Cost of Living in India
Due largely to property prices in major cities of Mumbai and New Delhi, living in India can be quite expensive. Mumbai has the fourth most expensive property market in the world and Delhi isn't far behind. Yet these high costs of living in India can often be negated by cheap but top rate medical care, inexpensive food and goods, and high paying jobs.
Expats in India are among the highest paid globally and many expats receive relocation packages including housing or housing allowances which negate the most expensive part of living in India. Many India expats can grow accustomed to luxuries not afforded to them in their home countries such as maid services, chauffeurs and the Indian tradition of hot, home cooked lunches delivered to their work.
Expats residing in India must pay income tax, which is calculated on a progressive scale. There is no tax on salaries less than Rs. 160,000 per year; 10% of amount over Rs. 160,000 for salaries up to Rs. 300,000; 20% of amount over Rs. 314,000 for salaries up to Rs. 500,000; 30% of amount over Rs. 554,000 for salaries above Rs. 500,000.
Restaurant dinners cost around INR 840, and fine dining can be had for half of what it may cost in Europe. Expats like imported western food which tends to be as expensive as back home (INR 96/kg for filet steak), but fresh vegetables and fruit can be bought for small change. Satellite TV costs about Rs. 1700 per month and broadband Internet is available from Rs. 1000 per month. See Word Travels for currency exchange rates.
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Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
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Furnished 2 bedroom house
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INR 136,666
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Furnished 2 bedroom apartment
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INR 75,000
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Room in shared apartment
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INR 13,500
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Food and Drink
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1 litre milk
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INR 24.00
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500g cheese
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INR 106.00
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Bread (white)
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INR 29.00
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12 eggs
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INR 25.30
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1kg sugar
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INR 21.30
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500g ground coffee
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INR 194.20
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Tea bags (25)
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INR 32.30
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1 litre Coca-Cola
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INR 34.00
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1 litre mineral water
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INR 13.70
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1kg minced beef
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INR 76.80
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1kg chicken (whole)
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INR 78.50
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Beer per can
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INR 80.00
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Bottle of wine
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INR 293.40
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Cigarettes (20)
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INR 72.50
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Household
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2.5kg laundry detergent
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INR 211.00
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500ml dishwashing liquid
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INR 92.00
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Bath soap
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INR 20.90
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Toothpaste
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INR 30.30
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200ml shampoo
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INR 67.70
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Deodorant
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INR 99.30
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Utilities
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Telephone line (monthly rental)
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INR 375.00
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Mobile/cell phone
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INR 2,700.00
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Electricity costs - apartment (100sq.m)
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INR 1,600.00
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Eating out and entertainment
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Three-course restaurant meal
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INR 840.00
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Fast-food meal
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INR 126.00
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Coffee in café
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INR 45.00
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Beer in bar
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INR 113.80
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Taxi per km
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INR 11.20
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City bus
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INR 6.50
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Internet café (30min)
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INR 21.80
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Health
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Consultation – private doctor/GP
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INR 355.00
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Aspirin (100 tablets)
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INR 161.70
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Antibiotics (12)
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INR 97.50
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