Delhi is a city of opportunity and prosperity. It has a great infrastructure for healthcare, employment, education, and investment. The cost of living in Delhi varies greatly depending on where you want to live. It is higher in the centre and south than in the suburbs. As a result, before deciding on a location and looking for a property for rent or ownership in Delhi, you should consider a few factors.
Important considerations for living in Delhi
- Your job
- The reason for moving to Delhi
- Employment status
- Lifestyle options
- Job description and prospects
- Every day commute
- The number of family members you have to support
- Types of domestic services you need
- Distance between chosen location and your workplace
- Food expenses
- Overhead expenses
Average yearly salary in Delhi
You’ll be surprised to learn that the cost of living in Delhi is lower than in Mumbai, and the average salary is higher. According to Randstad Insights, the average annual Cost To Company (CTC) in the capital city across all functions and levels is 9.8 lakh. It is less than in Pune and Bangalore, but more than in Mumbai.
Cost of living in Delhi
Here’s a quick look at the overall cost of living in Delhi.
| Expenses | Average Cost |
| Accommodation | INR 10,000 onwards |
| Local transport | INR 2,500 |
| Hired transport | INR 25 per km |
| Electricity bill | INR 1500 onwards |
| Internet service | INR 700 onwards |
| Groceries | INR 4,000 per person |
| Lifestyle & entertainment | INR 1,500 per person |
Given the factors mentioned above, you may have to spend Rs 15,000-20,000 per month. Consider the cost of living for working couples, families, and students.
Living expenses in Delhi for a working couple
A couple living in Delhi can expect to pay between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000 per month.
| Expenses | Average cost |
| Rented house | Rs 17,500 onwards |
| Local transport | Rs 2,500 per person |
| Hired transport | Rs 4,000 per person |
| Groceries | Rs 6,000 onwards |
| Hired transport | Rs 4,000 per person |
| Overhead expenses | Rs 1,500 onwards |
| Lifestyle and entertainment | Rs 1,500 onwards |
| Bills | Rs 2,500 onwards |
Cost of living in Delhi for a family
In Delhi, the cost of living for a family of three can range from Rs 70,000 to Rs 75,000 per month.
| Expenses | Average cost |
| Rented house | Rs 20,000 |
| Local transport | Rs 2,500 per person |
| Hired transport | Rs 4,000 per person |
| Owned transport | Rs 10,000 |
| Groceries | Rs 15,000 |
| Overhead expenses | Rs 6,000 |
| Lifestyle and entertainment | Rs 4,000 |
| Bills | Rs 6,500 onwards |
| Childcare | Rs 10,000 onwards |
Cost of living in Delhi for a bachelor
A student’s monthly living expenses in Delhi may range between Rs 22,000 and Rs 24,000.
| Expenses | Average cost |
| Rented house | Rs 10,500 |
| Local transport | Rs 2,500 |
| Hired transport | Rs 4,000 |
| Owned transport | Rs 4,000 |
| Groceries | Rs 8,000 |
| Overhead expenses | Rs 3,000 |
| Lifestyle and entertainment | Rs 3,000 |
Cost of living in Delhi: Commuting and transport
If you use public transportation, you will spend anywhere between Rs 20 and Rs 50 per day on a one-way ticket. A monthly pass will set you back up to Rs 2,000. Cabs are available at all hours of the day, and depending on the distance travelled, you can expect to pay between Rs 50 and Rs 800 for a local trip.
The Delhi metro provides residents with an affordable mode of transportation through which they can plan to reduce the cost of living, primarily transportation expenses, in New Delhi. The Delhi metro is India’s largest metro network. In the city, the fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 50.
Cost of utilities in Delhi
Electricity and water are subsidised for Delhi residents. Given the size of the building, the purpose of use of the building, the number of family members, and other factors, energy and other utility costs range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000 per month on average. The price of internet is lower.than Rs 1,000 per month. All these expenses must be considered when looking at the average cost of living in Delhi.
Cost of household/grocery items in Delhi
This is an important consideration when calculating the cost of living in Delhi. Your monthly supply of provisions and grocery items will cost nearly the same in any city, with variations depending on where you buy it (wholesale market or organic brand), the quality of household goods you prefer, consumption pattern, family size, amount of time spent at home, and so on.
We estimate that a family should spend between Rs 8,000 and Rs 25,000 per month on household supplies, whereas single working professionals and bachelors should spend between Rs 6,000 and Rs 18,000 per month.
Cost of childcare and education in Delhi
Budget anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000 per month if you have children. Costs will vary depending on your child’s age. In the city, there are numerous day-care centres, schools, and colleges to choose from. The fee structure varies according to the quality of education. Part-time maids/helpers/day-care operators will cost you anywhere between Rs 3,000 and Rs 25,000 per month.
Cost of leisure / lifestyle amenities in Delhi
A meal at a low-cost restaurant will typically cost Rs 300 per person, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost Rs 1,500 for two people per visit. As a result, you can estimate your spending based on the types of cuisines you enjoy and where you frequent. Movies, the theatre, hangouts with friends and family, weekend parties, shopping at malls, and the cost of exploring the city are also expenses.
Top locations to live in Delhi
The cost of living in this city is entirely dependent on where you live. Mayur Vihar, Saket, Malviya Nagar, Vasant Kunj, CR Park, and other prime locations can be found in this city. However, the cost of living in these areas will be high.