South Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in India
The average cost of living in India ranges from $154 per month in Patna to $615 per month in Surat, with a median monthly basket of $224 for a single person. We track 26 cities in India.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| India at a glance | Headline numbers across 26 cities. |
| Cities in India | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about India | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
26
Median monthly · single
$224
Average cost index
5.8
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Surat /
Patna
Browse cities
26 cities shown
About cost of living in India
- How expensive is India?
- India has 26 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Patna is among the most affordable, while Surat ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in India?
- Budget anywhere from $154 per month in Patna (the cheapest tracked city) to $615 per month in Surat (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in India?
- Patna typically offers the lowest cost of living in India, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in India has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for India up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.