Welcome to Delhi, India's capital and a bustling hub of education, industry, and culture. If you're planning to move here, it's important to understand the cost of living, which varies depending on the area you choose to live in. While some parts of Delhi, like Central and South Delhi, may be costlier, suburban areas are more affordable.
In this guide, we'll explore the cost of living in Delhi and provide you with tips to help you save money. We'll also answer your questions and provide the information you need to make a smooth transition to your new home in Delhi.
The cost of living in Delhi depends on factors such as family size and lifestyle. Groceries and utilities for a single person are cheaper than for a family while dining out and shopping habits affect overall costs. Education, infrastructure, and healthcare are good, but they can be expensive.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from Rs. 10,050 to Rs. 18,100, while a two-bedroom one can be Rs. 30,050 to Rs. 50,100. Monthly expenses include electricity, Wi-Fi, and groceries, starting at Rs. 850. Transport and meals add to the cost, with a monthly bus pass of around Rs. 1,050 and daily meals for two starting at Rs. 600.
Area of Expense | Family of Four (2 Adults + 2 Kids) |
---|---|
Accommodation | Rs. 10,050 to Rs. 30,100 |
Groceries | Rs. 4,100 to Rs. 15,050 |
Transport | Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 7,050 |
Utilities | Rs. 3,100 to Rs. 6,050 |
Entertainment | Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 8,100 |
Schooling of Kids | Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 20,100 |
Area of Expense | Couples |
---|---|
Accommodation | Rs. 9,050 to Rs. 20,100 |
Groceries | Rs. 2,100 to Rs. 4,600 |
Transport | Rs. 1,600 to Rs. 3,550 |
Utilities | Rs. 2,100 to Rs. 4,050 |
Entertainment | Rs. 4,100 to Rs. 10,050 |
Area of Expense | Students/Bachelors |
---|---|
Accommodation | Rs. 4,050 to Rs. 8,050 |
Groceries | Rs. 1,050 to Rs. 1,600 |
Transport | Rs. 1,050 to Rs. 2,600 |
Utilities | Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,600 |
Entertainment | Rs. 4,100 to Rs. 8,050 |
Food is a significant factor impacting the cost of living in Delhi. Ordering food often could tally up to Rs. 6,100 to Rs. 10,050 monthly.
Cooking at home might cost around Rs. 4,050 to Rs. 6,100 per person, similar to other big cities in India. Depending on your area, hiring a cook can cost between Rs. 4,100 to Rs. 20,050.
The cost of real estate in Delhi varies significantly across different localities. Affordable properties, priced up to Rs. 40 Lakh, are available in areas like Uttam Nagar and Dwarka, with average prices per square foot ranging from Rs. 11,674 to Rs. 21,835.
For mid-range properties, such as those in Paschim Vihar, prices can go up to Rs. 23,400 per square foot. Luxury properties exceeding Rs. 3 Crore are found in upscale areas like Greater Kailash 1 and Safdarjung Enclave, with average prices per square foot reaching Rs. 64,944.
Renting a house in Delhi varies greatly depending on the location and category. In more affordable areas like Burari and Uttam Nagar, monthly rents can range from Rs. 5,050 to Rs. 16,050.
In contrast, posh areas such as Greater Kailash and Shanti Niketan command higher rents, ranging from Rs. 18,050 to Rs. 1,00,000 monthly. The rent can go even higher in areas like Hauz Khas and Safdarjung.
Shopping expenses in Delhi vary based on factors like product type, quality, brand, and store location. Depending on these factors, you might spend between Rs. 2,100 to Rs. 5,050 on clothes.
Local street markets like Sarojini Nagar, Janpath Marg, and Chandni Chowk are renowned for offering affordable options for clothes and other items.
Understanding transportation expenses in Delhi is crucial to cover an area of 1,484 square kilometres. A single journey on local transport costs Rs. 25, whereas a monthly pass costs Rs. 1,050.
For those with personal vehicles, petrol is priced around Rs. 80 per litre, while diesel sells for Rs. 75 per litre.
The cost of accommodation in Delhi varies significantly depending on the type and location. Renting a 1 BHK apartment ranges from Rs. 9,100 to Rs. 20,050 per month, while a 2 BHK can cost between Rs. 12,100 to Rs. 35,050.
