Cost of living in Delhi
“If the world is the body, Delhi is its life” believes Mirza Ghalib. Delhi has acquired this stature with the help of the facilities it gives to its people. Delhi had served as the capital to various kingdoms and empires throughout history and is currently the capital of India. At present, it is the second wealthiest city in India, and home to 18 billionaires!
According to the 2016 census, the population of Delhi increased to 26 million from 11 million in 2011. With this immensely growing population, grow the commercial, financial, personal, and social needs especially of youth. Delhi, being the capital city of India has taken care of every demand. The typical Indian cuisine foods as well as the best continental food in the country, being the party hub for the youth, and not giving up its Indian culture and ethos for the elderly, it has given its best to every person living there. The capital city is also famous for the age-old monuments and its shopping arcades.
However, all of this comes at a growing expense. This article will guide you through all the expenses you must be willing to know if you are planning to shift in Delhi, alone or with family.
1) Accommodation in Delhi
Compared to the other big cities in India, Delhi gives you varied options to choose from for your accommodation. You can choose to live in any locality, be it very cheap and affordable or posh and luxurious, depending upon your need for privacy or your budget limitations.
Renting a House
| Localities | 1 BHK | 2 BHK | 3 BHK |
| Rohini | 7k – 13k | 12k – 25k | 22k – 30k |
| Burari | 5k – 7k | 7k – 10k | 10k – 15k |
| Uttam Nagar | 5k – 10k | 8.5k – 14k | 13.5k – 16k |
| Krishna Nagar | 10k – 16k | 25k | 30k |
| Jangpura | 15k – 35k | 16k – 37.5k | 60k – 1lac+ |
| Sultanpur | 7.5k – 9k | 12k – 17k | 13k – 18k |
| Chhattarpur | 8k – 10k | 12.5k – 18k | 18k – 23k |
| Pitampura | 12k – 17k | 15k – 25k | 38k – 45k |
| GTB Nagar | 5k – 17k | 16k – 20k | 20k – 25k |
| Shalimar Bagh | 9k – 18k | 17.5k – 28k | 30k – 40k |
| Lajpat Nagar | 15k – 25k | 25k – 35k | 45k – 60k |
| Ashok Vihar | 11k – 16.5k | 16k – 30k | 30k – 45k |
| Saket | 8.5k – 17k | 18k – 35k | 30k – 55k |
| Safdarjung | 25k – 35k | 35k – 45k | 50k – 1lac+ |
| Hauz Khas | 30k – 45k | 32k – 45k | 70k – 1lac+ |
| Shanti Niketan | 40k – 50k | 50k – 80k | 80k – 1lac+ |
| Greater Kailash | 18k – 35k | 40k – 50k | 60k- 80k |
2) Affordable PG/Hostel for students & bachelors
YOUR-SPACE – Student Housing Community
Your-space, with its four pillars of Safety, Comfort, Community and Health, respects and addresses the needs of students who study away from home, providing them with a comfortable living space nearest to their academic institutions. Keeping in mind the safety and comfort for students aged 16-25, Your-Space has set up its properties in various posh localities, providing you with not just a living-space but many more luxurious amenities.
| Property | Nearest to | Rent starting at (inclusive of meals and all facilities) |
| Shakti Nagar – North Campus (Boys) | SRCC, St. Stephen, Hansraj, KMC, Hindu | 20,000/- INR |
| Kailash Colony – A Block (Girls) | Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College, Kamala Nehru College, Jamia Millia Islamia | 20,000/- INR |
| Bungalow Road – North Campus (Girls) | SRCC, St. Stephen, Hansraj, Miranda, KMC, Hindu | 17,000/- INR |
| Shivalik Enclave (Girls & Boys) | Bhagat Singh, Aurobindo, Deshbandhu | 15000/- INR |
| Saket – B7 (Girls & Boys) | Bhagat Singh, Aurobindo, Deshbandhu | 15,000/- INR |
| DTU (Boys) | DTU | 12,000/- INR |
| Qutub Institutional Area (Girls & Boys) | Fore, IMI, IIFT, Indian School of Public Policy | 15,000/- INR |
| Greater Kailash – C Block (Girls) | Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College, Kamala Nehru College, Jamia Millia Islamia | 20,000/- INR |
| Kailash Colony – J Block (Girls) | Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College, Kamala Nehru College, Jamia Millia Islamia | 21,000/- INR |
| Siri Fort Road (Girls) | Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College, Kamala Nehru College | 21,000/- INR |
Household Utilities
3) Groceries
The expense of grocery shopping is almost the same for every city. You can always go to any nearby grocery store in Delhi and get your household items in unit quantities in roughly Rs. 1300 – 1600 every month.
Delhiites, specifically, the working professionals also use online platforms to get their grocery on daily basis. The most used online store is Big Basket, that would not cost you more than Rs. 300 on each delivery. The other popularly used online grocery stores are Grofers and Nature’s Basket.
4) Food
Delhi streets are always filled with food joints and eateries, where you can go to with your friends or family, and still not dig a hole in your pocket. Street food is always an open option for you if nothing else. However, if you are health conscious or prefer not to spend money on street food, the best way is to cook by yourself. For working professionals and bachelors, you can also hire a maid/cook either personally or through such agencies that provide services like baby care, part-time cook, full-time cook, full-time maid, part-time maid. They will charge you around Rs. 700 – 2000 depending on the kind of service and/or the number of meals you ask for. Prachi maid Bureau, Maid placement agency are a few of them.
