Cost of living in Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station in India known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Understanding the cost of living in Shimla is crucial for anyone planning to move or travel to this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.78 on average, with a range between $1.18 and $3.55.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $5.92, with prices ranging from $5.33 to $23.67.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.55, with a range between $2.37 and $5.33.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.83 to $2.96, imported beer $2.07 to $4.73, cappuccino $0.36 to $1.42, and Coke/Pepsi $0.24 to $1.12.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $0.95 per liter, averaging $0.75.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.3 and $0.65, with an average price of $0.43.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.71 to $1.28, averaging $0.93.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.95 to $2.96 per kg, while oranges range from $0.59 to $1.66 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.17 and $0.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.12 to $0.66 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 $5.92 and $11.84.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.23 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.18, with a cost of $0.24 to $0.47 per km and $1.18 to $2.6 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $82.85 to $118.36, averaging $96.66.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $47.34 to $71.01, averaging $59.18.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $201.21 to $236.72, averaging $224.88.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $142.03.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $637.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $637.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $17.75 and $71.01, averaging $19.73.
- Internet - Internet services range from $5.92 to $11.82, with an average cost of $6.98.
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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"Key Takeaways"
Shimla offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many urban centers, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is quite affordable, with inexpensive meals available for under $2.
Housing costs are significantly lower than in major cities, with reasonable rent prices both in and outside the city centre.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shimla presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing for those looking to enjoy a serene lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger cities.
With affordable dining, housing, and transportation, Shimla is an excellent choice for individuals and families seeking a balanced cost of living.