet services range from $4.72 to $7.11, with an average cost of $5.72.
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
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
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Shillong offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with a wide range of options available at various price points.
Housing costs are quite affordable, especially outside the city centre, providing good value for money.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shillong presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to balance quality of life with cost efficiency.