Cost of Living in Delhi
Delhi NCR • Population: 1.9 Cr
National capital with a blend of historic monuments and modern infrastructure.
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Restaurants & Dining
Average prices at local restaurants, street food stalls, and cafes
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
Veg Thali (local restaurant) per plate | ₹120 |
Non-Veg Thali (local restaurant) per plate | ₹200 |
Meal for Two (high-end restaurant) per meal | ₹1,600 |
Chai (regular cup) per cup | ₹15 |
Coffee (Cappuccino) per cup | ₹190 |
Specialty Coffee (Third Wave) per cup | ₹280 |
Street Food (Vada Pav / Samosa) per piece | ₹15 |
Biryani (chicken) per plate | ₹220 |
Dosa (plain) per plate | ₹70 |
Fast Food Combo (McDonald's) per meal | ₹250 |
Soft Drink (Coca-Cola, 300ml) per bottle | ₹40 |
Bottled Water (1 litre) per bottle | ₹20 |
Groceries
Prices at local markets and grocery stores, including health supplements
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
Rice (Basmati) 1 kg | ₹100 |
Wheat Flour (Atta) 1 kg | ₹50 |
Toor Dal 1 kg | ₹155 |
Milk (Full Cream) 1 litre | ₹60 |
Eggs 12 pcs | ₹78 |
Chicken 1 kg | ₹250 |
Paneer 1 kg | ₹380 |
Onions 1 kg | ₹35 |
Tomatoes 1 kg | ₹45 |
Potatoes 1 kg | ₹30 |
Cooking Oil (Sunflower) 1 litre | ₹155 |
Sugar 1 kg | ₹46 |
Apples (Shimla) 1 kg | ₹180 |
Bananas 1 dozen | ₹50 |
Bread (White, Sliced) 1 loaf | ₹45 |
Whey Protein (1 kg) per kg | ₹3,000 |
Transportation
Public transport, ride-hailing, and fuel costs
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
Auto Rickshaw (minimum fare) per ride | ₹25 |
Auto Rickshaw (per km after min) per km | ₹11 |
Metro / Local Train (monthly pass) per month | ₹1,250 |
Bus (monthly pass) per month | ₹800 |
Ola/Uber (avg ride) per ride | ₹200 |
Petrol 1 litre | ₹95 |
Diesel 1 litre | ₹88 |
Two Wheeler EMI (avg) per month | ₹3,500 |
Car EMI (avg) per month | ₹15,000 |
Utilities (Monthly)
Monthly bills for electricity, water, internet, and mobile
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
Electricity per month | ₹2,200 |
Water Bill per month | ₹400 |
Cooking Gas (LPG Cylinder) per cylinder | ₹803 |
Broadband Internet per month | ₹850 |
Mobile Plan (Jio/Airtel) per month | ₹349 |
Air Purifier Filters & Masks (NCR) per month | ₹800 |
Accommodation - Rent (Monthly)
Monthly rent for apartments in different areas
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
1 BHK in City Centre per month | ₹22,000 |
1 BHK Outside City Centre per month | ₹12,000 |
2 BHK in City Centre per month | ₹40,000 |
2 BHK Outside City Centre per month | ₹22,000 |
3 BHK in City Centre per month | ₹70,000 |
3 BHK Outside City Centre per month | ₹35,000 |
Home Loan EMI (2BHK avg) per month | ₹59,000 |
Household Help & Misc
Cook, maid, and other monthly household expenses
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
Cook (part-time, 2 meals/day) per month | ₹7,000 |
Maid / Cleaning Help per month | ₹2,500 |
Laundry / Ironing (dhobi) per month | ₹1,200 |
Miscellaneous Monthly Spend per month | ₹2,500 |
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Gym, movies, streaming, and personal care
| Item | Delhi |
|---|---|
Gym Membership per month | ₹2,000 |
Movie Ticket (Multiplex) per ticket | ₹280 |
Netflix (Standard Plan) per month | ₹649 |
Spotify Premium per month | ₹119 |
Haircut (Men, basic salon) per cut | ₹150 |
Domestic Beer (pint, restaurant) per pint | ₹220 |
Imported Beer (bottle, restaurant) per bottle | ₹400 |
Last updated: February 2026
Based on data from 128 contributors
Prices are averages and may vary by locality
Monthly Budget Guide for Delhi
Estimated all-in monthly costs based on current Delhi prices — accommodation, food, transport, and utilities.
- • PG triple sharing (meals incl.)
- • Bus pass for commute
- • Basic personal expenses
- • PG double sharing or 1BHK outside centre
- • Meals at local restaurants
- • Metro / transport + utilities
- • 1BHK in city centre
- • Dining out + groceries
- • Transport + utilities + leisure
* Estimates are indicative. Actual costs depend on lifestyle, exact location, and current market rates. Use the calculator to customise for your situation.
Delhi: Key Facts & Insights
What makes Delhi unique — economy, infrastructure, lifestyle, and things to know before you move.
Delhi's winter AQI regularly crosses 400+ (severe). Breathing Delhi air in November equals smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day.
Delhi has been the capital of multiple empires for over 1,000 years — it has the ruins of 7 historical cities within it.
Delhi Metro is the world's largest metro system by route length outside of China, covering 390+ km with 250+ stations.
Chandni Chowk has served food since the 1600s — some shops are 300+ years old. Paranthe Wali Gali alone has 30+ varieties.
Delhi experiences extreme temperature swings — from 2°C in January to 48°C in June. That's a 46-degree annual range.
Delhi has more registered cars than Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata combined — over 1.2 crore vehicles on road.
Delhi hosts the world's largest book fair, the Delhi Book Fair, attracting over 1 million visitors every year.
Delhi's per capita income is the highest in India at ₹4.6 lakh — nearly double the national average.
Despite pollution, Delhi has more green cover (20%) than most Indian metros, thanks to the Ridge forest and Yamuna floodplains.
Crime rate is a concern — Delhi reports the highest number of crimes among Indian cities, though policing has improved significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cost of Living in Delhi
How much does it cost to live in Delhi per month?
A single person living frugally in Delhi (PG triple sharing) can manage on around ₹9,300/month. A comfortable independent lifestyle with a 1BHK apartment typically costs ₹40,500/month, depending on lifestyle choices.
What is the average rent for a 1BHK apartment in Delhi?
A 1BHK apartment in Delhi's city centre costs around ₹22,000/month. Outside the city centre, rent drops to approximately ₹12,000. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood and the age of the building.
Is Delhi affordable for students?
Yes — Delhi has good PG accommodation options for students. A PG with triple sharing and meals starts from around ₹7,500/month, making it accessible for students on a budget. The city is considered affordable overall, with a Cost Index of 47 compared to Mumbai's base of 100.
How does Delhi compare to Mumbai for cost of living?
Delhi is 53% cheaper than Mumbai on average. Its Cost Index is 47 compared to Mumbai's 100. This means your rupee goes significantly further in Delhi than in India's most expensive city.
What are the cheapest accommodation options in Delhi?
The most affordable option in Delhi is a PG with triple sharing and meals at around ₹7,500/month. Double sharing PG accommodation costs approximately ₹10,000. For independent living, a 1BHK outside the city centre is typically the next step up.
Thinking of relocating to or from Delhi?
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