There is also an option of hiring a tiffin vaala if you barely stay at home. The agencies can cost you roughly about Rs. 1500 – 3000. Dilli Dabbe Wala, Tiffin Service Dabba Wala are a few agencies. Otherwise, online food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato are always a tap away. These cost about Rs. 300 – 400 on each delivery, considering the time, traffic, and delivery charges.
5) Electricity
The electricity tariff rates all over India are Rs. 3 per unit consumption. This means the consumption of 200 units every month would cost Rs. 600 on average. Since having an AC means consuming more power, Rs.1000 would be your minimum electricity bill every month.
6) Television
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) allows viewers to select the channels that they would want to watch and pay MRP for the respective channels. Cost of each channel ranges from Rs. 1 – 20 depending on the broadcasters of channels.
You can also opt for Dish TV or Tata Sky and pay for the channels that you want. If you are someone who is a big fan of OTT platforms, you can instead buy an amazon fire stick for your TV or your TV at a one time cost of 2500-4000 and binge watch Netflix and Prime on weekends.
7) Childcare
Preschools like 360-degree kids and Kids Castle would not cost you more than Rs. 4000 annually. Gradually, the cost for your children’s schooling and education may increase depending upon the kind of curriculum and the school.
For those who hardly stay at home and cannot look after their babies in the day time, there are also daycare and creche institutions in Delhi that charge you hourly. Your average expense can for the institutions be anywhere between Rs. 3000 – 5000 per month.
You can also hire a nanny from any of the available babysitter services in the city. You can choose to ask for either part-time or full-time services depending upon your needs. For 24 hours, they can charge a monthly fee of roughly Rs. 15000, and Rs. 10000 for 8-10 hours.
8) Transport
Delhi is one of the cheapest cities when it comes to public transport within the city. For travel inside the city, you can opt to choose buses, metro, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws. Metro is the best way one can travel in Delhi. It is cheap and convenient. The minimum fare for the passengers is Rs. 8 to 10, and the maximum goes up to Rs. 30 to 50. If you travel every day, you can choose to buy a smart card which costs around 150/- for 3 days.
There are also cycle services offered at metro stations, where you can rent a cycle at Rs. 10 for 2 hours. If your destination is still far, you can always choose to travel in an auto, personal or shared, or a public bus. Autos can be expensive and as per the drivers’ demand. Buses are another cheapest way to travel under Rs. 15. You can also enjoy an Ola or Uber ride on days you want to escape the heat and public.
Entertainment
9) Sports & Leisure
Delhi has many fitness clubs and gyms that will cost you around Rs. 2000-3000 per month. Other extra-curricular activities like training in sports, or adventurous activities like Ice skating will not cost you more than Rs. 1000.
You can also make use of health and fitness apps like the Cult fit and Daily Yoga, which can cost you around Rs. 300 – 500 every month.
10) Shopping
Delhi has numerous options when it comes to shopping. You can choose to go to a mall or shop on a street without compromising on the quality or brand. For street shopping, you can head out to areas like Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market, Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, etc and shop as much in just under Rs. 5000. The price may vary and increase if you choose to shop in a mall.
FAQs on Delhi
1) What is the cost of living in Delhi?
The average expenditures for bachelors living in Delhi can be approximately Rs. 15,000-20,000 every month and that for couples can be Rs.25,000-50,000. More the number of people more will be the needs and higher will be the expenses. For a family of four, living together, you might have to spend Rs. 50,000 – 1lac or more. Also, the rent varies greatly depending on whether you are living in a budget area or an expensive location.
| Description | Family | Bachelor |
| Accommodation | 30,000 | 10,000 |
| Groceries | 4,000 | 2,000 |
| Food | 6,000 | 1,500 |
| Electricity | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Television | 500 | 500 |
| Gas | 600 | 200 |
| Schooling and Childcare | 30,000 | — |
| Transport | 2,500 | 1,000 |
| Sports and Leisure | 3,500 | 1,500 |
| Movies | 2,000 | 500 |
| Shopping | 10,000 | 2,000 |
2) Is Delhi expensive to live?
Compared to other Indian cities, Delhi is expensive. But, you can always figure out how you save money in this city by choosing a cheaper rental home or PG, eating at home instead of outside, travelling by metro instead of a cab.
3) What salary is needed to live comfortably in Delhi?
That totally depends on your lifestyle and preferences. A salary between 30,000-50,000 is good enough for you to live comfortably though.
4) Is Delhi a good place to live?
This answer will vary from person to person. Some people love Delhi due to it being the capital city and being a place full of opportunities. If you love the Delhi weather, food and the culture, Delhi won’t disappoint you!
5)What are some famous hangout places in Delhi?
Delhi has a variety of shopping malls, cafes and restaurants for all. Some of the famous tourist attractions include the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate and Qutub Minar, all of which are beautiful historical locations to spend quality time.
6) What are some good colleges in Delhi?
Delhi has many great institutions such as IIT- Delhi and colleges like SRCC, LSR, KMC and Jamia Islamia. While living in Delhi you can study at some of the finest institutes in India.
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