Most expensive cities to live in India | Cost of living in India.

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India is an affordable country to live in, as the cost of living here is about 69.6% lower than in the United States.

Even though the cost of living in India is relatively low compared to many other countries, we’ve listed the most expensive cities in India for you.

Most expensive cities in india

The most expensive cities in India to live in include Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Chennai, Surat, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

The cost of living in the above-mentioned cities is relatively higher than in other parts of India.

This is due to factors such as, housing, transportation, food, utilities, education, and other living expenses.

NOTE: The figures below are average estimates based on online research and data. Actual expenses or cost of living may vary depending on the specific location, and other factors.

Housing: the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre of major Indian cities typically ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000+ per month, though prices vary widely by city and neighbourhood.

Outside the city centre, average rents are around ₹9,000–₹15,000 per month.

According to recent 2025 reports and estimates, tier-2 Indian cities usually have 1-BHK rents ranging between ₹10,000–₹15,000 in city centre per month to ₹6,000–₹10,000 per month in outer areas.

Mumbai living cost per month

Mumbai is India’s most expensive city, Mumbai, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment can go as high as ₹35,000–₹45,000 per month in the city centre and around ₹20,000–₹28,000 per month outside the city centre.

While many of these cities also offer very affordable and cheap housing options as well, with rents ranging around ₹5,000-10,000 per month in smaller towns or outskirts — these figures are based on various data sources available online.

Average Food cost: The average cost of food per month is around ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 for a single person, depending on lifestyle and how often they eat out.

Transportation: The average monthly cost of transportation per month is around ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per person.

This includes public transportation, taxis, cab services such as Uber.

Utilities and other expenses: The average utilities and other expenses ranges around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, this includes electricity, water, and gas.

Mumbai is the financial capital of India and a major commercial and industrial hub. It is also the most expensive city in India, according to available data.

Mumbai faces higher cost of living per person, one reson behind that is massive migration from across the country.

Ahmedabad living cost

Ahmedabad living cost for food and Groceries for single person could range between ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 per month.

Daily local commute, transport costs ranges between ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 per month.

The cost of food, including both groceries and restaurant meals — tends to be higher in these cities.

Living cost in jaipur

Transportation Costs in Jaipur typically range between ₹1,000–₹2,000 per month (mostly public transit.)

Basic groceries and food could cost around ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per month.

Basic utilities (electricity, water, gas) could cost around ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per month.

Story: Top 10 most expensive cities to live in India; Published: 27-08-2023;

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