Delhi cost of living index: 24/100 (NYC = 100). Monthly budget: $700-$1,900 depending on lifestyle. India’s capital and political nerve center, Delhi offers solid expat infrastructure with lower costs than Mumbai. The city blends ancient monuments, modern shopping districts, and sprawling neighborhoods-each with distinct character and price points.
Sources: Numbeo 2025; World Bank 2024.
Key Data at a Glance
| Indicator | Value | Notes | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 24 | 76% cheaper than NYC | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Rent 1BR centre | $300-$700/mo | South Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida expat zones | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Rent 1BR suburbs | $150-$350/mo | Old Delhi, Outer areas, East Delhi | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Groceries Index | 15.8 | Street markets and supermarkets mix | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant meal mid-range | $3-$9 | Wide variety of price points | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $22 | Delhi Metro system | Official | 2025 |
Housing in Delhi
Delhi’s housing market spans wildly different price points. South Delhi neighborhoods (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony, Greater Kailash) and corporate hubs (Gurgaon, Noida) rent 1BR furnished apartments for $300-$700/month-these areas have expat populations, decent restaurants, and modern infrastructure. Middle-class residential areas like Dwarka or East Delhi offer decent 1BR apartments at $150-$250/month with basic but functional amenities. Old Delhi and outer suburban areas drop to $100-$150/month but appeal mainly to budget travelers and adventurous expats. Utility costs (electricity, water, internet) add another $30-$60/month depending on usage and area. Security deposits typically equal 2-3 months’ rent.
Food and Groceries
Delhi’s food scene rivals any world capital for both variety and value. Weekly grocery shopping (vegetables, grains, basics) costs $40-$80 per person shopping at local markets or supermarket chains. Street food-momos, samosas, chaat-runs $0.50-$2 per item and is everywhere. Casual Indian restaurants serve full meals for $2-$5, while modern cafes and Western-style restaurants cost $8-$15 per plate. Expats typically spend $120-$200/month on food with a comfortable mix of street eats, local restaurants, and occasional upscale dining.
Transport
Delhi’s metro system is extensive, modern, and incredibly cheap-a monthly pass costs $22 and covers unlimited travel on one of Asia’s fastest-expanding networks. Auto-rickshaws (the three-wheeled taxis) charge by meter at roughly $0.20-$0.40 per kilometer. Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Ola) offer comparable rates or slightly higher. Taxis and private cars exist but are rarely necessary given metro coverage and cheap rickshaws.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Lifestyle | Monthly (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $700-$1,100 | Shared apartment outer areas, street food/markets, metro passes |
| Comfortable expat | $1,200-$1,600 | 1BR apartment middle zones, mix casual/local restaurants, metro + occasional taxi |
| Western lifestyle | $1,900+ | 1BR South Delhi/Gurgaon, regular upscale dining, car + metro, entertainment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delhi affordable for expats?
Delhi is one of the world’s most affordable capital cities for expats. Housing, food, and transport are dramatically cheaper than Western metros. An expat with modest remote income lives comfortably, dines out regularly, and often employs part-time household help-luxuries out of reach in the West.
What is the average cost of living in Delhi per month?
Most expats spend $1,200-$1,600/month for comfortable living. This budget covers a solo 1BR apartment in a decent neighborhood ($250-$400), regular meals mixing street food and restaurants, metro passes, and modest entertainment. Disciplined budget travelers live on $700-$900/month.
Explore India Cities
- Cost of Living in Delhi
- Cost of Living in Mumbai
- Cost of Living in Bangalore
- Cost of Living in Jaipur
Data: Numbeo 2025 (NYC = 100). All budgets in USD. Last updated April 2026.