Delhi, India's bustling capital, offers a dynamic lifestyle with opportunities for everyone—from students and working professionals to families and retirees. However, the cost of living in Delhi can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle, location, and personal choices. Whether you're planning to move to Delhi or just curious about expenses, this guide will help you understand the real cost of living in the city.
1. Housing Costs in Delhi
Housing is the biggest expense for most people in Delhi. The city has a wide range of accommodation options, from affordable PGs (Paying Guest accommodations) to luxurious apartments in upscale areas.
Average Rent in Different Areas:
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Budget Areas (Uttam Nagar, Dwarka Mor, Laxmi Nagar, Badarpur): 7,000 – 15,000 rupee per month for a 1BHK.
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Mid-range Areas (Rohini, Mayur Vihar, Paschim Vihar, Janakpuri): 15,000 – 30,000 rupee per month for a 1BHK.
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Premium Areas (South Delhi – Hauz Khas, Saket, Greater Kailash, Vasant Kunj): 35,000 – 1,00,000 rupee per month for a 1BHK.
If you're a student or a bachelor, shared accommodations and PGs can reduce costs, ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 rupee per month, including basic utilities.
2. Utility Bills and Internet Costs
Besides rent, you need to budget for monthly utility expenses like electricity, water, and internet.
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Electricity: 1,000 – 4,000 rupee per month, depending on usage and air conditioning.
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Water and Gas: 500 – 1,500 rupee per month.
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Internet (Broadband + Mobile Data): 700 – 2,000 rupee per month.
Delhi enjoys government subsidies on water and electricity for low consumption households, which helps reduce costs.
3. Transportation Expenses in Delhi
Delhi has a well-connected and affordable public transport system.
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Delhi Metro: 10 – 60 rupee per trip, with a monthly pass costing around 1,500 – 2,500 rupee.
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Auto Rickshaws: 30 – 200 rupee per ride, depending on distance.
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Ola/Uber Cabs: 200 – 600 rupee per ride, based on location and demand.
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Petrol/Diesel: 100 – 120 rupee per liter (as of recent updates).
If you rely on the metro and buses, monthly transportation costs can stay within 2,500 rupee. Owning a car increases expenses due to fuel, parking, and maintenance.
4. Food and Grocery Costs
Food expenses in Delhi depend on whether you cook at home or eat out frequently.
Home-Cooked Food (Groceries):
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Monthly groceries for a single person: 3,000 – 6,000 rupee
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For a family of four: 8,000 – 15,000 rupee
Eating Out & Dining:
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Street food (Chhole Bhature, Momos, Parathas): 50 – 150 rupee per meal
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Mid-range restaurants: 300 – 700 rupee per person
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High-end dining: 1,500 – 5,000 rupee per person
Eating out frequently can increase your monthly expenses significantly, so home-cooked meals are a budget-friendly choice.
5. Healthcare Costs in Delhi
Delhi has world-class healthcare facilities, both private and government-run.
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Government Hospitals: Free or very low cost (AIIMS, Safdarjung, GTB Hospital).
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Private Clinics: 300 – 1,000 rupee per consultation.
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Private Hospitals: 2,000 – 10,000 rupee per visit, depending on treatment.
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Health Insurance: 5,000 – 20,000 rupee annually, depending on coverage.
Public healthcare is affordable but often crowded, while private hospitals offer faster services at higher costs.
6. Education Costs (For Families & Students)
Delhi is home to some of the best schools, colleges, and coaching institutes in India.
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Government Schools: Mostly free or nominal fees.
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Private Schools: 30,000 – 3,00,000 rupee per year.
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Colleges & Universities:
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Delhi University: 5,000 – 30,000 rupee per year (affordable).
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Private universities: 1,00,000 – 5,00,000 rupee per year.
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Coaching Institutes: 50,000 – 2,00,000 rupee per course for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, UPSC.
Education expenses can vary widely depending on the institution and course.
7. Entertainment and Leisure Costs
Delhi offers various entertainment options, from cinemas and shopping malls to nightclubs and cultural events.
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Movies: 200 – 600 rupee per ticket.
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Gyms & Fitness Centers: 1,500 – 5,000 rupee per month.
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Clubs & Pubs: 1,000 – 5,000 rupee per night (cover charge + drinks).
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Shopping:
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Street shopping (Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar): Budget-friendly.
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Malls & Branded Stores (Select Citywalk, DLF Emporio): Expensive.
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Your entertainment budget depends on how often you go out and where you choose to spend.
8. Miscellaneous Expenses
Other costs to consider include:
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Maid Services: 2,000 – 5,000 rupee per month.
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Mobile Recharge/Bills: 200 – 1,000 rupee per month.
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Personal Grooming (Salon, Spa, Clothing): 1,000 – 5,000 rupee per month.
9. Total Estimated Monthly Expenses in Delhi
Here’s a rough estimate of the cost of living in Delhi based on lifestyle:
| Expense Category | Budget (rupee) | Mid-Range (rupee) | Luxury (rupee) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BHK) | 7,000 – 15,000 | 20,000 – 35,000 | 50,000+ |
| Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.) | 2,000 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 8,000 | 10,000+ |
| Transportation | 1,500 – 3,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 | 15,000+ |
| Groceries | 3,000 – 6,000 | 8,000 – 12,000 | 15,000+ |
| Eating Out | 2,000 – 5,000 | 8,000 – 15,000 | 20,000+ |
| Entertainment & Shopping | 2,000 – 5,000 | 7,000 – 15,000 | 20,000+ |
| Miscellaneous | 2,000 – 5,000 | 7,000 – 12,000 | 15,000+ |
| Total | 20,000 – 40,000 | 50,000 – 80,000 | 1,50,000+ |
Final Thoughts: Is Delhi Expensive?
The cost of living in Delhi depends entirely on your lifestyle. A student or bachelor can survive on 20,000 – 40,000 rupee per month, while a family may need 60,000 – 1,50,000 rupee. For luxury seekers, costs can go even higher.
Delhi offers choices for every budget. With smart planning, you can enjoy the city’s vibrant life without breaking the bank. Would you like help with budget planning for your move to Delhi?
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