Understanding the Cost of Living in Kolkata

Welcome to Kolkata, a city that offers a plethora of experiences - from relishing mouth-watering street food to enjoying the pulsating nightlife. If you're planning to make this vibrant city your new home, it's crucial to understand the cost of living.

Kolkata has something for everyone, whether it's a luxurious lifestyle or a simple one. So, let's take a look at the expenses you might encounter while residing in this dynamic city. By the end of this guide, you'll have a better understanding of what to expect and how to manage your finances.

What is the Cost of Living in Kolkata?

Kolkata is an affordable city to live in, with costs varying based on factors such as housing, transportation, utilities, childcare, and general family needs. It offers excellent amenities such as top-tier medical facilities, great educational institutions, and an active social scene.

Renting a 2-bedroom apartment can cost around Rs. 12,050 per month while purchasing can be around Rs. 35 Lakh. Local train passes for transportation usually cost around Rs. 500 per month, and utility bills are typically around Rs. 2,900. Other costs, such as childcare, household help, petrol, dining out, and miscellaneous expenses, should be considered in your budget.

Guide to Cost of Living in Kolkata

For Family

For Couples

For Students/Bachelors

Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Kolkata

Cost of Food

Kolkata offers diverse food options, with local eateries offering inexpensive meals starting from Rs. 100 up to Rs. 400, while mid-range restaurants charge between Rs. 600 and Rs. 1,800 for a three-course meal for two.

Quick bites at McDonald's are priced between Rs. 200 to Rs. 400, and a cup of cappuccino ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 250. For those staying in, Swiggy and Zomato offer meal delivery services priced from Rs. 400 to Rs. 600 per day.

Cost of Clothes

A pair of jeans in Kolkata, like Levis 501 or similar alternatives, usually costs between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 4,000. For chain store summer dresses, prices range from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 4,500.

Mid-range walking shoes like Adidas can cost anywhere from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6,000. Men's leather business shoes generally range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 4,000.

Cost of Transportation

Living in Kolkata requires considering transportation costs, which can be managed through affordable options such as a one-way ticket at Rs. 15 or a monthly pass for Rs. 300 for public transport.

Taxis charge around Rs. 22 per km, whereas rental bikes and scooters range from Rs. 5 to Rs. 6 per km, and cabs start at Rs. 85.

Cost of Accommodation

Kolkata offers a wide range of accommodation options, from posh areas like Alipore and Ballygunge to more affordable ones like Rajarhat and Garia.

You can choose from spacious apartments to paying guest setups in Karunamoyee or Baguiati. The rent varies from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 60,000 per month, depending on the location and property type.

Cost of Groceries

Grocery shopping in Kolkata is affordable. Basic items like milk, bread, rice, and eggs are reasonably priced between Rs. 25 to Rs. 80 per kg.

Local cheese and chicken fillets are a bit expensive at around Rs. 250 to Rs. 400 per kg. Fruits and vegetables have varying prices, with apples being the most expensive and potatoes being the cheapest.

Cost of Electricity

The electricity charges in Kolkata are structured in different slabs for domestic users, ranging from Rs. 2.00 to Rs. 7.10 per unit based on consumption levels.

For commercial purposes, the rate stands at Rs. 7.52 per unit. These rates fluctuate depending on the quantity of electricity consumed, impacting overall expenses for residents and businesses alike.

Cost of Schooling and Childcare

The cost of living in Kolkata comes with factors like the cost of schooling and childcare. Childcare expenses in Kolkata range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 8,000 per month for preschool or kindergarten and Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 10,000 per month for primary schools.

For those considering international primary schools, yearly fees can vary from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per child.

Cost of Sports Leisure and Entertainment

Kolkata offers a range of leisure activities, but it is important to consider the costs involved. For example, a gym membership for a month usually costs about Rs. 1,500, while renting a tennis court for an hour can cost around Rs. 800.

A cinema ticket costs an average of Rs. 290, and a meal for one person at a reasonably priced restaurant is roughly Rs. 150.

Cost of Utilities

In Kolkata, the cost of utilities like electricity, water, cooling, heating, and garbage disposal can range from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 6,000.

The prepaid mobile tariffs are affordable at Rs. 0.75 per minute, and the unlimited internet packages cost between Rs. 450 to Rs. 1,000, guaranteeing uninterrupted connectivity.

Pros and Cons of Living in Kolkata

Conclusion

What is the cost of living in Kolkata?

Living in Kolkata is quite affordable, whether alone, with a partner, or with a family. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around Rs. 12,050 monthly, with transportation at around Rs. 500. Utility bills are about Rs. 2,900 per month.

Guide to cost of living in Kolkata

In Kolkata, families, couples, and students/bachelors each encounter tailored expenses covering accommodation, groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing flexibility and comfort within their respective lifestyles and budgets.

Factors affecting the cost of living in Kolkata

• Cost of food
• Cost of clothes
• Cost of transportation
• Cost of accommodation
• Cost of groceries
• Cost of electricity
• Cost of schooling and childcare
• Cost of sports leisure shopping and entertainment
• Cost of utilities
• Cost of healthcare
• Cost of personal care

Pros and cons of living in Kolkata

With diversity, vibrant nightlife, rich culture and history, Kolkata is overcrowded with poor infrastructure.