Cost of Living in India
Due largely to high property prices in the major cities of Mumbai and New Delhi, the cost of living in India can be quite expensive for expats seeking a high quality of life. 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, healthcare; inexpensive food and goods; and a working life that yields a high salary.
Expats in India are among the highest paid globally, and many expats receive relocation packages, including complimentary housing or housing allowances, which balance out the 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 INR 160,000 per year; 10% on an amount earned between INR 160,000 and INR 300,000; 20% on an amount earned between INR 314,000 and INR 500,000; 30% on an amount earned above INR 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 in shops back home (INR 96/kg for fillet steak), but fresh vegetables and fruit can be bought for small change. Satellite TV costs about INR 1700 per month and broadband Internet is available from INR 1500 per month.
Yet these high costs of living in India can often be negated by cheap, but top rate, healthcare; inexpensive food and goods; and a working life that yields a high salary.
Expats in India are among the highest paid globally, and many expats receive relocation packages, including complimentary housing or housing allowances, which balance out the 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 INR 160,000 per year; 10% on an amount earned between INR 160,000 and INR 300,000; 20% on an amount earned between INR 314,000 and INR 500,000; 30% on an amount earned above INR 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 in shops back home (INR 96/kg for fillet steak), but fresh vegetables and fruit can be bought for small change. Satellite TV costs about INR 1700 per month and broadband Internet is available from INR 1500 per month.