For larger families, a 3 BHK apartment may range from Rs. 20,050 to Rs. 80,050 or even higher. Alternatively, opting for a PG facility can offer cost savings, with single occupancy starting at around Rs. 10,100 and shared occupancy ranging from Rs. 7,050 to Rs. 15,050 per month, depending on the locality.
In Delhi, residents can access grocery stores in their neighbourhoods and opt for online grocery delivery services.
Prices for essential items like milk (1 litre), bread (1 loaf), rice (1 kg), eggs (1 dozen), cheese (1 kg), chicken filets (1 kg), and fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and lettuce range from Rs. 36 to Rs. 300.
Electricity pricing in Delhi for domestic consumers in 2023 follows a tiered structure. For consumption up to 200 units, no charge is applied.
Beyond this threshold, the rate increases progressively: from Rs. 2.50 per unit for consumption between 201 and 400 units, Rs. 5 per unit for 401 to 800 units, Rs. 6.5 per unit for 801 to 1200 units, and Rs. 7.5 per unit for usage exceeding 1200 units.
Childcare and educational costs are significant factors influencing the cost of living in Delhi, particularly for families. Preschool fees typically range from Rs. 25,050 to Rs. 2,50,050 per year, while primary and secondary education costs between Rs. 50,100 to Rs. 5,00,000 annually.
International schools command higher fees, averaging between Rs. 3,00,050 to Rs. 20,00,100 annually. Undergraduate courses vary from Rs. 20,050 to Rs. 2,00,000 annually, while postgraduate studies can range from Rs. 50,100 to Rs. 20,00,000 annually, depending on the institution and program.
Additionally, childcare expenses such as nanny services, costing Rs. 7,100 to Rs. 15,050 per month for full-time care, and daycare facilities, starting from Rs. 12,100 to Rs. 25,050 per month, further impact living expenses in Delhi.
In Delhi, the cost of entertainment varies depending on the activity and your budget. For movies, ticket prices range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,550, depending on factors like theatre, movie, time, and seat type.
Attending live music performances can cost around Rs. 550 to Rs. 5,050, based on the artist's popularity and venue. Stand-up comedy show tickets range from Rs. 550 to Rs. 3,050, while amusement park entry varies from Rs. 550 to Rs. 2,100.
Some museums and art galleries offer free entry, while others charge fees ranging from Rs.30 to Rs. 450. Sports event tickets typically range from Rs. 450 to Rs. 5,100, depending on the venue and the sport's popularity.
The utility expenses significantly influence the overall cost of living in Delhi, determined by factors like family size and lifestyle choices. Depending on OTT subscriptions and speed preferences, Internet costs typically range from Rs. 550 to Rs. 1,600 monthly.
Additionally, expenses for garbage disposal, water, electricity, gas, and other utilities vary from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000, depending on usage and service providers.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Multicultural Environment | Air Pollution |
Abundant Job Opportunities | Traffic Congestion |
Well-developed infrastructure | High cost of living |
Street Food-Hub | Safety concerns |
Tourist Hotspot | Extreme Weather Conditions |
What is the cost of living in Delhi?
The cost of living in Delhi varies depending on family size and lifestyle. Rent for a 1 BHK ranges from Rs. 10,050 to Rs. 18,100, while a 3 BHK can be Rs. 30,050 to Rs. 50,100.
Guide to cost of living in Delhi
The guide to the cost of living in Delhi offers valuable insights for individuals and families planning to settle in the city. By understanding monthly expenditures based on family size and lifestyle, residents can effectively budget their expenses.
Factors affecting cost of living in Delhi
Pros and cons of living in Delhi
Living in Delhi has its advantages, such as its multicultural environment, abundant job opportunities, well-developed infrastructure, street food hub and tourist hotspot. However, residents also face challenges like air pollution, traffic congestion, high cost of living, safety concerns and extreme weather conditions.
For a family of five, monthly expenses in Delhi can vary depending on factors like accommodation, groceries, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and schooling.
Generally, the accommodation could range from Rs. 10,050 to Rs. 30,100, with Rs. 4,100 to Rs. 15,050 for groceries, Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 7,050 for transportation, Rs. 3,100 to Rs. 6,050 for utilities, Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 8100 for entertainment, and Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 20,100 for education.